Vauxhall Movano Maxi Load Review
I think that phrase ‘how low can you go?’ has something to do with limbo dancing and although I’m up for most challenges, trying to literally bend over backwards to get under a pole that’s only a couple of feet off the ground would see me paying daily visits to the chiropractor for a couple of weeks.
So for a van driver, the best way to ‘go low’ is to invest in a good low loader van. If you are in the market for a reliable low loader with a more than generous payload, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d have to ‘go high’ when it comes to the price, but that’s not the case with the Vauxhall Movano Maxi Loader.
This is the box van which will tick all the boxes and recent improvements to the range have made the deals we can offer you totally unmissable. Ok, we’re not going to break out the limbo pole, but we will be bending over backwards to get you a great deal on a Vauxhall Movano Maxi Loader.
With highly competitive prices, you get a lot of bang for your buck with these vans. Let’s take a closer look.
Load up on savings
The Movano comes in a few different models, so dimensions and payload can vary slightly between them all, but as a guide the dimensions for the classic model are 4200mm long x 2185mm high x 2044mm wide.
That’s a whole lot of van, but it has been made with lightweight materials, meaning it won’t feel like you’re hauling a Sherman tank around. The latest model has a curved one-piece roof, which works wonders for the aerodynamics of this van.
The knock-on effect of this is that it reduces drag and because you won’t have to put the pedal to the metal to get an extra bit of oomph out of it, it chucks out far fewer emissions and is more fuel efficient. Not only is this kinder to the environment, it’ll also save you a few quid on fuel costs.
The load space is accessed at the rear of the van via a roller shutter which comes as standard and is great for loading in areas were space is a bit tight or choose the barn doors option. Getting inside is made a lot easier too by the 400mm rear step and the floor itself is conveniently low at just 600mm off the ground buts that’s not all there’s even a one piece aluminum door that drops down and double as a loading ramp, and if that’s not easy access enough there’s a tail lift option as well.
This makes loading and unloading a breeze, depending of course if the cargo itself isn’t too heavy (*Weetabix not included for heavier loads). There is also the option of having a tow bar fitted by the manufacturers to really supersize your load capacity.
Hop into the back and you’ll be amazed at the space inside. You’d probably find bedrooms in city centre flats in London smaller than this (and probably five times the price!).
Although it varies between models, the payload across the range is a class-leading 1400kg (that’s a full 300KG more than most of the competition). There’s also a slip resistant floor to make loading and unloading safer and a fiber glass opalescent roof which can shed a bit of light on proceedings, making shifting stuff about that bit easier.
Whether you are a sole trader or run a fleet of delivery vans, this represents a great opportunity to expand your capacity as bigger loads means more business.
And as the orders start racking up, you’ll be delighted to hop into this new streamlined, fuel-efficient low loader and get out on the road.
The side of the van also acts as something of a blank canvas with ample space for you to slap your company’s livery on it.
How does it drive?
For a big van, the drive is welcomingly smooth. The 2.3 litre engine ensures a good bit of poke, so you can really get moving to squeeze in those last few deliveries of the day before teatime. The six-speed gearbox is slick too, so driving is not a laborious process as you can smoothly glide through the gears.
There’s not much engine noise and thanks to the aerodynamic design, you don’t really need to rev it to get the horsepower working, even when you’re shifting a particularly heavy load. The cabin is a serene oasis of calm with minimum engine noise and a smooth driving experience, although don’t go lighting up a scented candle or anything like that.
Chuck in air conditioning and cruise control and you’ll be seeking out those long stretches of the motorway to kick back, relax and get the most out of the Movano driving experience.
Of course, you’ll probably have to do a fair few pick-ups and drop-offs too if you’re going to get the most out of the massive payload. That’ll sometimes mean going off the beaten track at times and the good news is that the Movano is just as adept at handling those narrow, twisty lanes as it is on the open road.
The steering is forgiving and responsive and the turning circle is neat and tight for such a large van. Of course, you still need to factor in the greater length of the vehicle, but it’s well-proportioned and weighted to allow you to manoeuvre in tight spots.
The cabin itself sits in an elevated position which gives you a great view out of the ample windscreen. The doors are large, and so are the electric wing mirrors, which help with reversing and handling.
The Movano really is the van driver’s van. Inside, the cabin, the seat is comfortable and adjustable, and the steering column can also be adjusted to your desired angle and height. The pedals are also at a great angle for comfort and reachability and there’s enough room around them to allow you to drive while wearing big clunky work boots.
Even with the ample foot space, there’s also a wealth of storage available in the cab which is accessible from every conceivable angle – inside doors, under seats and overhead – as well as a couple of cup holders for your reusable cups (we’re trying to keep it green here folks).
Cost and options
The Vauxhall Movano Maxi Low Loaders are also available in Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer and Renault Master, with various engine options and a choice of Manual and automatic transmission. There are also a number of different models such as the Classic, Standard and Jumbo Luton and Slimbo. Dimensions and payloads vary slightly between models, but you still get a whole lot of van for not a lot of money.
Normally retailing for close to £28,000 + VAT you can snap up a Movano from just under £23,000 + VAT if you move as quickly as this deceptively nipping van can move through the gears
If you’re in the market for a van and not sure where to begin, get on the blower to our friendly team and we’ll have you sorted in no time.
Have a natter with the good people at Rapidvans and we’ll guide you through all the different options such as cash purchase, van leasing or hire purchase and, more importantly, how much it’ll set you back.
At Rapidvans, we take all the hassle out of getting a new van, so all you have to worry about is whose turn it is to buy the tea and biccies in the morning, and with the great deals we can offer, you’ll find you’ll have a few more quid to spare.
Give us a call at on 01446 502 955 to find out how we can get the van deal that will really get your business motoring.