2024 Vauxhall Vivaro Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The 2024 Vauxhall Vivaro Refrigerated Van emerges as a formidable contender in the temperature-controlled transport market, blending British engineering with cutting-edge refrigeration technology. Designed for businesses that demand reliability, efficiency, and adaptability, this van caters to a wide range of industries—think food delivery, pharmaceutical logistics, and floral distribution. With its sleek design, robust payload, and a refrigeration system tuned for precision, the Vivaro stands ready to tackle the toughest cold chain challenges. This comprehensive review explores every facet of the vehicle, from its chilling capabilities to its real-world performance, offering a detailed roadmap for prospective buyers seeking a refrigerated workhorse that delivers long-term value.
The Vivaro has evolved significantly since its inception, and the 2024 model reflects Vauxhall’s commitment to meeting modern commercial needs. Partnered with Glacier Vehicles’ expert conversion services, this van transforms into a refrigerated powerhouse, boasting a payload of up to 1,214kg and a cargo volume of 6.6m³ in its L2 configuration. Whether you’re a small business owner hauling perishables or a fleet manager scaling operations, the Vivaro promises a balance of practicality and performance that’s hard to ignore. Let’s dive into the details and see why this van might just be your next cold chain champion.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 2024 Vauxhall Vivaro Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,214 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Vivaro option) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 38-42 MPG (diesel) / 174 miles (electric range) |
| Load Volume | 6.6 m³ (L2 variant) |
| Noise Level | 38dB (GAH refrigeration system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharma, Small Fleets |
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Vivaro has long been a staple in the UK’s commercial vehicle scene, known for its durability and versatility. The 2024 iteration builds on this legacy, offering a refined chassis, enhanced driver comfort, and a platform ripe for refrigeration conversion. Available in two lengths—L1 (4.9m) and L2 (5.3m)—and with diesel or electric (e-Vivaro) powertrains, it caters to a broad spectrum of needs. Glacier Vehicles takes this solid foundation and elevates it, integrating a bespoke refrigeration system that transforms the Vivaro into a cold chain specialist.
This van’s mid-size footprint makes it a nimble performer in urban environments, yet its 6.6m³ cargo space (L2) ensures it can handle substantial loads for longer hauls. The diesel variant’s 2.0L Turbo D engine churns out 120-180hp, while the e-Vivaro’s 100kW electric motor offers zero-emission appeal—a nod to tightening UK regulations like ULEZ. Pair that with Glacier’s conversion expertise, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s as practical as it is forward-thinking, ready to serve businesses from London to Leeds.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
At the heart of the 2024 Vauxhall Vivaro Refrigerated Van lies its refrigeration system, expertly installed by Glacier Vehicles. The GAH SRF250 system powers this beast, delivering 2.2kW of cooling capacity with a dual-zone option—think +5°C for chilled goods on one side and -25°C for frozen items on the other. This flexibility is a game-changer for businesses juggling mixed loads, like a caterer hauling both fresh salads and ice cream. The system operates at a hushed 38dB, quieter than a typical office hum, ensuring drivers and nearby residents aren’t disturbed during early-morning deliveries.
The insulation is equally impressive—50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75mm for freezers—tested to maintain -20°C even in 40°C summer heat, a feat budget conversions struggle to match. Glacier’s electric standby feature keeps the chill going overnight, holding temperatures for up to 10 hours without engine use, slashing fuel costs by £250 annually compared to idling competitors. In trials, the Vivaro showed zero temperature drift over 12 hours, outperforming generic units by 20% in energy efficiency—a testament to GAH’s British engineering and Glacier’s meticulous integration.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
The 2024 Vivaro shines in its ability to haul substantial loads without sacrificing manoeuvrability. With a payload capacity of 1,214kg in the diesel L2 variant, it edges out the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,000kg by a solid 21%, making it a stronger choice for heavier hauls like frozen meats or bulk pharmaceuticals. The electric e-Vivaro, while slightly lower at 1,000kg due to battery weight, still holds its own for eco-conscious operators.
Cargo volume peaks at 6.6m³ in the L2 model—enough for 5 Euro pallets—outpacing the Peugeot Boxer’s 6m³ in this size class. Glacier enhances this with custom options: adjustable shelving for florists, movable partitions for dual-zone setups, and six heavy-duty tie-down points to secure loads. The rear doors open to 180°, and a low load height of 60cm makes it a breeze to stack goods, whether you’re a baker loading trays or a grocer unloading crates.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency is where the Vivaro flexes its muscle. The diesel 2.0L Turbo D engine delivers 38-42 MPG, a standout in its class—compare that to the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG (£1,600/yr fuel cost) or the Mercedes Sprinter’s 28 MPG (£1,900/yr). For a business clocking 20,000 miles annually, the Vivaro’s £1,300 yearly fuel bill saves £300 over the Transit and £600 over the Sprinter. The GAH refrigeration system’s low power draw—10% less than budget units—adds another £150 in annual savings, pushing the Vivaro’s 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) to £38k versus the Boxer’s £43k (£27k base + £16k running costs).
The e-Vivaro swaps fuel for a 174-mile range (75kWh battery), costing £400/yr to charge at £0.10/kWh—ideal for urban routes under 100 miles daily. While its £40k price tag exceeds the diesel’s £32k, ULEZ savings (£12.50/day, £3,125/yr in London) tilt the scales for city operators. Factor in Glacier’s durable conversion, and residuals hold at £14k after 3 years—20% better than budget rivals.
Maintenance & Reliability
The Vivaro’s reliability is a strong selling point, with a failure rate below 1.5% in Vauxhall’s 2023 fleet data—half the Peugeot Boxer’s 3% clutch and cooling issues. Glacier’s GAH SRF250 requires a £99 annual tune-up, a small price for 99% uptime—£500 less in lost revenue than rivals with frequent breakdowns. Vauxhall’s 3-year/100,000-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration coverage, offering peace of mind that budget conversions can’t match.
Glacier’s UK-wide service network, including rapid-response callouts, ensures downtime stays minimal—think £200 saved per incident versus a stranded Boxer. The e-Vivaro’s electric motor cuts moving parts by 80%, dropping maintenance to £150/yr versus £400 for diesel—though battery health checks every 2 years (£50) are a must. This van’s built to last, with Glacier’s GRP interiors resisting wear after 75,000 miles.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 Vivaro blends tech and safety seamlessly. The Vauxhall Connect system offers GPS, Bluetooth, and remote temperature monitoring—check your -25°C freezer from your phone. Payload sensors alert you to overloading, a boon for fleet managers tracking 1,214kg limits. The e-Vivaro adds regenerative braking, boosting range by 10% in stop-start traffic.
Safety features include ABS, lane departure warnings, and rear parking sensors—standard across trims. The diesel’s hill-start assist shines on icy UK roads, while the e-Vivaro’s 360° cameras cut urban blind spots by 30%. Glacier’s reinforced GRP panels and advanced door locks (crash-tested to 50MPH) add an extra layer of security for high-value loads like pharmaceuticals.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
Businesses across the UK rate the Vivaro 4.7/5 for its blend of efficiency and reliability. A Manchester baker raves, “My L2 Vivaro’s 6.6m³ hauls 50 trays daily—cooling’s spot-on, fuel’s £300 less than my old Boxer.” A London pharma courier adds, “The e-Vivaro’s 174-mile range and +5°C consistency saved me £3k in ULEZ fees.” Over 60 reviews praise the quiet GAH system and spacious cargo, though some note the £32k diesel price stings compared to the Boxer’s £27k—offset by £5k lower 5-yr costs.
The downside? The e-Vivaro’s range dips to 140 miles in winter, a 20% hit—plan routes carefully. Still, Glacier’s bespoke conversions shine, with 95% of users reporting zero spoilage after 12 months—10% better than budget rivals.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Vivaro 2024 | 6.6m³ + 42 MPG—tops Transit’s 35 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—23% more than Vivaro’s 1,214kg |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, 25% tighter turn than Vivaro’s 12.4m |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £27k price, but 6m³ and 3% failure rate lag |
The Vivaro’s food delivery edge comes from its fuel savings and volume; Sprinter’s payload rules pharma; Dispatch’s agility wins cities; Boxer’s cheap but shaky.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods? The Vivaro’s dual-zone GAH delivers. Hauling over 1,200kg? Consider the Sprinter. For urban routes, the e-Vivaro’s 174 miles and ULEZ perks shine—diesel’s better for 200-mile days. Volume matters—6.6m³ suits mid-size loads; scale to Transit’s 10.5m³ for fleets.
Compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables—the Vivaro meets both with Glacier’s certified build. Cost-wise, the £32k diesel Vivaro saves £5k over 5 yrs versus the £27k Boxer (£38k vs. £43k TCO)—e-Vivaro’s £40k evens out with £3k ULEZ savings in London. Test payload, range, and temp needs—Glacier customises to match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2024 Vauxhall Vivaro maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the Vauxhall Vivaro refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Vauxhall Vivaro in its category?
Conclusion
The 2024 Vauxhall Vivaro Refrigerated Van stands tall as a mid-size marvel, blending 1,214kg payload, 6.6m³ volume, and a GAH-powered -25°C chill into a package that saves £5k over 5 years against budget rivals. Glacier Vehicles’ conversion mastery—dual-zone flexibility, £600/yr fuel savings, and 99% uptime—makes it a no-brainer for food, pharma, or urban hauls. The diesel’s 42 MPG and e-Vivaro’s ULEZ-friendly range cement its versatility. Ready to chill smarter? Glacier Vehicles has your Vivaro waiting—get a quote and freeze your competition today.
