Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 Refrigerated Van stands tall as a formidable contender in the medium-sized refrigerated van market, blending British-built reliability with cutting-edge refrigeration technology. Tailored for businesses that demand precision temperature control—whether it’s delivering fresh seafood, transporting pharmaceuticals, or keeping floral arrangements pristine—this van promises a robust platform enhanced by Glacier Vehicles’ expert conversion services. With its refreshed 2024 facelift, featuring the distinctive Vauxhall “Vizor” grille and upgraded interior tech, the Vivaro Sportive offers a compelling mix of style, practicality, and performance. This review dives into every facet of the van, from its refrigeration prowess to its real-world usability, providing a comprehensive guide for potential buyers navigating the cold chain landscape.
The Vivaro has long been a favourite among UK tradespeople and fleet operators, and the 2024 Sportive trim elevates its appeal with added creature comforts and a rugged design that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Converted by Glacier Vehicles, a UK leader with over 25 years of refrigerated van expertise, this model integrates a GAH refrigeration system that ensures your goods stay chilled or frozen, no matter the distance or weather. Whether you’re a small business owner making daily urban drops or a larger operation scaling a fleet, this guide will unpack why the Vivaro Sportive 2024 might just be your refrigerated workhorse of choice.
Quick Comparison Table
For those who need a snapshot of what the Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 Refrigerated Van brings to the table, here’s a concise breakdown of its key specs:
| Feature | Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,060 kg – 1,335 kg (depending on GVW) |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 8-speed Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 38-42 MPG |
| Load Volume | 5.8 m³ (L1) / 6.6 m³ (L2 with load-through) |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH refrigeration system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Catering, Light Pharma |
This table highlights the van’s versatility, balancing payload and volume with efficiency—key considerations for any refrigerated operation.
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Vivaro has been a stalwart in the UK van market since 2001, proudly built at the Luton plant, a symbol of British manufacturing resilience. The 2024 Sportive trim builds on this legacy with a mid-life facelift that introduces a sharper exterior design and a tech-forward cabin, all while retaining the mechanical underpinnings that have kept it competitive. Available in two lengths—L1 (4.95m) and L2 (5.30m)—the Vivaro Sportive offers flexibility without the high-roof option of some rivals, keeping its height at 1.9m to slip into most car parks and urban zones with ease.
Under the hood, the diesel-powered Sportive comes with a choice of engines: a 1.5L Turbo D (120PS) or a 2.0L Turbo D (145PS), the latter offering an optional 8-speed automatic for smoother long-haul drives. Glacier Vehicles takes this solid base and transforms it into a refrigerated powerhouse, integrating bespoke cooling solutions that cater to a range of industries. The Sportive trim adds flair with body-coloured bumpers, LED daytime running lights, and a chrome grille, making it a van that looks as good as it performs—a rare bonus in the utilitarian world of commercial vehicles.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of any refrigerated van is its cooling system, and the Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 doesn’t disappoint, thanks to Glacier Vehicles’ integration of the GAH SRF351 refrigeration unit. This British-made system delivers 2.5kW of cooling power, capable of maintaining temperatures from +5°C for chilled goods down to -25°C for deep-frozen items. What sets it apart is its dual-zone capability—allowing one van to handle both chilled and frozen loads simultaneously, a game-changer for caterers or mixed-delivery businesses. Operating at a quiet 40dB, it’s discreet enough for urban deliveries without disturbing the peace.
The insulation is equally impressive: 50mm Styrofoam for chilled applications and 75mm for freezers, rigorously tested to hold -20°C even in 40°C ambient heat—conditions not uncommon in a UK summer heatwave. Glacier’s electric standby option ensures overnight cooling without engine idling, cutting fuel use by an estimated £200 annually while keeping your cargo pristine for up to 8 hours. In real-world tests, the system showed zero temperature drift over 12 hours, outperforming budget units by 15% in energy efficiency, making it a reliable choice for businesses where every degree counts.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling goods, the Vivaro Sportive 2024 offers a practical balance of payload and volume. Depending on the gross vehicle weight (2,830kg to 3,100kg), payload ranges from 1,060kg to 1,335kg—enough to outmuscle the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,000kg but falling short of the Mercedes Sprinter’s 1,500kg. The L1 model provides 5.8m³ of load space, while the L2 stretches to 6.6m³ with the optional load-through bulkhead, accommodating three Euro pallets compared to the Dispatch’s two.
Glacier Vehicles enhances this with customizable features: movable partitions for multi-temp zones, six tie-down points for secure loads, and optional shelving that adapts to everything from fish crates to flower boxes. The twin sliding side doors (935mm wide) and rear barn doors (1.3m wide, 1.4m high) ensure easy access, though the single roof height caps vertical space at 1.4m—fine for most perishables but a limitation for taller loads compared to high-roof rivals like the VW Transporter.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency is a critical factor for any business van, and the Vivaro Sportive 2024 delivers solid numbers with its diesel engines. The 1.5L Turbo D achieves 40-42 MPG, while the 2.0L Turbo D sits at 38-40 MPG—outpacing the Sprinter’s 28 MPG (£1,600/yr fuel cost) with an annual £1,200 fuel bill at 40 MPG. Glacier’s GAH system is optimised for low energy draw, shaving 10% off refrigeration fuel costs compared to generic units, a savings that adds up over time.
Running costs tell a compelling storey: at £32,000 (base price before conversion), the Transit Sportive is £5,000 pricier than a Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van (£27,000), but its total cost of ownership (TCO) over five years is £37,000—£10,000 less than the Boxer’s £47,000, thanks to £1,200/yr fuel savings, £3,000 higher resale value, and lower repair frequency. The automatic option adds £1,500 but boosts comfort and resale, making it a worthwhile investment for long-haul operators.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is where the Vivaro Sportive shines, with a failure rate of just 2%—half the Peugeot Boxer’s 5% (often clutch-related). Vauxhall backs it with a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty, while Glacier Vehicles adds a 2-year refrigeration guarantee. The GAH system requires annual servicing (£99 via Glacier’s UK-wide network), a small price for 99% uptime that saves £500/yr in downtime costs compared to budget vans averaging three breakdowns over five years.
Glacier’s GAH Connect monitoring tracks temp and system health in real-time, catching issues before they escalate—think of it as a refrigerated van’s early warning system. With Ford’s extensive service network and Glacier’s callout support, maintenance is a breeze, keeping your business on the road rather than in the shop.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 facelift brings the Vivaro Sportive’s tech up to date with a 10-inch touchscreen dominating the dash, offering Bluetooth, USB, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—essential for navigation and hands-free calls on the go. The Sportive trim adds rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a fold-flat passenger seat with a load-through bulkhead, turning the cab into a mobile office. Higher trims like Elite (not reviewed here) pile on sat-nav and blind-spot monitoring, but Sportive strikes a practical balance.
Safety is robust: ABS, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking earned a Gold Euro NCAP rating in 2024. Glacier’s reinforced GRP panels and remote temp alerts via phone integration add extra layers of security for your cargo, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re hauling vaccines or ice cream.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the wild, the Vivaro Sportive 2024 proves its mettle. UK business owners rate it 4.7/5 across 60+ reviews, praising its payload flexibility and cooling consistency. A London caterer shared, “My L2 Sportive’s 6.6m³ and dual zones cut my delivery runs in half—£6,000 saved last year.” Drivers love the car-like handling, though some note the 1.5L engine feels strained when fully loaded—opt for the 2.0L if you’re maxing out the 1,335kg payload.
The downside? The £32,000 base price stings compared to the Boxer’s £27,000, but users argue the £10,000 five-year savings justify it. The single roof height also limits taller loads, a gripe for florists needing vertical space. Overall, it’s a workhorse that delivers where it counts—reliability and efficiency.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
Here’s how the Vivaro Sportive stacks up against rivals:
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 | 6.6m³ + 42 MPG—beats Sprinter’s 28 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—25% more than Vivaro’s 1,200kg |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, tighter turn—30% nimbler than Vivaro |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £27k price, but 5% failure rate lags |
The Vivaro Sportive excels for food haulers needing efficiency and volume, though it cedes ground to Sprinter for sheer payload and Dispatch for city agility.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing the right refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Vivaro’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Volume matters—5.8m³ (L1) suits small runs, 6.6m³ (L2) scales for fleets. Compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables; the Vivaro meets both with Glacier’s certified conversions.
Cost analysis seals the deal: the £32,000 Vivaro vs. £27,000 Boxer looks steep, but £1,200/yr fuel savings, £3,000 better resale, and £6,000 uptime gains net £10,000 over five years. For urban ops, the L1’s 1.9m height beats height-restricted zones; for long hauls, the 2.0L auto maximises comfort and range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
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Conclusion
The Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive 2024 Refrigerated Van, crafted by Glacier Vehicles, emerges as a standout in the medium van arena—a British-built powerhouse blending style, efficiency, and refrigeration excellence. Its GAH SRF351 system delivers -25°C to +5°C with dual-zone precision, backed by 75mm insulation that holds steady in punishing heat. At 1,060-1,335kg payload and up to 6.6m³, it hauls smartly, while 42 MPG and a £10,000 five-year savings edge bury budget rivals like the Peugeot Boxer. Reliability shines with a 2% failure rate and Glacier’s UK-wide support, making downtime a rarity.
For food delivery and catering, it’s unmatched—efficient, spacious, and adaptable. Pharma haulers might eye the Sprinter’s heft, and urban warriors may lean toward the Dispatch’s agility, but the Vivaro Sportive’s value proposition is tough to beat. At £32,000 from Glacier Vehicles, it’s an investment that pays dividends in uptime, fuel savings, and cargo safety—your cold chain’s new MVP.
