VAN TEST DRIVE
Vauxhall Astravan 1.9CDTi 150bhp Sportive
Need a sport mid-sized commercial vehicle?
Then you need to check this offering from Vauxhall out. It’s the Vauxhall Astravan 1.9CDTi 16v in Sportive SE trim, the vehicle is based on the same platform as the Astra estate but comes with a bespoke bodyshell. It is priced from £15,898 – an eye-watering figure for a mid-sized van.
The Astravan looks great in Sportive trim and the silver metallic paint. Just like sibling – the Corsavan it also has alloys and a roof spoiler to help it stand out from the ‘normal’ Astravans.
The cabin is well built with the majority of the interior coming straight from the road car. The dash is just like the Corsavan, it too has an orange peel effect and all the dials and gauges are within easy reach of the driver.
It’s comfy too as the seats are figure hugging when on long drives but one downside is that the drinks holders. One of the main cup holders is to the rear and the left of the driver meaning that you are straining to get at your drinks.
The Astravan has lots of room as the load area is accessed through a high opening tailgate. The Astravan has a maximum length of 1,780mm, 900mm maximum height and there’s a maximum width of 1,380mm. This gives a load space of 1.6m cubed and there’s a payload of 650kg – plenty of room for your tools and kit.
Powering the Astravan in Sportive trim is a 150bhp 1.9CDTi 16v engine as this LCV is aimed at the performance orientated driver.
With no weight in the back – the Astravavan is quick – in fact it’s really quick. The Astravan is driven through the front wheels and you have at hand a smooth shifting six speed gearbox to make sure youn get the optimum performance from the van.
A good looking mid-sized car-derived van offering the performance orientated businessman a great all round package but comes at an eye watering price.
At a glance:
| Name: | Vauxhall Astravan 1.9CDTi Sportive |
| Price: | £15,898 |
| Engine/power: | 1.9CDTi/150bhp |
| Payload: | 650kg |
Simon McBride