Vauxhall Movano Dropside Review

The Vauxhall Movano Dropside at a glance

The Vauxhall Movano Dropside is one of the recent factory-backed conversions of the chassis cab from the trusty Movano range. Don’t be fooled by its open back, this dropside van has the same excellent payload qualities as the rest of the Movano range, with zero wheel-arch intrusion that would otherwise eat into your cargo space.

With a choice of three different load lengths available, two gross vehicle weights and the option for front-wheel, rear-wheel or twin rear-wheel drive, the Movano Dropside is the ideal versatile van for all sorts of outside trade – especially those that require frequent loading and unloading.

Though there is a key focus on practicality, the Movano Dropside does not forgo comfort, featuring three seats in the cabin with an adjustable driver’s seat – if you need space for more crew, then the Movano Dropside is also available in a crew cab model.

Style has also not been forgotten, as the Movano Dropside is available in a selection of 10 solid or metallic colours at no additional cost.

Engines and Spec

With a 2.3-litre turbo diesel engine, the Vauxhall Movano Dropside uses a 6-speed manual gearbox for a smoother driving experience and improved fuel economy compared to previous models that used 5-speed transmission.

To improve your drive further, the Movano Dropside offers you a choice between front-wheel, rear-wheel and twin rear-wheel drive for heavy-duty driving. This allows you to base your van configuration on your loading and handling needs to ensure the most efficient driving as possible.

As for the payload of the Movano Dropside, the maximum indicative payload for all L3 Movano chassis cabs (the base model for the dropside conversion) is 1770kg, which is up there as a desirable payload that challenges that of competitors’ dropside vans.

To ensure that the quality of your van does not suffer in all weather conditions, the removable side and tailboards have been made with anodised aluminium for a durable, corrosion-resistant finish. As for the loading space itself (measuring up to 4470mm), an attractive anti-slip, resin-coated floor sits atop a steel load platform, with side under-running bars and retractable lashing eyes in the deck perimeter to safely secure your cargo.

Interior

The Movano cabin provides both ergonomic comfort and intuitive practicality.

For a comfortable drive, an eight-way adjustable, air-suspended driver’s seat is available at an extra cost for a smooth feeling drive in all weather conditions and across various terrain. You can stay entertained on your journey at the same time thanks to the stereo radio and CD player, that can be upgraded to a digital radio and Bluetooth^Ⓒ connectivity for more convenience.

Perfect for those who take their business on the go, there is also plenty of storage space that has been carefully considered in order to provide as much room as possible for all your personal extras. This includes large door pockets that are big enough to hold a 2L bottle or other bulky items, twin overhead storage shelves, semi-covered facia storage on top of the dashboard and coin and ticket holders.

For those who require even more storage, a Convenience Pack is available to buy, which includes features such as underseat storage and a retractable dashboard document clip.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide range of bodies and styles available.
• Impressive loading space, payload and security features for your cargo.
• Can choose transmission layout to best suit your driving needs.

Cons

• Interior not as modern as some competitor’s new vans, with some options that others feature as standard only available as extras (e.g. digital radio).
• Diesel engine has a higher environmental impact, though it does equate to more power and there is an electrical version available for those who are environmentally conscious.
• Average fuel economy.

The Verdict

If you are in need of a practical van that can be tailored to best suit your driving and loading needs (with three different lengths for optimum loading space and an excellent payload), then the Vauxhall Movano Dropside is an excellent choice for you.

The Movano Dropside is ideal for those who are often required to load and unload bulky items, with the hinged side and tailboards dropping below the level of the platform that your cargo sits on for easy and convenient accessibility. The anti-slip platform and multiple secure anchoring points also offer reassurance that your cargo and equipment will be transported as safely and reliably as you are comfortable when driving this van.

To get your hands on the latest 2022 version of the Vauxhall Movano Dropside, be sure to visit VanSales UK. We offer this van at a zero deposit, low rate finance, starting from £399 + VAT per month.

To enquire about the Vauxhall Movano Dropside and discuss delivery dates, call us now on 0117 205 2627, or alternatively email us at sales@vansalesuk.co.uk.