Vauxhall embarks on a techno drive

AUXHALL has embarked on an electric-focused technology drive which will transform its range over the next two years at a similar rate to its first days as a car manufacturer at the start of the last century.

Two all-new models – nextgeneration versions of the Mokka X SUV and Vivaro van – will be fully electrified and go in to production in 2020.

Both vehicles have been sales hits for the Luton company in their current generations, with the Mokka X still making regular appearances in the UK’s topten best sellers lists, six years after it was launched.

First though are two more electrified vehicles in the shape of the Grandland X PHEV plug-in hybrid electric and the battery-electric, nextgeneration Corsa – which are due to go on sale in late spring.

The Grandland X PHEV’s propulsion system will develop the equivalent of up to 300ps and will come with e-All Wheel Drive technology.

At the other end of the scale the Corsa BEV will electrify one of the UK’s best known automotive nameplates, with Vauxhall promising to bring the car to market at a competitive price.

As the UK’s oldest surviving British brand, Vauxhall is used to embracing new technology. It produced the world’s first sports car, and the UK’s first 100mph car.

It also made Britain’s first unitary construction car, and transformed the driving experience for thousands of motorists.

But it’s not just in the area of passenger cars that Vauxhall has something to celebrate – the brand’s light commercial vehicles are riding the crest of a wave.

And the model Vauxhall describes as the van that ‘Carries British Business’, the Combo Cargo, has got off to a flying start, with over 4,000 orders taken since the van’s launch last September. 

Across Europe, the UK represents the leading market for Combo Cargo sales for both Vauxhall and sister brand Opel.

The Combo Cargo has already been voted International Van of the Year 2019 by journalists across 25 European countries, and also awarded both Light Van of the Year 2019 and Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year 2019 by What Van?

Now it has picked up another accolade, being named Small Van of the Year 2019 by Company Car & Van magazine, being praised for its comfort, economy and build quality.

The Combo Cargo’s numerous ‘clever touches’ and technological innovations include a sensorbased overload indicator, which allows the driver to check that the vehicle is not overloaded.

In addition, a rear view camera acts as a digital rear view mirror while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror assists manoeuvring and provides the driver with extra blind spot detection.

The infotainment system features an eight-inch touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for on-board connectivity.