Vauxhall Vivaro voted Best Medium Van 2009

The Vauxhall Vivaro has once again seen off all competition and claimed the top award for Best Medium Van at the 2009 Van Fleet World Awards.

The awards run by the Fleet World Group are now in their tenth year, which makes the Vauxhall Vivaro the most successful Van Fleet World winner in its class, having won the Best Medium Van title no less than seven times in addition to the Best New Van Award following its launch in 2001.

The UK-built Vivaro has proved itself a favourite with customers too, with its innovative line-up of Euro 4 diesel engines, flexible range of conversions and back-up from a comprehensive network of Vauxhall Retailers.

Van Fleet World editor John Kendall commented: ‘The Vauxhall Vivaro first came to market in 2001 and the van still has a great deal to offer. Inside there is plenty of storage space in the cab and the driving position is still one of the most comfortable on the market. Even with a bulkhead fitted, taller drivers will find plenty of legroom.

‘Vivaro remains a good van to drive with quiet engines and a fine balance of ride and handling either empty, or fully loaded. The engine range includes 90PS or 115PS 2.0-litre common-rail diesel – the main fleet options, as well as a 2.5-litre 146PS common-rail diesel engine. Both the 2.0CDTi 115PS and 2.5CDTi are available with the semi-automatic six-speed Tecshift gearbox.

Commenting on the award, Chairman of Judges George Emmerson said: ‘Vauxhall Vivaro has held onto this award for several years in the face of stiff competition – testament to its quality and reliability. Fleet managers would not hesitate to specify the Vauxhall Vivaro for their fleet.’

Richard Collier, National Commercial Vehicle Sales Manager, said: ‘This is a real milestone for Vivaro. To be independently judged best in your class seven times in the last nine years just confirms for us what a great product we have to offer our customers.‘

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The judging panel is chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies. Members of the judging panel include Ken Rogers, John Kendall, and Ross Durkin from Fleet World’s editorial team, and fleet manager Jackie Pomfrett. Residual value, maintenance cost and reliability data is also provided by ALD Automotive, Masterlease and ING Car Lease. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass, CAP Motor Research and Vehicle Information Publishing.

The Vauxhall ecoFLEX car range was also recognised at the Fleet World Awards, winning the coveted Fleet World Environmental Award.