Vivaro GS Trim Explained: Diesel and Electric Van with Sporty Upgrades
The Vauxhall Vivaro has built a reputation as the reliable, no-nonsense workhorse of Europe’s roads. It’s the van equivalent of that one co-worker who never calls in sick and somehow knows where everything is stored. But even the hardest-working employee deserves a makeover once in a while, and that’s exactly what Vauxhall has delivered with the new GS trim—for both the Vivaro and Vivaro Electric. It's a bold attempt to inject some style into the daily grind of hauling boxes, ladders, and enough tools to make a hardware store jealous.
This expanded Vauxhall Vivaro review breaks down the Vivaro GS’s new features, performance stats, and value proposition. Buckle up (or at least secure the cargo tie-downs) because this van is aiming to turn heads—while still delivering parcels on time.
What is the Vauxhall Vivaro GS?
Let’s be honest: vans don’t usually scream excitement. They mutter things like "practical" and "functional" and sometimes whisper "boring." But the Vivaro GS is Vauxhall’s answer to those who want to have their cake and transport it too. Based on the well-established Vivaro platform, the GS trim introduces performance-inspired design tweaks that bring a little flair to your fleet.
You get two choices under the hood:
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2.0-litre diesel engine packing 180 hp—ideal if your deliveries include things like boulders or small houses.
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Vivaro Electric with a 75 kWh battery—perfect if your delivery zone looks like a maze of congestion charges and eco-zones.
In short: the same Vivaro practicality, but now with added swagger.
Key Exterior Features of the Vivaro GS
The Vivaro GS’s new wardrobe wouldn’t look out of place in a Fast & Furious film (assuming Dom Toretto ever needed to move a sofa). Vauxhall has gone all in on making this van look sharp.
You’ll find:
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A new front lip spoiler—because nothing says "urgent package" like aerodynamic flourishes.
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Side skirts and a rear spoiler that add muscle and might even make your plumber feel like Lewis Hamilton.
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Gloss black mirror caps—because why settle for plain when you can have shiny?
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18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels—guaranteed to outclass the office car park.
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GS decals screaming “I’m more than just a delivery van” (wait… did we say that? Forget it, moving on).
These upgrades don’t just look good—they subtly improve aerodynamics, too. Not that we expect you to start timing 0-60 runs between jobs, but hey, faster deliveries can’t hurt.
Key exterior features:
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Front lip spoiler: Yes
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Side skirts: Yes
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Rear spoiler: Yes
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Mirror caps: Gloss black
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Wheels: 18-inch diamond-cut alloy
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Decals: GS branded (in case the van’s new muscles weren’t obvious enough)
Interior Upgrades
The Vivaro GS’s cabin has also been spruced up—because drivers deserve nice things too. After all, you spend more time in your van than at your own kitchen table (and probably eat just as many meals there).
Here’s what’s new:
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Leatherette upholstery with red stitching—because nothing says "professional" like seats that look expensive but can still handle coffee spills.
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Embroidered GS logos on the front seats—subtle bragging rights for anyone hopping into the passenger seat.
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Standard 7-inch infotainment screen—compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your playlist can keep your spirits up when traffic can’t.
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A three-spoke sporty steering wheel—which makes maneuvering through tight delivery spots feel that bit more engaging (or at least more fun than usual).
Crucially, Vauxhall hasn’t sacrificed any of the Vivaro’s practicality:
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Payload: Up to 2,205 lbs—about 300 average-sized bricks or a suspicious number of inflatable flamingos.
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Cargo space: Up to 6.6 cubic meters—plenty of room for pallets, parcels, or, if you’re feeling whimsical, a mobile office.
Powertrain and Performance
Diesel Variant
The 2.0-litre diesel option is a familiar powerhouse for those who need torque more than they need trendiness. It serves up 180 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—plenty of grunt for overtaking tractors and pulling trailers.
Here’s how it performs:
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Top speed: 106 mph (but please, no van racing).
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Fuel economy: About 37 mpg combined—so you’ll spend less time at fuel stations and more time actually earning money.
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Towing capacity: Up to 5,500 lbs, meaning if you need to tow another Vivaro (or two), it’s got you covered.
Vivaro Electric GS
The Vivaro Electric GS brings 136 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque to the zero-emission party. It may not win drag races, but it will win applause from anyone in a Clean Air Zone.
Key specs:
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Range: Up to 205 miles (WLTP)—enough for a full day’s work unless you’re Amazon.
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Charging: 0-80% in 45 minutes on a 100 kW fast charger—just enough time for a leisurely bacon sandwich.
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Top speed: Modest, but honestly, if you’re in a van, speed limits aren’t optional.
Both models retain the same load bay dimensions, so you don’t lose a single inch of practicality—no matter what’s under the hood.
Driving Impressions
What’s it like behind the wheel? Surprisingly lively, according to early reviews. The Vivaro GS’s larger wheels give it a planted, confident feel—no more wallowing around corners like a shopping cart with a dodgy wheel.
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Steering: Light enough for city work, accurate enough for the motorway.
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Ride comfort: Firm but far from punishing—think of it as sensible shoes with racing stripes.
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Cabin noise: Well-damped; you can actually hear your podcasts without cranking the volume to ear-splitting levels.
Safety and Assistance Systems
Vauxhall didn’t skimp on safety. The GS trim includes a raft of systems that might actually keep your insurance premiums in check:
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Forward collision alert
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Automatic emergency braking
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Blind-spot monitoring
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Lane departure warning
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Traffic sign recognition
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Driver drowsiness alert (because, let’s face it, we all get tired after 3 PM)
These features mean the Vivaro GS is as clever as it looks.
Pricing and Value
Want one? You’ll need to part with:
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Vivaro GS Diesel: Around $48,200
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Vivaro Electric GS: Around $70,100
That’s a noticeable bump over the standard models, but you’re paying for styling, extra kit, and a healthy dash of road presence. Plus, when your van looks this good, it practically markets your business for you.
Why the Vivaro GS Stands Out
The Vivaro GS hits a sweet spot between style, utility, and comfort. It’s aimed at the growing crowd of business owners who want their vehicles to work hard and look sharp doing it. Think of it as the van equivalent of wearing a suit and tie to a building site—you’ll still get the job done, but you’ll turn more heads along the way.
Conclusion
The Vauxhall Vivaro GS transforms a reliable workhorse into something you might actually be proud to park out front. With sporty design touches, two solid powertrain options, and plenty of practicality, it’s a tempting option for businesses that want more than the bare minimum.
Whether you’re hauling tools or delivering parcels, the Vivaro GS makes everyday work feel just a bit less… ordinary. And if you can bring some style to the daily grind, why wouldn’t you?