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Opel Vivaro: B and C generations, engines and body styles
The Opel Vivaro is a mid-sized van and people carrier that small businesses in Lithuania often opt for. We look at how the B and C generations differ, which engines are most common, what body variants are available, and what to check when buying a used Vivaro.
Vivaro in brief
The Vivaro has been in production since 2001. The first two generations — A (2001–2014) and B (2014–2019) — were developed jointly with Renault and are closely related to the Renault Trafic. From 2019, the C generation has been produced in collaboration with Peugeot and Citroën, making it technically akin to the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy, and Toyota Proace.
The Vivaro is offered as a cargo van, a double-cab van, and a people carrier. The people carrier version of the C generation Vivaro is called the Vivaro Life, while the more luxurious people carrier variant is the Zafira Life. There are several body lengths to choose from, ranging from a compact city van to a long, high-capacity cargo van.
B and C generations — what's the difference
The B generation (2014–2019) is a sturdy and straightforward workhorse, closely related to the Renault Trafic III, so spare parts are plentiful. It was offered in two lengths and two heights.
The C generation (from 2019) is more modern, quieter, and comes with more safety and driver-assistance systems. There's a compact, city-friendly version, and the electric Vivaro-e is available as both a cargo van and a people carrier. The car was refreshed in 2024 with a revised front end and interior.
Most used cars on the market are from the B and early C generations. The B generation is usually cheaper, while the C generation is a better choice if comfort and lower fuel consumption are important.
Engines and gearboxes
The 1.6 CDTI diesel engine (around 90–145 hp) is the most common in the B generation, with more powerful versions featuring dual turbochargers (BiTurbo). Most cars come with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The C generation offers 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesel engines (around 100–180 hp). The more powerful 2.0-litre engines can be paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while other versions usually have a manual.
The electric Vivaro-e comes with a 50 or 75 kWh battery. Before buying, consider how much you'll actually drive with a load and in winter.
What to check when buying a used Vivaro
Many Vivaros have been used as workhorses, so check the service history and maintenance records. Inspect the bulkhead and double floor, suspension, and brakes, and examine the cargo area floor and walls for damage.
For diesel cars, ask about the diesel particulate filter (DPF), EGR valve, turbocharger, and injectors. In C generation cars, pay special attention to the AdBlue system—failures in these engines are quite common, and repairs can be expensive.
Test the sliding doors and their runners. Check the body for rust in the wheel arches, sills, and door sills. When buying a Vivaro-e, it's crucial to check the battery condition.
Body styles
Trim names vary by market and year, so we list the most commonly encountered Vivaro body styles.
Furgonas (Van / Cargo)
B and C seriesCargo version — most frequently found in the used market.
- 2–3 seats in the cab
- Several body lengths
- Often — single or double sliding doors
Furgonas su dviguba kabina
B and C seriesWork crew version with tools.
- Up to 6 seats
- Smaller cargo area behind the seats
- Ideal for builders and fitters
Combi
B seriesPassenger B series version with simpler trim.
- Often — 8–9 seats
- Windows and seats throughout the cabin
- Ideal for passenger transport
Vivaro Life
C seriesThe C series passenger version for transporting and large families.
- Often — 8–9 seats
- Several body lengths
- Often — sliding doors on both sides
Zafira Life
C seriesThe most comfortable passenger version for the family and trips.
- Better interior trim and sound insulation
- Often — 7–8 seats
- Often — electric sliding doors
Vivaro-e
C series, from 2020Electric version.
- 50 or 75 kWh battery
- Quiet driving in the city
- Available in both cargo and passenger versions
Comparison of body versions
| Furgonas (B) | Furgonas (C) | Vivaro Life | Zafira Life | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Ideal for a budget workhorse | For work and hauling | Passenger transport and large families | For families and road trips |
| Seating | 2–3 seats | 2–3 seats | Often 8–9 seats | Often 7–8 seats |
| Interior | Basic, utilitarian | More modern, quieter | Passenger-focused, practical trim | Luxury trim |
| Engine | 1.6 CDTI | 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesel | 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesel | Most commonly the 2.0-litre diesel |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Mid-range | Premium |
For most buyers, the best choice is a C-series van or Vivaro Life with a verified service history. The B series is suitable if you need an affordable and straightforward workhorse.
Pros
- Plenty of body lengths and versions
- Economical diesel engines
- Many shared parts with Renault (B) and Peugeot / Citroën (C)
- Often cheaper than the Volkswagen Transporter in the used market
Cons
- Many hard-working vehicles
- C-series AdBlue system issues
- Simpler interior than some rivals
Frequently asked questions
How does the Opel Vivaro differ from the Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert?
The B-series Vivaro is technically close to the Renault Trafic III, while the C-series is similar to the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy. They mainly differ in appearance, some interior details, and equipment, so when choosing, it's worth comparing the specific condition and price of the vehicles.
Which Vivaro length to choose?
If you mostly drive in the city and carry small loads, the shorter version will suffice. The longer one is better if you need more space for cargo or want to carry more people with luggage in the passenger version.
Is it worth buying an electric Vivaro-e?
The Vivaro-e is suitable if you drive mostly in the city and can regularly charge the vehicle. For long journeys or heavy loads, the diesel version is often more practical, as the electric range with cargo and in winter decreases.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
