The Vauxhall Movano, particularly the Long Wheelbase (LWB) facelifted version produced from 2003 to 2006, represents a significant offering in the large van segment. While marketed under the Vauxhall brand in the United Kingdom, the Movano is closely related to the Renault Master, Opel Movano, and Nissan Interstar, stemming from a collaborative effort between Renault and Nissan. This collaboration allowed each brand to offer a competitive large van without the substantial individual development costs. The Movano LWB catered to businesses and individuals requiring substantial cargo capacity and versatility, serving as a workhorse for commercial applications. This article details the 3500 3.0 CDTI 16V (136 Hp) variant, focusing on its technical specifications and characteristics.
Vauxhall Movano LWB (Facelift 2003): A Detailed Overview
The Movano LWB facelift of 2003 brought updated styling and, crucially, a refined engine lineup. The 3500 designation refers to the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) in kilograms, indicating its load-carrying capability. The “LWB” signifies the Long Wheelbase configuration, maximizing cargo space. This generation of Movano aimed to provide a practical and reliable solution for commercial transport, competing with established players like the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The facelifted model addressed some of the earlier criticisms of the original Movano, improving both aesthetics and perceived quality.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Movano 3500 3.0 CDTI 16V is a 2.953-liter (180.2 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by the codes ZD3 200 and ZD3 202, produces 136 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1800 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system, a turbocharger, and an intercooler to optimize performance and efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 14.4 kg/Hp, or 69.4 Hp/tonne, while the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.1 kg/Nm, or 163.3 Nm/tonne. These figures demonstrate a focus on usability and load-hauling capability rather than outright speed. The engine’s 16.9:1 compression ratio contributes to its efficiency, and the double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder enhances breathing and power delivery. The engine requires 7.3 liters (7.71 US quarts / 6.42 UK quarts) of engine oil and 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts / 9.24 UK quarts) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Movano LWB is a five-door minivan configuration, capable of seating between three and nine occupants depending on the specific layout. Its primary design focus is functionality. The long wheelbase maximizes cargo volume, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. The body style is a traditional van shape, prioritizing internal space over aerodynamic efficiency. The Movano’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 5899 mm (232.24 inches) in length, 1990 mm (78.35 inches) in width, and 2490-2720 mm (98.03 – 107.09 inches) in height. The vehicle’s width, including mirrors, extends to 2359 mm (92.87 inches). The wheelbase is 4078 mm (160.55 inches).
Safety features for the 2003-2006 model year included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, a crucial addition for a vehicle of this size and weight. The steering system utilizes a steering rack and pinion for precise control. The front suspension employs a double wishbone setup, designed to provide a comfortable ride even when heavily loaded. The Movano’s fuel tank capacity is a generous 100 liters (26.42 US gallons / 22 UK gallons), providing a substantial range between refueling stops. The minimum turning circle is 15.68 meters (51.44 feet), which is typical for a vehicle of this size.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Movano |
| Generation | Movano LWB (facelift 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 3500 3.0 CDTI 16V (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 3-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 46.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1800 rpm / 236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ZD3 200, ZD3 202 |
| Engine displacement | 2953 cm3 / 180.2 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 16.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.3 l / 7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt |
| Coolant | 10.5 l / 11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1960-1987 kg / 4321.06 – 4380.59 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 3500 kg / 7716.18 lbs. |
| Max load | 1513-1540 kg / 3335.59 – 3395.12 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l / 26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 5899 mm / 232.24 in. |
| Width | 1990 mm / 78.35 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2359 mm / 92.87 in. |
| Height | 2490-2720 mm / 98.03 – 107.09 in. |
| Wheelbase | 4078 mm / 160.55 in. |
| Front overhang | 862 mm / 33.94 in. |
| Rear overhang | 959 mm / 37.76 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm / 5.91 in. |
| Minimum turning circle | 15.68 m / 51.44 ft. |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
