The Vauxhall Movano B 2.3 CDTI (125 Hp) L1H2 is a large panel van produced by Vauxhall from 2010 to 2012. As a second-generation model of the Movano line, it represented a significant update to the brand’s commercial vehicle offerings. The Movano, while marketed under the Vauxhall brand in the United Kingdom, is closely related to the Renault Master, Opel Movano, and Nissan Interstar, resulting from a collaborative effort between Renault, Opel, and Nissan. This collaboration allowed each brand to offer a competitive large van without the extensive development costs. The L1H2 designation refers to the van’s body length and roof height, indicating a medium-length wheelbase and a medium-high roof, making it a versatile option for businesses needing substantial cargo space.
Vauxhall Movano B: Overview and Market Position
The Movano B was primarily aimed at the commercial vehicle market, serving as a workhorse for businesses requiring a reliable and spacious van for deliveries, transportation, and mobile workshops. It competed directly with other large vans such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Volkswagen Crafter. The Movano’s strength lay in its practicality, load-carrying capacity, and relatively affordable price point. While not typically considered a vehicle for private use, its available configurations – including seating for up to nine passengers in some variants – allowed for limited use as a passenger carrier for larger families or specialized transport services. The Euro 4 emission standard compliance reflected the environmental regulations in place during its production run.
Engine & Performance
The Movano B 2.3 CDTI (125 Hp) L1H2 is powered by a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, identified by the code M9T 676. This engine produces 125 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1250 and 2500 rpm. The engine features a diesel common rail fuel injection system and an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a relatively efficient drivetrain. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 14.4 kg/Hp, and 69.4 Hp/tonne, while the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm and 172.2 Nm/tonne. Power delivery is managed through a six-speed manual transmission. While not designed for outright speed, the engine provides sufficient power for hauling heavy loads and maintaining reasonable speeds on highways. The engine oil capacity is 8 liters (8.45 US qt / 7.04 UK qt), and requires a specific oil specification (details not provided in the source data).
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Movano B L1H2 is a five-door minivan body style, offering flexible access to the cargo area. Its dimensions are substantial, with a length of 5048 mm (198.74 in), a width of 2070 mm (81.5 in) – expanding to 2470 mm (97.24 in) including mirrors – and a height of 2500 mm (98.43 in). The wheelbase measures 3182 mm (125.28 in). These dimensions translate into a maximum cargo volume of 8000 liters (282.52 cu. ft.), making it ideal for transporting large items. The kerb weight ranges from 1800 to 1816 kg (3968.32 – 4003.59 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 3300 kg (7275.25 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 1484-1500 kg (3271.66 – 3306.93 lbs).
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and ventilated discs on all four wheels for braking. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle rides on 16-inch wheels with tire sizes of 215/65 R16 or 225/65 R16. Ground clearance ranges from 169 to 208 mm (6.65 – 8.19 in). The minimum turning circle is 12.5 meters (41.01 ft). The Movano B prioritized functionality and durability over luxurious appointments, focusing on providing a robust and reliable platform for commercial use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Movano |
| Generation | Movano B |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 CDTI (125 Hp) L1H2 |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 3-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 1250-2500 rpm / 228.64 lb.-ft. @ 1250-2500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M9T 676 |
| Engine displacement | 2298 cm3 / 140.23 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 101.3 mm / 3.99 in. |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l / 8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1800-1816 kg / 3968.32 – 4003.59 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 3300 kg / 7275.25 lbs. |
| Max load | 1484-1500 kg / 3271.66 – 3306.93 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 8000 l / 282.52 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l / 21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2500 kg / 5511.56 lbs. |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg / 1653.47 lbs. |
| Length | 5048 mm / 198.74 in. |
| Width | 2070 mm / 81.5 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2470 mm / 97.24 in. |
| Height | 2500 mm / 98.43 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3182 mm / 125.28 in. |
| Front track | 1750 mm / 68.9 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1730 mm / 68.11 in. |
| Front overhang | 842 mm / 33.15 in. |
| Rear overhang | 1024 mm / 40.31 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 169-208 mm / 6.65 – 8.19 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m / 41.01 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 225/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
