BY: ALEX BROWN
There are few vehicles that could fill the void of the discontinued Volkswagen hippy bus, or the old-school stylings of the Holden Sandman. Unsurprisingly, a German company, Opel, has stepped up to the plate to try and introduce a vehicle that will outshine both of these classic, cult-vehicles. Their contribution to the world of surf and freedom-culture vehicles: the Vivaro Surf van.
The Vivaro is outfitted with five seats (though it has the potential to fit six), and is specially designed to accommodate the needs of the modern beach-bum. The roof racks are designed to cary a number of surfboards, and the flooring is completely waterproof to prevent the interior from smelling like a wet-dog after a pond bath.
The Vivaro is outfitted with five seats, and is specially designed to accommodate the needs of the modern beach-bum.
Separating the cabin from the cargo space sits a reinforced screen, which should come in handy should any soaked wetsuits come flying towards the dash on hard stops and turns. Who knows how many surfer-deaths can be chalked up to a lack of screen and the sharp edge of a loosely placed squeegee on a particularly forceful turn. A Perspex window (solid transparent plastic) allows the driver to see back into the cargo pit.
This separate cargo space amounts to 3.2 cubic metres, one of the most attractive features of the vehicle. The beauty of this cargo space is to separate the pristine front area of the cab from the moist, sand-flea infested disgrace of the cargo that is the inevitable result of surf expeditions and a dedicated beach-bum lifestyle. This means that the front end of the vehicle’s interior resembles a limousine, while the cargo, after use, may approximate closer to that of a dilapidated sand-rave.
The separate cargo space amounts to 3.2 cubic metres, one of the most attractive features of the vehicle.
The interior is illuminated by the soft hue of blue lights, and automatic climate control functions keeps the car at a reasonable temperature. The parking lot heater, which operates without the assistance of the engine, means that one could live comfortably out of the van at the foot of the beach even in the winter season. The vehicle’s outer mirrors are heated, which might come in handy if your surfing habits resemble that of photographer Chris Burkard and his subjects. Beneath the second row of seats in the back, is a broad storage space that would ostensibly be used for leashes, wax, tape or other easily misplaced items.
The interior is illuminated by the soft hue of blue lights, and automatic climate control functions keeps the car at a reasonable temperature.
The vehicle also includes a rear-view camera with Park Assist, and the side doors slide out like a mini-van. According to Grind TV, the van has a fuel economy of approximately 38 miles to the gallon.
The vehicle’s outer mirrors are heated, which might come in handy if your surfing habits resemble that of photographer Chris Burkard and his subjects.
The design was produced by the European subsidiary of General Motors, Opel, and though so far it only exists in Germany, high demand for the immaculately mapped out vehicle suggests that it won’t be long before North America sees the Vivaro roaming its shores.
Image sourcing: chrisburkard.com, autoexpress.co.uk, gizmag.com
