Vauxhall Arena
A badge-engineered workhorse bridging the gap to the Vivaro.
- Power
- 60 bhp
- Top speed
- 73 mph
About the Vauxhall Arena
The Vauxhall Arena was a badge-engineered version of the first-generation Renault Trafic, introduced as a stop-gap measure to replace the ageing Bedford Midi before the launch of the Vivaro. It featured a naturally aspirated 1.9-litre diesel engine that prioritised fuel economy and simplicity over performance, resulting in one of the slowest acceleration times in its class. While it lacked the refinement of contemporary rivals like the Volkswagen Transporter, its front-wheel-drive layout provided a low load floor and decent urban manoeuvrability. Today, the Arena is exceptionally rare on UK roads, with most examples having been retired from commercial service or converted into budget campervans.
Vauxhall Arena specs
The Vauxhall Arena produces 60 bhp (45 kW) and 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 73 mph (118 km/h).
| Make | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Model | Arena |
| Trim | 1.9 D |
| Years | 1997–2000 |
| Type | Van |
| Body style | Van |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.9-litre inline-4 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,870 cc (1.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 60 bhp (45 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 73 mph (118 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,445 kg (3,186 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 42 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Vauxhall Arena rarity in CarSpot
The Vauxhall Arena is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 6 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Vauxhall Arena fun facts
- The Arena was the result of a partnership between General Motors and Renault, which eventually led to the highly successful Vivaro and Trafic joint venture.
- With a 0-100 km/h time of over 36 seconds, the 1.9 D variant was frequently cited by contemporary testers as one of the slowest vehicles on sale in the UK.
- Despite its short three-year production run, the Arena helped Vauxhall maintain a presence in the medium van segment during its transition away from the Bedford brand.

