Vauxhall Maloo LSA makes its debut at Goodwood

The 2016 Vauxhall Maloo LSA has made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year.

Exterior revisions to the Maloo are subtle, with tweaks to front-end styling including a revised splitter and black bonnet vents. It’s under the bonnet where the most remarkable changes have been made, however.

Vauxhall claims the Maloo is Britain’s most powerful light commercial vehicle because it produces 536bhp and 495lb ft of torque, which Vauxhall hopes will contribute to a Goodwood hill climb time of 55 seconds.

Hill climb time aside, the Maloo can hit a limited top speed of 155mph, reaching 60mph from standstill in 4.3sec. The pick-up ‘ute’ shares its 6.2-litre LSA engine – hence the name – with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, although in a slightly tweaked format. Power is delivered to the rear wheels.

With its mammoth V8, fuel economy won’t be the Maloo’s strong suit; Vauxhall claims a combined figure of just 18.5mpg; it’s unlikely that Maloo drivers will buy one for its outstanding fuel-sipping ability.

The previous Maloo, in comparison, had 425bhp and 420lb ft torque. Tweaks have been made to the chassis and suspension to ensure they cope with the 111bhp power hike, while Vauxhall has also made launch control standard on manual Maloos.

Standard equipment on the updated Maloo includes dual-zone climate conrol, sat-nav, leather trim and an adjustable multi-function steering wheel. 

No more than 100 Maloos will be brought to the UK, with 50 of these already spoken for. Prices for the Maloo start at £54,520, with first deliveries expected shortly after the Fesival of Speed.