Vauxhall is to showcase its growing involvement in the community transport field with three models at the Community Transport exhibition in Manchester from 9-11 November.

While the company has for some years been successful in its provision of its Movano as a wheelchair accessible minibus as well as a 17-seater, the arrival of the revised Movano – sleeker styling, more comfort, different engines – has given the minibus a new impetus.

Based on the long wheelbase, high roof version, with either the 2.5 litre CDTi common rail diesel engine or the super powerful 3.0 litre version, the wheelchair accessible minibus carries 12 people, four wheelchairs, or a combination of the two with a purpose built wheelchair lift for rear-door access.

Vauxhall has just entered the nine-seater minibus market with its award-winning Vivaro.

The much-requested core conversion will be a strong challenger in the growing market for minibuses of this size, encouraged by the Vivaro’s reputation as a great driver’s vehicle.

Vauxhall has selected the energetic 1.9 CDTi common rail diesel engine in either 82PS or 100PS form for the minibus which is based on a short wheelbase 2900 panel van and converted by Advanced Vehicle Builders.

Currently the market is dominated by Ford, VW and Mercedes, but Vauxhall commercial vehicles brand manager Steve Bryant says: "We have shown the vehicle to a large number of potential customers and their reaction makes us confident that Vivaro Minibus will quickly make a name for itself in the marketplace."

The rear passenger seats are all to M1 type approval standards for seatbelt anchorages, with integral seat belts. The three seats in the back row are easily removable with quick release feet in aluminium rails.

Standard equipment includes ABS and driver’s airbag, along with remote control central locking, and (on the 100PS version) electric windows and electric door mirrors. Options include front passenger twin airbags, front cabin air conditioning, front fog lamps and metallic paint.

Available to order now, the minibus on-the-road prices, including VAT, are £20,265 for the 82PS version and £21,265 for the 100PS model.

A third Vauxhall model, the Combo, is being shown in wheelchair accessible form to gauge interest in a smaller vehicle for this specialist market.

Combo, at 1801mm (73in) in height, offers easy potential for loading and unloading a wheelchair while at the same time the vehicle in its converted form offers excellent visibility thanks to the wide, deep windows.

It has a low loading height and coupled to the wide opening rear doors, as well as a side door entrance is seen as a potential addition to the range.

Vauxhall has had the Combo converted by a specialist company in Europe to indicate to exhibition visitors what can be done to turn a commercial vehicle into a transporter with every car-like comfort.