Vauxhall and Renault have released the first pictures of their latest collaboration, the new Trafic and Vivaro vans.

Although an all-new model, the external styling is a clear evolution of the outgoing models, with the biggest changes taking place around the front of the van, where the lights, air intake, bonnet and windscreen have all been altered.

Both vans will be powered by a Renault-designed 1.6-litre diesel engine, with two variants available — a single, variable geometry turbo and a twin-turbo model, which the manufacturers’ early tests suggest could return 47mpg. Both engines offer improved low-end torque and better pick-up, giving a sharper, more responsive feel, according to Renault and Vauxhall.

Two lengths, two heights

The outgoing model was always available in two wheelbases and with a high roof option, but these were never very popular, despite their practical appeal. The new Trafic/Vivaro has grown, as new models are apt to do, and will be come in two lengths — 4,998 and 5,398 mm.

The new 2014 Renault Trafic

There will be a high roof model, as well as passenger-carrying double cab and Combi variants, and, a little later, as a platform cab.

The new 2014 Vauxhall Vivaro

The vans will be built in a several places, as far as I can tell from the initial press releases. Vauxhall says that all of the standard roof models will be built at its Luton plant, which also has a conversion centre for ex-factory conversions, such as platform cabs.

Meanwhile, Renault says that it has invested more than €230m in moving production to France, suggesting that Renault-badged models and perhaps some Vauxhall-badged variants will be coming from the firm’s Sandouville factory.

More details, including interior pictures, to follow, when they become available.