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Opel Combo Life Review

Caroline drives the new Opel Combo Life.

The new Opel Combo Life solves that problem of needing to carry a lot of people, and needing to do it in the cheapest way possible. Available as a five or seven seat vehicle, in two different lengths, with pricing starting from just €21,800, the Opel Combo Life could be the bargain of the century.

In fact the Opel Combo Life has just won ‘Best Buy Car of Europe 2019’ at the authoritative Autobest awards. So the secret might be out already. But here’s what I thought of the Combo Life from an Irish perspective.

What is the Opel Combo Life?

While the Opel Combo Van has been sold for many years (this is actually its fifth generation), the Combo Life passenger vehicle is a new model for the Opel brand. Space, practicality, versatility and value are its key attributes in the market. To that end, the Combo Life is available in a standard length with five or seven seats or as a longer ‘XL’ model with seven seats.

The van DNA runs strong in the styling of the Opel Combo Life in that it’s boxy to maximise space, with plenty of squared off edges. But at the front it has the typical look of an Opel about it with a large front grille with two chrome wings around the Opel Blitz insignia. Style icon it is not, but at this price do you care?

How practical is the Opel Combo Life?

The van-like proportions and design of the Opel Combo Life make it an excellent people carrier. There is plenty of glazing and the large doors and high roof also give an airy, spacious feel to the cabin. There are also proper opening windows in the rear.

Access to the rear seats is through two sliding doors that open and close easily. I was driving a seven seat version of the standard length vehicle (from €23,800). There is excellent headroom all round and loads of legroom for passengers in row 2, with Isofix child seat brackets available. The seats split fold and are really easy to fold flat. Access to row 3 is simple enough, though there is not much legroom back there in the standard length vehicle so these two extra seats are more suitable for children or occasional use.

When the seats in row 3 are folded into the boot floor, you have a massive 597 litres of space in the standard length vehicle or 850 litres in the XL version. The boot opens wide, with a large square opening making it easy to load and stack to the roof should you need it!

Considering the Combo Life’s roots, the cabin is surprisingly well-appointed. It’s a straightforward Opel cabin that actually works really well here. The plastics are all hard but the quality looks fine. There are satin chrome accents on the steering wheel, on the door handles and in the air vents. The ergonomics are good with a steering wheel and instrument cluster that could have been lifted from an Astra or Grandland X . A smart 8” touchscreen comes as standard in the centre of the dash with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are numerous storage areas of different sizes that should also prove useful for a family on the move.

Is it well-equipped?

In Ireland the Opel Combo Life is sold in just one trim level called Energy. There’s a good spec including the 8” colour touchscreen, 16” alloys, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, front fog lights, automatic high beam assist, heated and electric door mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, electric front windows, 60/40 split folding rear seats, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, speed sign recognition, forward collision alert, emergency brake assist, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic lighting control, driver drowsiness system, blind spot alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

There are also a number of options available for more comfort and convenience including reversing camera as part of the Parking Pack (€500), Winter Pack including heated seats and steering wheel (€250), head-up display (€455), and a Child Pack (€300) including rear-view child-minder mirror, rear side window sunblind, fold-flat passenger seat and a luggage restraint net.

Driving the Opel Combo Life

The fifth-generation Combo is based on a new architecture shared with the Peugeot Rifter and Citroen Berlingo, stablemates at the PSA Group that took over Opel in 2017. The Combo Life is naturally not the last word in sophistication and refinement on the road, but it’s pleasant to drive for what it is. It’s comfortable and stable and not too noisy on the move. In fact, there is more of an MPV feeling behind the wheel than a van one.

Engine options include a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 110hp and a 6 speed manual (from €21,800), a 1.5 litre diesel with 100hp and 5 speed manual (from €23,050) and the same engine with 130hp and an 8 speed automatic gearbox (from €25,350). The seven seat standard length Combo Life is available with the 1.5 diesel, priced from €23,800. The Energy XL 1.5 diesel seven seat vehicle is available from €24,675.

My test car has the 1.5 litre 100hp diesel and it’s adequate for the Combo Life. It only gets noisy when you really put your foot down hard – other than that it settles into the background. It’s not the speediest mover with a 0-100 kmh figure of 13.1 seconds, but it does the job. My fuel consumption over a few days of driving averaged at 5.8 l/100km and it is only €200 to tax per year.

What’s the verdict?

It’s easy to approach the Opel Combo Life with a sprinkle of cynicism. But if you look beyond the boxy looks and are willing to sacrifice style, the Opel Combo Life is a spacious and straightforward people carrier. Opel Ireland is offering a simple range here with just one well-specced trim level available from just €21,800 as a five seat, or €23,800 as a seven seat.

The Opel Combo Life is neither exciting nor sexy, but it’s a good value seven seat MPV with impressive comfort, practicality and driver assistance and safety features.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested:  Opel Combo Life Energy 1.5 Turbo D 7-seat Price:  €23,800 (Range from €21,800) Engine:  1.5-litre turbo diesel Power:  100hp Torque:  250Nm 0-100km/h:   13.1 seconds Top speed:  172km/h Economy:  4.2/100km CO2 emissions:   111g/km Motor tax:  €200 per year

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Opel Combo Life - Combining Practicality with Life

The Opel Combo Life builds on the Combo Panel Van by adding in windows, rear seats and creature comforts to make journeys even more enjoyable.

The automotive environment is one that is constantly in flux. It ebbs and flows with trends coming and going; some quicker than others, while some stay forever. 

When one looks at the way that body shapes and styles have morphed over the last 40 years, it's clear to see that some designs last longer than others. The 3-box sedan shape is largely unchanged while we've largely seen the disappearance of the multi-seater, Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). 

I'll hear you argue that there are still many on the road and that several manufacturers still offer an MPV of sorts. While that is true, it pales in comparison to the heyday of the MPV in the late 90s, early 00s.

Locally you don't have much to choose from if you only need a 5-seater MPV. The Golf SV has been discontinued locally and it seems that the only players in the compact MPV sector are VW with their Caddy. They've all but been replaced by compact SUVs with sleek body styles and increased ground clearance. The compact SUV market is a booming one and SUVs are the only segment that has shown growth for several years on the trot.

Related: Opel Crossland X 1.2T Cosmo Auto: Cultural crossover blurs many lines.

Enter the Opel Combo Life, a bold move from the Rüsselsheim am Main manufacturing firm. This 5-seater MPV has a few unique features that help it stand out from the direct competition but it remains a gutsy move from a brand that has been struggling locally.

The Combo Life is based on the  Opel Combo Cargo , a vehicle that was designed with the SME and commercial sector in mind. Much like the Caddy is based on the Caddy Panel Van, the Combo Life retains the proportions of the utilitarian offering but adds creature comforts, additional seats, windows and doors.

The Combo Life takes a little getting used to with a prominent bonnet, large headlights and deep grille element. It appears much larger than it actually is and it's only once you're alongside it that you realise that it's a compact, user-friendly offering.

The rear is rather upright and the large tailgate requires significant room to allow it to open. It's also a touch on the heavy side which may be of some concern to the slightly more petite ladies out there.

An upturn in the lower window edges and pronounced arches add an element of appeal to what could easily have been a bland exterior. The Combo Life features dual sliding doors for the rear, making ingress and egress to the spacious rear easier than tying your shoe.

It's in the drive that the Combo Life offers something that the SUV brigade doesn't, a car-like ride. You're not going to get generous ground clearance in the Combo Life but let's be honest, who really utilises the full potential of the additional clearance afforded by the SUVs? 99% of their use is on the highways and byways in and around the city and suburbs.

Despite the passenger car-like ride height, the Combo Life still offers the raised driving position that one would get in an SUV, providing a clearer view of the road. Overall visibility is rather good as well.

Those that are transitioning from a hatchback or sedan will be pleased to hear that the road manners of the Opel Combo Life are rather similar with a planted drive and surprisingly minimal body roll for a vehicle of this shape. I did, however, find that the Combo Life has a propensity to nosedive under braking, especially when unladen.

Related: 5 Reasons why the Opel Astra deserved Car of the Year 2017

Performance

Powered by a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, the Combo Life is good for 68 kW and 230 Nm torque. While adequate for the Combo Life, the competition does offer more with their diesel offerings and their petrol offerings also come rather close.

I found the response to be a little disappointing though with a noticeable gap in the power delivery in the low RPM range, the range where the turbo isn't quite up to speed. This was infuriating at times and necessitated a downshift in order to get the engine on the boil again.

The Combo Life is no traffic light Grand Prix racer but it will happily cruise along at highway speeds with enough power underfoot to negotiate the hills and for the odd passing manoeuvre.

Space and Comfort

Space is the forte of the Combo Life. There is more than ample head- and shoulder room in the cabin for five adults. The driver gets an additional armrest too that makes long-distance travelling even more pleasant.

The squared-off shape of the rear helps bolster a healthy load area of 597-litres with a parcel shelf that can be folded back or removed completely. The split-folding 60/40 rear seats also allow for even larger items to be carried with ease.

Comfort and NVH levels are surprisingly good for a vehicle that started off as an echoey panel van and Opel has done well to insulate the majority of the road noise and intrusion. As an added bonus, the Combo Life benefits from the storage design of the Combo Panel Van and the cabin is littered with cup holders, storage bins and parcel shelves.

The Combo Life gets an Intellilink infotainment system with CarPlay and Android Auto but the execution is lacking somewhat. This system seems to default to radio no matter the prior connection and the touch input lacks precision. Audio reproduction is good and the 2 USB inputs and Aux input helps make connecting to devices rather easy.

Carrying the type of cargo that the Combo Life is designed to carry, that being passengers and particularly, children, one would expect that the safety side of things would be well taken care of. The Opel Combo Life is fitted with ABS as standard which is further supplemented by electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

An electronic stability program (ESP) and hill start assist (HSA) are standard fitment in the Combo Life while both driver and front passenger get airbags and both front and rear passengers are cared for with curtain airbags front and rear.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption was the one area that the Combo Life impressed me. Despite putting it through its paces, finding the ideal driving style that best suited the engine's lack of low down power delivery, and the 5-speed manual gearbox, it still managed to return a regular and consistent 5.9 l/100km with the occasional dip to 6.0.

It's here where the proverbial wheels fall off for the Opel Combo Life. There's only one model in one trim level available at the moment and that retails for R369 900 with a 3 years / 120 000 km warranty and 3 years/ 60 000 km service plan.

By comparison, the equivalent Volkswagen Caddy comes in at R356 700 with a 1.0-litre TSI engine in Trendline specification. Check a few options and you're spending roughly the same money as you would on the Combo Life.

The Verdict

It's a bold move from the German firm and while the Combo Life has enjoyed relative success in the European markets, I just don't see it winning any hearts locally. The quality of South African roads and the South African tendency to buy emotively will see the Opel losing out to the established VW in this case with more consumers opting for the SUV alternative.

Recommended next:

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Interested in buying a Opel COMBO LIFE ?

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All-New Opel Combo Life MPV – Where Practicality Meets Versatility.

Posted by Breda | Apr 8, 2019 | Car reviews , People Carriers | 0

Opel Combo Life – Practicality Meets Versatility.

The New Opel Combo Life MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) is an ideal family-transport proposition, offering a flexible seating arrangement of up to seven seats. Based on Opel’s award-winning Combo van, there is no doubting that it is one of the most practical cars currently on sale, along with the fact that it is the first time in recent memory that Opel has offered such a functionality-focused MPV.

Choice Of Wheelbase;

The Combo Life is tasked with two roles to perform, as Opel believes that the car can attract new customers to the brand, as well as catering for existing Opel Zafira Tourer owners looking to replace their car. That car has already ceased production and will be replaced by the new Zafira Life MPV in the not too distant future. The Combo Life is available in two lengths, each with two possible seating configurations. Both variants can accommodate up to seven seats, with the long wheel base model providing more in the way of luggage space.

Enormous Cargo Volume;

The regular edition of the Combo Life (with five or seven seats) has a load volume capacity of 597-litres with the rear seats in the upright position, or 2,126-litres with the rear seats folded flat. However, with the longer-wheelbase model, there is up to 2,700-litres of space available. Choose a seven seat model and you will find the three seats in the second row fold down individually instead of in a 60/40 split (all with individual ISOFIX anchorage points), and the third row is removable altogether. This is an action that can be completed extremely easy, while the seats can be repositioned with the same ease too.

Choice Of Engine & Transmission;

Petrol and diesel engines are available in the line-up of the new Opel Combo Life – a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol unit with 109bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit producing either 99bhp and 250Nm, or 128bhp and 300Nm of torque. The lower powered version gets a five-speed gearbox, while the higher-powered unit comes with a six-speed manual, but it can also be ordered with an eight-speed automatic for pure driving pleasure.

My test car was an Opel Combo Life ‘Energy’ 1.5-litre Turbo-Diesel (100bhp) 7-Seat model, in ‘Moonstone Grey’ metallic paint. Standard specification is generous, and includes items such as a DAB radio with 6 speakers, 8” touchscreen infotainment system, 16” alloys, electric mirrors, twin sliding doors (extremely useful in a crowded car park situation) with opening windows integrated, air-conditioning, cruise control, speed limiter, auto lights & wipers, high beam assist, USB ports, Smartphone projection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a multi-function steering wheel, along with many other comfort and convenience features. The high level of standard safety features includes speed sign recognition, forward collision alert, daytime running lights, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, ABS, automatic emergency braking with pedestrial detection, driver drowsiness system, side blind-spot alert, automatic lighting control, ESP with traction control, and front & rear parking sensors.

The new Combo Life steers with great accuracy, and possesses a solid, connected feeling at all times, while minimal body roll through corners is confidence-inspiring. The engine in my test car is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 13.1-seconds, on its way to a top speeed of 172km/h (where permitted). Thanks to standard Start/Stop technology, annual road tax is just €200, while fuel consumption as low as 4.0-litres of diesel for every 100km’s driven is genuinely impressive, and achieveable in the real world too.

High Quality Interior;

Quality materials are used throughout the cabin of the new Combo Life, which is a reflection of where Opel want to pitch their newest MPV. The tall proportions of the car enable even the tallest of occupants to travel in comfort, while large glass areas throughout the cabin creates an airy ambience within the car. It is easy to see how the new Opel Combo Life MPV could just be everything that today’s modern family crave in a practical, safe, spacious, comfortable, and well-specified people carrier.

Pricing & Options;

On-the-road pricing for the new Opel Combo Life MPV starts at a very resonable €23,840. Thanks to a generous level of standard specification, there are not many optional features to choose from, but some buyers may want to specify the likes of a full-length panoramic glass roof, advanced park assist, a factory-fitted towbar, or Opel’s ingenious ‘Intelligrip’ system with 5 driving modes for the ultimate in peace-of-mind motoring. The new Opel Combo Life comes complete with a 3-Year/100,000km warranty, along with free roadside assistance for the first year.

Visit www.opel.ie for further inforamtion.

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Expert Reviews

• Opel reviews

Opel Combo Tour (2012 - 2018)

Een auto ontwikkelen is kostbaar, heel kostbaar. Daarom maken autofabrikanten bij voorkeur modellen die gegarandeerd in grote aantallen zullen verkopen. De Opel Combo Tour is echter een bijzonder model dat slechts een kleine doelgroep aanspreekt.

De Combo Tour is bedoeld als alternatief voor grote gezinsauto's, zoals een MPV ( M ulti P urpose V ehicle) of een stationwagon. In vergelijking met dergelijke auto's biedt de Combo Tour nog meer functionaliteit, terwijl de prijs door de eenvoudige opzet lager ligt.

Om dat te realiseren heeft Opel twee "trucs" gebruikt. De Combo Tour is namelijk gebaseerd op een bedrijfsauto: de Opel Combo. Bij een bedrijfsauto gaat functie altijd voor vorm. De nieuwe Combo wordt, gezien de resultaten uit het verleden, bij voorbaat een verkoopsucces.

Op zijn beurt is de Opel Combo in samenwerking met Fiat ontwikkeld. Fiat verkoopt exact dezelfde auto met dezelfde motoren en dezelfde rijeigenschappen onder de naam "Doblo" . Alleen het front, de stoelbekleding en de logo's verschillen. De reden om voor de variant van Opel te kiezen zit vooral in de naam: een Opel heeft naar verwachting een hogere restwaarde dan een Fiat, ook als het onderhuids een Fiat is.

De Fiat Doblo is al enige tijd op de markt. Die auto werd destijds getest met een benzinemotor en die variant bewees te traag te zijn. In de stad presteert de Combo/Doblo 1.4 nog redelijk, maar op de snelweg schiet het vermogen van de 95 pk / 127 Nm sterke benzinemotor schromelijk tekort.

Daarom is dit keer voor een dieselmotor gekozen. Zelfs de lichtste 1.6 liter diesel (90 pk / 200 Nm) presteert al heel behoorlijk. De koppeling vraagt enige gewenning, maar daarna rijdt de Combo Tour diesel even goed als een voordelige personenauto. De viercilinder diesel heeft zoveel souplesse dat schakelen optioneel is; desnoods kan het toerental tot 1.200 tpm terugvallen en dan nog accelereert de Combo zonder protesteren.

Net als moderne personenauto's, is de Combo Tour voorzien van een schakelindicator en een stop/start-systeem om het verbruik te beperken. Daarbij valt op dat het stop/start-systeem (niet beschikbaar wanneer wordt gekozen voor de variant op aardgas) van Opel/Fiat ook bij zeer lage temperaturen blijft werken.

Door de barre weersomstandigheden waarin de testrit is verreden, lagen de snelheden noodgedwongen zeer laag. Het gemiddelde verbruik kwam daarom uit op een keurige 5.3 liter per 100 km.

De vorige generatie van de Opel Combo was gebaseerd op de compacte Opel Corsa. De Combo was daarom een ruime, maar desondanks wendbare auto die zich bij uitsteek leende voor gebruik in de stad. De nieuwe Combo is juist een zeer grote auto en dat is merkbaar! Door de indirecte besturing, het zicht op de brede motorkap en de enorme ruimte rondom, is de bestuurder zich er continu van bewust een grote auto te rijden. In parkeergarages wordt pijnlijk duidelijk hoe hoog de Combo is, want met 1 meter 84 is de Tour lang niet overal welkom.

De wegligging is prima, zij het dat het onderstel merkbaar eenvoudig is. Door de indirecte besturing laat de Combo zich niet zomaar uit balans brengen. Wanneer dat toch gebeurt, reageert de auto traag en goedmoedig. Een elektronisch stabiliteitssysteem is mede daarom niet standaard en is alleen in extreme weersomstandigheden echt zinvol.

Alhoewel de rijeigenschappen die van de gemiddelde personauto benaderen, geldt dat niet voor de luxe. De Combo Tour geeft absoluut niet het solide en volwassen gevoel dat kenmerkend is voor een Opel.

De gebruikte materialen hebben een hoog plastic-gehalte. Dit kan positief worden uitgelegd door te stellen dat het interieur bestendig is tegen intensief gebruik en dat eventuele vervanging van beschadigde delen voordelig is.

Ook de uitrusting is niet kenmerkend voor Opel. Geen van de "Flex" -voorzieningen (uitklapbaar fietsenrek, slimme opvouwbare achterbank, etc) van de andere Opels is beschikbaar op de Combo. Op het gebied van elektronica is het aanbod beperkt tot een radio die mp3-bestanden kan afspelen.

Functionaliteit staat voorop en op dat punt weet de Combo meer dan te overtuigen . De ruimte voorin is enorm. Zelfs lange bestuurders hebben enkele decimeters hoofdruimte over. Omdat de Combo bedoeld is als bedrijfsauto, komt de ruimte achterin vooral de bagage ten goede. De beenruimte op de achterbank valt daarom iets tegen voor een auto van deze omvang.

De bagageruimte meet maximaal 3.200 liter. Daarmee biedt de Combo Tour voldoende ruimte voor een tweede achterbank, waarmee dit een voordelige zevenzitter wordt.

De praktische mogelijkheden komen ook van allerhande bakjes, vakjes en een enorm bergvak boven de voorruit. Wanneer de Combo bedrijfsmatig wordt gebruikt, is het prettig te weten dat de breedte tussen beide achterdeuren bovengemiddeld groot is. Gezinnen met kinderen zullen de schuifdeuren waarderen, waardoor de instap naar achteren eenvoudig is, ook als de ruimte rondom de auto minimaal is.

Wie op zoek is naar maximale ruimte tegen een minimale prijs, kan nu ook terecht bij Opel. De Opel Combo Tour is gebaseerd op een bedrijfsauto en daarom staan praktische mogelijkheden en een lage prijs per kilometer voorop. In vergelijking met een MPV of stationwagon biedt de Combo Tour weliswaar minder luxe, maar wel meer ruimte. Het comfort en de rijeigenschappen staan niet op het niveau van een personenauto met eenzelfde prijskaartje, maar ze scoren nog steeds een ruime voldoende. Daarmee is de Opel Combo Tour even opwindend als een stuk witgoed, maar gelukkig ook even functioneel.

• Prima remmen
• Enorme bagageruimte
• Nette prestaties, laag verbruik 1.6 liter dieselmotor
• Onhandig groot en hoog in de stad
• Beenruimte op achterbank valt tegen
• Matige prestaties 1.4 liter benzinemotor

Opel Combo Tour 2012 dimensions, boot space and interior photos

Opel Combo Tour 2012 dimensions.

Comparison of new cars with similar size to the Opel Combo Tour 2012:

Opel Combo Tour comparator with other vehicles

More similar automobiles to current model

Category of passenger vans

Combo Tour 2012 parking space simulator

Vauxhall Combo van review

The spacious and clever vauxhall combo is one of our current small van favourites.

4.5 out of 5

• Good payload weights
• Comfortable to drive
• Clever safety tech
• Optional safety kit
• Plain looks
• Notchy gearbox

With its switch to PSA Group running gear, the Vauxhall Combo van is now a front-runner in the small van class. There are generous cargo weights in the back, easy access and plenty of useful load carrying options. On top of that, the cab is a comfortable place to spend time, and there's a raft of great safety kit available to make working life easier. On the road, the diesel engines deliver enough pulling power to keep pace with traffic, while the car-derived running gear means it feels good to drive, too. The Combo should definitely be on any small van buyer's shortlist.

Vauxhall has a long history when it comes to small vans. Cars like the Vauxhall Viva and Astra had their Bedford van counterparts, and when the commercial vehicles came under the Vauxhall brand, it continued to have a presence in the field. The Vauxhall Combo launched in 2018 is now into its fifth generation, and it's definitely the best version yet.

It was one of the first models from Vauxhall to be launched as part of the company's ownership by the PSA Group. It uses the same basic bodyshell and running gear as sister models from Peugeot and Citroen  (and a fourth van from  Toyota ) and this means it's leaps and bounds better than the Mk4 Combo it replaced.

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The squarer body shape means there's good space inside, while a low floor makes access easy. Payloads have increased, too, and it's now possible to get up to one tonne of cargo in the back. Even more useful is a handy load indicator in the cargo area, which warns you if you are overloading the rear of the van.

The Vauxhall Combo comes in two lengths and one roof height (L1 H1 and L2 H1), and there's also a Crew Van based on the L2 H1 version. There are three trims available: Edition, Sportive and Limited Edition Nav. The basic Edition is designed to cater for fleet buyers, but is still pretty well equipped, while the Sportive and LE Nav vans bump up the kit count for smaller business users.

All vans come with heated electric door mirrors, electric windows and a single sliding side door as standard (it used to be cost option). The L2 version also adds a second sliding side door, while all variants feature offset double doors at the back. Safety kit includes a driver's airbag, auto lights, hill start assist and a full steel bulkhead.

Move up to Sportive trim and you get body coloured bumpers and wheel trims to smarten up the looks, while metallic paint is thrown in as a no-cost option. Inside, cruise control and air conditioning are added, as are a lidded glovebox and steering wheel controls for the audio system.

At the top of the range, LE Nav cars feature an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, alloy wheels and more body coloured trim to give the van a more stylish look. In addition, the Crew Van version adds a second row of seats that can be folded and a steel mesh bulkhead that can slide back and forth to make more cargo room when the back seats aren't in use.

There are plenty of options offered, allowing you to upgrade the Combo to suit your needs. All option packs are available on all three models, too. The Parking Pack adds front and rear sensors, a rear camera and a nearside camera to give you a view of the van's blind spot. go for the Safety Pack and you add lane assist, traffic sign recognition, a tiredness alert and automatic emergency braking with forward collision alert.

Also available is the FlexCargo Pack, which turns the Combo into a three-seater. It also bumps up the versatility, with a load-through bulkhead and seats that flip and fold for different configurations. The Parking Pack adds front and rear parking sensors, plus a panoramic rear-view camera that can be switched permanently on to double as a rear-view mirror. Also included are side sensors and a nearside rear-facing camera that can help drivers detect objects in their blind spot.

Engines initially featured a 1.6 Turbo D badged either 75PS or 100PS, but this was replaced by a 1.5 Turbo D in the same outputs, while a 130PS version of this engine was available from launch. The 75PS and 100PS diesels both come with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 130PS has a six-speed manual and an eight-speed auto option. Vauxhall offers the IntelliGrip Pack, which adds a switchable traction control system that can adjust settings to suit different surfaces.

If you need more grip, the Combo Cargo 4x4 is available. This features the 130PS diesel and comes in L1 or L2 body lengths and a ride height raised by up to 20mm, while the four-wheel-drive transmission is a system developed by French firm Dangel. The company has close ties with the PSA Group, having built Peugeot 4x4s in the past, but the Combo Cargo will be the only model to be offered as a 4x4 in the UK.

Also available - and a bit of a rarity in the small van market these days - is a 1.2 Turbo petrol engine. This is baged 110PS and features stop-start, but is only really recommended if you do plenty of urban miles with light payloads on board, and you really want to ditch diesel, but aren't prepared to make the switch to electric just yet.

On the road, the Vauxhall Combo feels good to drive. The car-derived platform delivers secure handling and good grip, while the driving position gives a good view of the road and your surroundings. The manual gearbox could do with a bit more of a positive shift, but overall the Combo is a comfortable van to drive.

The small van class is packed with rivals, chief among them being the Combo's sister models, the Citroen Berlingo Van , Peugeot Partner  and Toyota Proace City . Beyond these three, there's the Ford Transit Connect , Renault Kangoo , Mercedes Citan , Volkswagen Caddy and Fiat Doblo . Thankfully, the Vauxhall Combo has a level of talent that means it can easily compete with all of them.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Prices for the Vauxhall Combo start from around £18,500 for the L1 version, while the longer L2 model starts from around £20,500. The Crew Van is £1,000 more than the L2 it's based on, while the most expensive model is the L2 van in LE Nav trim at around £23,100. Those prices start slightly higher than for the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner , but the most expensive model comes in at less than these two.

Standard kit is reasonable, because you get electric windows, heated electric mirrors, a full steel bulkhead, sliding side door, six lashing eyes in the cargo area, a trip computer, central locking and a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel.

Move up to a Sportive model, and you get kit such as rear parking sensors, air conditioning and cruise control, while metallic paint is a no-cost option.

One thing that the Combo allows you to do is spec your van with as much or as little kit as you like, and even the entry-level Edition model can be upgraded with options. You can add a second sliding door to L1 vans (double sliding doors are standard on L2 vans and Crew Van variants), glazing for the doors, plywood or vinyl load floor coverings. Other convenience items include sat-nav, electronic climate control and even a head-up display. Vauxhall also offers packs to boost the Combo's load carrying and give it some off-road ability.

The diesel engine range offers good economy, and stop-start is fitted across the range. The 75PS Turbo D has best WLTP-tested fuel economy of 53.3mpg, but the more powerful 100PS version manages up to 54.3mpg. The powerful 130PS Turbo D records 50.4mpg, while adding the auto box pegs it back to 48.7mpg. These figures are the same for the L1 and L2 models, while the Crew Van with the 1.5 100PS Turbo D also has a recorded WLTP maximum of 54.3mpg. Go for the 1.2 Turbo petrol, and 51mpg is the best WLTP economy figure offered.

The Combo Cargo 4x4 only suffers a small impact on fuel economy thanks to the new transmission. The system is set up so that it automatically starts in front-drive mode when you start the van - you have to physically select 4WD via a dash-mounted control to engage the rear wheels.

Service intervals for the 1.2 Turbo petrol are annual or every 12,500 miles. We'd go for the 1.5 Turbo D if you want the lowest servicing costs, because there are two years or 25,000 miles between services.

Load Space and Practicality

The Vauxhall Combo uses a platform that combines the PSA Group's EMP2 chassis with the payload area of the last Berlingo and Partner vans. It's been tweaked here to make even more space, and there's a load volume of 3.3 cubic metres in the L1 version of the Combo. The L2 has a longer wheelbase and extended rear overhang to create a 3.9 cubic metre load volume. In comparison, the Crew Van has 3.5-4 cubic metres of space with the seats in place and folded.

The Combo's load height is 580mm on the L1 and 620mm on the L2, while load length is 1.78 metres, or 2.31 metres for the L2. Width between the wheelarches is 1.23 metres, and these dimensions mean there's enough room for two Europallets in the back of the Combo. And with the rear door openings measuring 1.24 metres by 1.19 metres, and the side door measuring 1.07 metres high, access to the cargo area is easy.

While the old Cargo only offered sliding side doors as an option, you now get one as standard on the L1 and a pair on the L2. The rear doors have a 60:40 split, while all doors can be glazed if you need it, and you can add a window to the steel bulkhead, too. Vauxhall also offers plywood or vinyl floor coverings to protect the load floor.

Add the FlexCargo system, and you get some useful extra features. There's a hole in the bulkhead and a fold-down front seat that allows you to load items that are 3.1 metres long (3.4 metres in the L2), while the front seat base also flips up - similar in style to Honda's Magic Seat layout, that creates an additional 500 litres of space in the front. You also get a cargo bag so that longer items that you load through don't mark or damage the van's interior. Finally, the FlexCargo system adds two seats to the cab, allowing you to travel three-up, although this seat layout can be a bit cramped for three adults.

Other useful features that are available include a roof flap (L1 models only) for longer items, while a trick Overload Indicator is offered, which lets you know when the van is near or exceeding its maximum gross vehicle weight.

The Combo Cargo 4x4 has an identical set of cargo bay dimensions and volumes, but the raised ride height means the load floor is higher. The ride height is 185mm in standard 4x4 guise, while adding the Plus Pack bumps this up by another 20mm to 205mm.

Reliability and Safety

The Vauxhall Combo uses the PSA Group's latest tech on board. It features EMP2 technology up front, which means Vauxhall has been able to offer a range of safety features that are more commonly seen on passenger cars. Standard safety kit includes a driver's airbag, a full-height steel bulkhead to separate the cargo and passenger areas, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist and emergency brake assist.

A passenger airbag is available as an option, as are side and curtain airbags. Tyre pressure monitors are also offered, while the Overload Indicator helps you know when you're reaching or exceeding the Combo's permissible payload weight.

Vauxhall also offers the Safety Pack, which adds a raft of safety kit that would have been unheard of on a van like this only a few years ago. The system uses a front camera system that means lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking are all included. This Safety Pack costs around £700, and is a worthwhile addition to keep you safe on the road.

Van security includes remote central locking, an engine immobiliser, visible VIN plate and electronically protected audio equipment. On top of that, Sportive and LE Nav models get an alarm that monitors the cargo area and cabin. It also includes an alert showing if your van has suffered from an attempted break-in while the van has been left.

Reliability is something that will be looked at with keen interest with van buyers. A switch from a joint venture with Fiat for the last Combo to this new PSA Group model should see an improvement in reliability. The EMP2 platform has been around for a few years, so any bugs should've been ironed out, while the electrics are shared with a variety of other PSA Group models, too. The fact the Combo Cargo uses tried-and-tested running gear can only hold it in good stead.

It's a similar story with the Combo Cargo 4x4. Dangel is an experienced four-wheel-drive specialist with decades of knowledge in fitting drivetrains, while the components are all covered by the standard Combo Cargo warranty.

Driving and Performance

The 1.5 Turbo D 100 is expected to be the main seller in the range, and it's a decent performer. There's only a five-speed gearbox, but refinement at motorway speeds is acceptable. There's decent sound deadening around the cabin to keep wind and road noise low, and the engine is relatively new and used in a wide variety of models, and delivers good refinement once it's warmed up.

The engine is let down a little by the five-speed gearbox. There's not enough torque to let the engine take the strain, and changing gear is a bit vague - it's lacking the positive shift of some of its rivals. That's especially true when selecting reverse, which can occasionally need a couple of tries to engage.

The suspension soaks up bumps well to deliver a comfortable ride, although adding a heavy payload will add a harshness to the rear suspension over big bumps. Light steering helps with low-speed driving, while adding the optional parking aids and safety assistance systems means you'll be going some to have an accident in the Combo.

The Combo Cargo 4x4 is an impressive piece of kit off-road. The switchable 4WD does nothing to harm the van's on-road manners, while the extra suspension height seems to improve the ride a little, and there's less stress on the front tyres when exiting slippery junctions. With optional all-terrain tyres fitted, the 4x4 is almost as capable as many dedicated SUVs. The extra ride height helps to an extent – although it's still at greater risk of grounding than a pure 4x4, while standard hill descent control does a good job of keeping the van in check on downhill slopes. A diff lock is also offered for extremely slippery conditions, but you're more likely to avoid the roughest terrain before you need it.

Cab and Interior

The Combo has a thoroughly modern interior, although its links with the PSA Group are clear as day. While the Peugeot Partner sister model gets the company's 'dial-high' i-Cockpit layout, the only real differences between the Vauxhall and Citroen Berlingo Van are with the Combo's touch points. You get a steering wheel, gearlever and indicator stalks that are the same as those found in cars such as the Astra and Grandland X, while the trip computer and Intellilink sat-nav have dedicated Vauxhall graphics.

Move to the centre console, and the climate and radio controls are the same as you'll find in a Peugeot or Citroen, but that does mean the climate controls are slightly recessed under the air vents, making them a bit tricky to read and use.

The rest of the buttons are laid out reasonably well, while the steering wheel controls for the radio are arguably easier to use than the buttons themselves.

Space is good in the Combo, with rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel helping you to get comfortable at the wheel. Big wing mirrors help with the view out, while the optional rear-view camera is a useful addition.

In two-seat mode the Combo has plenty of room for two, with no issues regarding head or elbow room. The driver's seat gets an armrest to boost comfort, too. Go for the FlexCargo pack, and the single passenger seat is replaced by a double seat. This will obviously be less roomy than a single seat, but the middle seat back folds down to create a table, while the outer seat folds down or flips up to create additional storage.

Elsewhere, there's overhead storage as standard, while dashtop trays and big door bins are fitted. There are two 12v sockets and two USB sockets in the cab, and an open tray in front of the passenger seat, but only Sportive and LE Nav cars get a glovebox. It's a pretty big one, though, with enough room for an A4 clipboard or even a laptop inside.

Van dimensions

Load area dimensions.

(Width between wheel arches: 1,229mm)

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

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2012 Opel Combo Tour specs

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Opel Combo-e review: A van that almost feels like a car

Is it coincidental that this is the fourth commercial vehicle in a row that I've driven? Beats me. But if they all felt this composed, I wouldn't mind driving more of them.

Out of all the commercial vehicles we've reviewed this year, some were good, while others were… Well, let's just say an urgent appointment with the chiropractor was made after I was done with them.

It could be why I was looking forward to the Opel Combo-e, since it would be the first European commercial vehicle I would drive this year.

An e-lectric Opel van?

The Combo has been the go-to small van in the Opel range since its inception in 1986.

Not much bigger or longer than most bread-and-butter cars, perhaps the most outstanding feature was the Opel logo on the front grille, as most of our local populace would assume that a van would be something from Japanese manufacturers, not the Europeans.

With its car-like front end and boxy body shape, there was no mistaking what it was, especially when compared to the Japanese, who more or less had similar body shapes and lines across the various brands. 

And if you're thinking, "wasn't it previously available as a diesel?", you would be right.

Previous iterations were powered by internal combustion, with the Combo-e only being launched locally in August of this year, being one of two electric van offerings from Opel.

Unassuming looks

Let's be honest here, if this were to pull up beside you, minus the eye-catching livery that was applied here, you wouldn't take a second look.

While Opel's new design language is edgier and more angular, the Combo-e doesn't seem to have gotten the full extent of the memo.

With its softer lines and less defined creases, it's not going to stand out in a crowd. Perhaps the most angular part of its design would be the headlights cluster, with the daytime running light's LED strip providing some semblance to Opel's new design language.

While there may be some out there who might question this move, what is the point of a commercial vehicle?

It is to assist a business in revenue-generating activities, such as transporting various goods, cargo and documents, and rarely is it a platform for a manufacturer to showcase their latest and greatest. 

Drive to surprise

That being said, whatever impression its subdued looks might give you would be irrelevant once you start driving it. Why? Because you wouldn't expect a van to feel this car-like.

Granted, this isn't a vehicle you would drive exuberantly, for that completely defeats its intended purpose, but if you were to be blindfolded as a passenger, you would very well assume you're in a car.

One of the first things I noticed was how it was fitted with Michelin Primacy Four tyres, and it showed with the quiet ride. I never had to raise my voice for a conversation nor turn up the music to drown out any ambient noises.

Coupled with ride quality that was better than some cars I've ridden in, I was genuinely surprised how reminiscent of a car the Combo-e was. 

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Steering feel was vague at best, being rather light and overboosted. But, the small turning circle of 5.9 metres was greatly welcome, and together with the light steering, made manoeuvring at low speeds a painless affair. 

A single electric motor draws power from a 50 kWh battery, producing 134 bhp and 260 Nm of torque that drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, with weight at 1,632 kg.

The century sprint is a claimed 9.2 seconds, and given how responsive the throttle felt, we have little reason to doubt those numbers.

Top speed is quoted at 150 km/h, and while we didn't come close to those numbers, it is theoretically more than capable of overtaking those pesky lane hoggers on the expressway. Just don't ask us how we know this. 

The maximum DC charging rate is 50 kW, and based on our experience, recharging a near empty battery takes an hour. AC charging is capped at 11 kW, so expect to take at least six hours to fully recharge an empty battery.

While claimed range is 293 kilometres, I got approximately 200 kilometres per charge. Then again, I didn't drive it economically.

I did, however, attain an overall average of 19 kWh/100km, which was within the claimed efficiency range of 18.1 to 22.7 kWh/100km. If you can drive it with a light enough foot, 250 kilometres per charge could be possible.

An interior with so much storage space

With 3.9 cubic metres of load capacity, it's not the biggest. But with its boxy shape and height of 1.88 metres, cargo space is actually much more than you might think.

I even ferried six colleagues in the back on a short drive. However, we wouldn't recommend doing this unless necessary as there isn't any ventilation and it gets really stuffy back there.  

Interior materials, being a mix of hard plastics and black vinyl, are basic but sufficient.

Fortunately, there are creature comforts like cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity (with decent speakers to boot), and automatic headlights and windows. The physical controls for the HVAC system, instead of touch-sensitive panels, were also very welcome. 

But the best part of the interior is just how much storage space there is.

Besides the regular glovebox and door cubbies, there are additional compartments in front of both the driver and passenger, ample space in between the seats for your bag, and even a shelf-like space above for smaller items like documents. Truly, kudos to Opel for thinking of something like this. 

Is it e-nough?

Priced at $145,000, the Combo-e is not the most affordable commercial vehicle, especially with the cheaper options offered by Chinese manufacturers.

Its range is an issue too, given how much it can be affected by load, ambient temperature and driving style, but this is a common factor among all electric commercial vehicles.

But to think in that manner is counterintuitive to what the Combo-e stands for. Among all the electric commercial vehicles that we've tested in 2022, this is by far the most composed and comfortable of them all.

Instead of feeling physically tired or beat up after a long drive, I feel no different than if I were to have driven a car instead. 

Yes, electric commercial vehicles still have shortcomings. But when it comes to operating costs, they are cheaper and require less maintenance and downtime.

There's no doubt advancements in technology will improve range, and all that's required now is whether you and your business are willing to take this step into electric mobility.

ALSO READ:  2023 Polestar 2 SRSM review: In pole position

This article was first published in Motorist .

Opel Combo (B) Tour (1995 - 2001) specifications, reviews and tests

Opel combo (b) tour (1995 - 2001) technical data and specs, popular car brands.