Opel Combo Life - above all practicality

The first Polish demonstration of the new Opel combivan took place in Warsaw. Here's what we already know about the fifth incarnation of the Combo model.

The concept of a delivery vehicle is not much younger than the concept of a passenger car. After all, the transportation of goods is critical to the economy on both the macro and micro scales. The first vans were built on the basis of passenger models. One thing about evolution, however, is that it can be perverse. Here is an example when a passenger body is built on a delivery vehicle. This is not a new idea, the predecessor of this segment was the French Matra Rancho introduced over 40 years ago. However, a lot of water had to pass in the Seine before the French decided to return to this idea. This was achieved in 1996 when the Peugeot Partner and twin Citroen Berlingo debuted on the market, the first modern vans with a completely redesigned body that does not use the front of a passenger car with a welded "box". On their basis, Combispace and Multispace passenger cars were created, which gave rise to the popularity of cars known today as combivans. New Opel Combo builds on the experience of these two cars, being the trio of their third incarnation. Together with Opel, the new Peugeot Rifter (Partner's successor) and the third version of the Citroen Berlingo will debut on the market.

Over the past four years, the combivan segment in Europe has grown by 26%. In Poland, it was almost twice as high, reaching a growth of 46%, while vans at the same time recorded a 21% increase in interest. Last year, for the first time in history, more vans were sold in Poland than vans in this segment. This perfectly illustrates the changes taking place in the market. Customers are increasingly looking for versatile passenger and delivery vehicles that can be used by both families and small companies.

Two bodies

From the very beginning, the offer of the body will be rich. Standard combo lifeAs the passenger version is called, it is 4,4 meters long and can accommodate five passengers. In the second row, a folding sofa 60:40 is used. If desired, it can be converted into three individually adjustable seats. Importantly for large families, the second row accommodates three child seats, and all three seats have Isofix mounts.

A third row of seats can also be ordered, making the Combo a seven-seater. If you stick to the basic configuration, then - measured to the top edge of the rear seats - the luggage compartment will hold 597 liters. With two seats, the cargo compartment increases to 2126 liters.

Even more options are offered by the 35cm extended version, also available in five or seven-seat versions. At the same time, the trunk with two rows of seats holds 850 liters, and with one row as much as 2693 liters. In addition to the second-row seatbacks, the front passenger seatback can be folded down, giving a floor area of ​​more than three meters. No SUV can offer such conditions, and not every minivan can compare with them.

The family character of the car can be traced in interior solutions. There are two storage compartments in front of the passenger seat, cabinets on the dashboard and retractable storage compartments in the center console. In the trunk, the shelf can be installed at two different heights, closing the entire trunk or dividing it into two parts.

The options list includes a smart removable top storage box with a capacity of 36 liters. From the side of the tailgate, it can be lowered, and from the side of the passenger compartment, access to its contents is possible through two sliding doors. Another great idea is the opening tailgate window, which gives quick access to the top of the trunk and allows you to use its capacity to 100% by packing it after closing the tailgate.

Modern technology

Until a few years ago, vans clearly lagged behind when it came to technical sophistication, and driver assistance systems in particular. The new Opel Combo has nothing to be ashamed of, because it can be equipped with a range of modern solutions. The driver can be supported by a 180-degree rear-view camera, Flank Guard and low-speed maneuvering side-tracking, head-up display HUD, parking assistant, adaptive cruise control or driver fatigue. detection system. A touch of luxury can be provided by a heated steering wheel, front seats or a panoramic sunroof.

Also worth mentioning is the collision warning system. It operates in a speed range from 5 to 85 km/h, beeping or initiating automatic braking to significantly reduce or avoid collision speed.

Entertainment was not forgotten either. The top display has a diagonal of eight inches. The multimedia system is, of course, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The USB port located under the screen allows you to charge devices, but if necessary, you can use the optional induction charger or the on-board 230V socket.

Two engines

Technically, there will be no difference between the triplets. Peugeot, Citroen and Opel will receive exactly the same powertrains. In our country, diesel varieties are more popular. The combo will be offered with 1.5 liter diesel engine in three power options: 75, 100 and 130 hp The first two will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the most powerful being mated to a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic.

An alternative would be the 1.2 Turbo petrol engine in two outputs: 110 and 130 hp. The former is available with a five-speed manual transmission, the latter only with the "automatic" mentioned above.

As standard, the drive will be transferred to the front axle. The IntelliGrip system with multiple driving modes will be available at an additional cost. Special settings for electronic systems or engine management allow you to more effectively overcome light terrain in the form of sand, mud or snow. If someone needs something more, they won't be disappointed, as the offer will also include a drive on both axles later.

The price list is not yet known. Orders can be placed before the summer holidays, with deliveries to early buyers in the second half of the year.