Opel Combo-e Life XL. First trip, impressions, technical data and prices
Content
Vans, minivans and station wagons are slowly losing popularity, being replaced by less functional, but definitely more fashionable and increasingly popular crossovers and SUVs. Large, roomy, practical and comfortable - these are the most important characteristics. How does the classic of the genre, Opel Combo in 7-seat XL version, but in a modern electric version, find itself in this new world? I tested it on the roads around Rüsselsheim.
Opel Combo-e Life XL. Exterior and interior
As I said, Opel Combo-e XL is a classic of the genre. The big box body at 4753mm long, 1921mm wide and as much as 1880mm high is not very pretty and certainly no one will see this car on the street, but that's not the point. It should be practical, functional, while maintaining the appropriate aesthetics. I must admit that this is not an ugly car, although I did not like this segment. Of course, there is no modern styling here, which Opel stylists have successfully applied in the new Astra or Mocka, including, but it is very correct. On the side, we have a pleasant ribbing and imitation of flared wheel arches that give the silhouette lightness, a wide strip on the door not only protects the edges in parking lots, but also looks pretty good, and the window lines have spectacular undercuts. in the lower part. Large lampshades with a subtle LED signature are used at the front, while the vertical lamps at the rear also have a nice interior pattern.
The interior is also very correct. The stylists deserve a huge plus for the fact that they managed to hide the car's pitch. There are cup holders in the dashboard, compartments in its upper part, including above the virtual clock, the center console is very aesthetically pleasing, and the compartment hidden under the roller blinds is very deep. The quality of the materials is quite average, hard plastic reigns almost everywhere, but the fit is on top, and the ease of cleaning is probably at a high level. Praiseworthy features include a handy smartphone pocket with inductive charging (it will fit a large smartphone) and a huge storage compartment under the ceiling. There is plenty of room for passengers in the second and third rows. Anyway, the two seats in the third row offer the same amount of space as in the second row. Ba! One would like to say that it can be even more convenient there, because there is a lot of space between the seats.
See also: Is it possible not to pay civil liability when the car is only in the garage?
With the seats unfolded, the capacity of the luggage compartment is very symbolic - two carry-on suitcases will fit there. After folding the third row, the trunk volume increases to 850 liters, and when the second row is also abandoned, you can successfully organize the move - up to 2693 liters are available.
Opel Combo-e Life XL. Engine and driving experience
What drives the Opel Combo-e Life XL? The same as the Opel Corsa-e, Peugeot 208 2008 and the entire range of electric Stellantis. There are no changes under the hood - this is an electric motor with a capacity of 136 hp. and a torque of 260 Nm, powered by a 50 kWh battery. The power reserve on a fully charged battery is, according to the manufacturer, 280 kilometers, which is unlikely to allow long family trips. In addition, during test drives, energy consumption was about 20 kWh / 100 km, so it will be difficult to drive 280 kilometers. It should be noted that I was traveling alone. With a full set of passengers, energy consumption would probably increase significantly. It is a pity that the concern stubbornly uses the same drive unit all the time, which is not the most efficient. While it performs quite well in an electric Corsa or 208, in larger cars like the Combo-e Life or Zafira-e Life, 136bhp. and a 50kWh battery just isn't enough. Of course, the same power unit is in the Combo-e version, i.e. delivery car. In this case, it makes sense if the car is used by a company that has a charging station, and the car itself works, for example, within the city. In the case of a passenger car, especially a 7-seater, from time to time there is a scenario of a further trip, and the expectation of recharging the battery, often even an hour, by the whole family, children, etc. it's hard for me to imagine. In terms of dynamics, it is modest. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 11,7 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h.
Opel Combo-e Life XL. Prices and equipment
We will buy the cheapest Opel Combo-e Life for PLN 159. This will be a "short" version with a complete set of Elegance. Interestingly, there is no option with a lower configuration, so we always buy an almost top-end version, which to some extent justifies the rather high price. You have to pay PLN 150 for the XL version. In my opinion, the surcharge is small, and the functionality is much more. However, it is a pity that the price is so high, because the variant with a 5100 petrol engine with 1.2 hp. and automatic transmission, equipped with Elegance + (also 131-seater XL) costs PLN 7. The car is livelier (123 seconds), faster (750 km/h), has no range problems and costs more than $10,7 less. After all, in such cases it is difficult to protect electricians.
Opel Combo-e Life XL. Summary
I know that after some time there will be no choice and when buying a new car, you will have to put up with the electric drive. But while there are traditional alternatives, electric drive is not the best solution for some cars. A modest range that will shrink even further under load, limited performance (a top speed of just 130 km/h) and a high purchase price are features that exclude this car from many applications. Will a large family buy an electric van with a real range of just over 200 kilometers at a price of more than PLN 160 without any additional services? For some companies, this is an interesting solution, but I'm afraid manufacturers are starting to forget about the needs of ordinary users.
Opel Combo-e Life XL - Benefits:
- pleasant driving characteristics;
- the machine is gentle and comfortable;
- very decent standard equipment;
- a lot of space in the cabin;
- many useful storage compartments and caches;
- attractive design.
Opel Combo-e Life XL - disadvantages:
- modest assortment;
- limited performance;
- High price.
The most important technical data of Opel Combo-e Life XL:
Opel Combo-e Life XL 136 km 50 kWh | |
Price (PLN, gross) | from 164 |
Body type / number of doors | Combination van / 5 |
Length/width (mm) | 4753/1921 |
Track front/rear (mm) | bd / bd |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2977 |
Luggage compartment volume (l) | 850/2693 |
number of seats | 5/7 |
Own weight (kg) | 1738 |
Total battery capacity (kWh) | 50 kWh |
Drive system | electric |
driving axle | front |
Performance | |
Power (hp) | 136 |
Torque (Nm) | 260 |
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) | 11,7 |
Speed (km / h) | 130 |
Claimed range (km) | 280 |
See also: Skoda Enyaq iV - electric novelty
