Opel drops the Vizor on updated load lugging Combo Cargo van

Introduced five years ago as one of the first Opel models to ride on a platform developed by the erstwhile PSA Group, the Combo van has been revised to feature not only a new reworked interior, but also the Vizor and Compass grille showcased on the current Mokka and more recently, the facelift Corsa.

New outside

Unveiled solely in standard and long wheelbase Cargo configurations, the internally named Combo E’s updates not only includes the Blitz’s new grille, but additionally a restyled front bumper with new inverted L-shaped faux air inlets on either side, and the Matrix IntelliLux LED headlights as a first time option.

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At the rear, the Combo Cargo continues unchanged, with the same applying to the mentioned bodystyles, the latter being offered either as a van or a Crew Cab that provides seating for five by means of a bench seat separated by a mesh partition from the cargo hold.

Dimensions and payload

Dimensionally, the standard wheelbase Combo measures 4 403 mm long, 1 848 mm wide and 1 796 mm tall in its lowest roof specification.

Riding on EMP2 architecture that also underpins the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and joint venture Toyota ProAce City, the Combo wheelbase stretches 2 785 mm with the payload varying from 650 kg to 1 021 kg. Maximum cargo capacity is 3.8 m³.

For the long wheelbase Cargo, width and height are both unchanged, however, the overall length increases to 4 753 mm and wheelbase to 2 975 mm.

Claimed payload varies from 850 kg to 1 000 kg with the cargo hold itself capable of accommodating up to 4.4 m³.

New inside

Inside, the interior now resembles that of the Astra and Corsa by being the recipient of the same steering wheel, a Combo first 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android and an equally new 10-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end models.

New or revised on the safety side is Adaptive Cruise Control, a surround-view camera system, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring.

Worth noting though is that the mentioned safety tech is not standard across all models and will most likely be omitted from lower-end derivatives.

Petrol, diesel or electric

Up front, the Combo Cargo’s range of powertrains remain unaltered with two outputs each for the three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine and the 1.5 Blue CDTi turbodiesel; 81kW/205Nm and 96kW/230Nm, and 75kW/250Nm with the more potent oil-burner developing 96kW/300Nm.

Transmission-wise, a six-speed manual is standard on both diesels and the lesser petrol, with an eight-speed automatic optional on the latter oil-burner and the sole choice for the 96 kW PureTech.

Renamed from Combo-e to Combo Electric, the zero-emissions model keeps hold of the 50-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor for a total system output of 100kW/260Nm. The claimed range is 330 km and top speed 130 km/h.

As standard, the Combo Electric sports a 7.4 kW on-board charger or an option, an 11 kW outlet. Supporting DC charging up to 100 kW though requires a waiting time of 30 minutes, according to Opel.

Not yet confirmed

The first model in parent company Stellantis’s commercial vehicle range to be revealed after its maiden mid-life overhaul, the Combo is expected to go on-sale before year-end at the Vigo Plant in Spain, or in the case of models made by UK sister brand Vauxhall, the Ellesmere Port facility.

Likely to be followed within the coming weeks by the Life people carrier, the Combo Cargo remains unconfirmed for South Africa, but should approval be given, expect it to arrive in early 2024 with pricing to be confirmed then.

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