Vauxhall have officially announced their replacement for the outgoing Vauxhall Combo – it will be a rebadged Fiat Doblo. As far as the external changes are concerned, they appear to be limited to the grille and front bumper, although no pictures of the Vauxhall variant are available yet, we have seen the Opel pictures. The outgoing Combo was based on the Corsa car, whereas the Doblo and new Combo twin has been designed as a commercial vehicle from the word go. The new Vauxhall Combo goes on sale from February 2012. It is produced with Vauxhall/Opel’s cooperation partner Fiat and is manufactured in Turkey.
Vauxhall has offered a Combo model line since 1996 and the current generation has been on the market since 2001. Even as it nears the end of its lifecycle, the Combo regularly tops its segment in the UK and has all-time sales of nearly 200,000 units.
As with the Fiat Doblo, the 2012 model Vauxhall Combo will be available in a choice of two wheelbases – 2,755mm or 3,105mm – giving an overall vehicle length of 4.39 metres and 4.74 metres respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 metres or 2.10 metres.
All van variants can be ordered with one or two optional sliding doors. In certain panel van configurations, an additional rear roof hatch can be installed to transport over length items, such as ladders.
There is up to 3,400 litres of cargo space in short wheelbase form and 4,200 litres with the longer wheelbase, the Combo offers one of the largest load volumes in both classes. Its low 54.4cm load height and variety of payloads up to one tonne are all best-in-class, while the aperture width of the sliding door is also the largest in segment. The short wheelbase version also offers a cargo deck with the greatest length, height and width between wheel arches.
The new Combo is available with four diesel engines. The units include a 1.3 CDTi and a 1.6 CDTi, each with 90PS, as well as a 1.6 CDTi variant with 105PS and a 2.0 CDTi engine providing 135PS. The 1.3 CDTi engines are fitted with five-speed manual transmissions, while the more powerful CDTi units have a six-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 CDTi is also offered with Vauxhall’s ’Tecshift’ automated five-speed manual transmission. With the exception of the Tecshift units, all powertrains are available with Start/Stop functionality to deliver even lower fuel consumption and emissions.
The entry level Combo includes a generous level of standard equipment, including remote dead locking, power steering, a height and reach adjustable steering column, electric windows, and a four-way adjustable driver’s seat.
