1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168 
VAUXHALL COMB
Page 40
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Combo is a rare beast, in that it is all things to all men—or so it would like to think. Need heavy payload capability? You've got it. Need big volume loadspace? You've got it. Need car-size drivability? You've got it. In fact the combination has proved such a winner that Combo sales were up 82% last year compared to 2001, and it is now the country's best selling light commercial van.
Originally introduced in 1993, the Combo has become an indispensable tool-of-the-trade for many businesses. Its evolution has mirrored the demands of the market and any
changes incorporated are there for a reason. This constant updating now sees Vauxhall offer the Combo in two versions: the 1700 has a maximum payload of 520kg, while the uprated 2000 can now carry up to 71og.
Its engine range is solid and proven. There are two diesel options; both are turbocharged and based on the same, 1.7-litre, 16-valve engine. The Di produces 65hp at 4,400rpm with i3oNm delivered between 2,0003,000rpm. The DTi is charge-cooled, boosting power to 75hp with a useful 165Nm available between 1,800-3,000rpm.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 87hp at 5,400rpm with 138Nm at 3,000trim, and also forms the basis for a congestion charge friendly LPG dual-fuel version.
Options for the Combo include nearside and offside sliding doors, a handy FlexCargo fold-flat passenger seat that integrates with the movable bulkhead, passenger airbag, satellite navigation and four-disc CD autochanger.
Our test model also came with Function Pack A, which includes remote control security alarm, heated rear windows, map reading lights, rear window wash/wipers and passenger's underseat storage tray.
In fact, everything you'd want in your Combo, but at an extra cost.
For many people, a commercial vehicle will be judged on one thing—economy, or lack of it. Last time we tested the Combo round CM's Kent test route, it managed an impressive 44.6mPg; nearly top of its class, though it was pipped by the Volkswagen Caddy TDi, which returned 49 .impg.
This time, the stakes were higher as the van was carrying a heavier load, so theoretically this would affect the performance. Surprisingly we recorded an even better figure of 48.2mpg.
This compares favourably with the Citroen Berlingo H Di (44.0mpg and 525kg payload) and the Fiat Doblo Cargo (45.2mpg and 55okg), and this makes the Combo one frugal van, especially considering its increased payload. Loading the Combo is a cinch thanks to its extra low floor and high roof. That removable bulkhead is a definite bonus and well worth considering.
On the road
When driving the Combo, you are immediately struck by the car-like handling, which comes as no surprise as it's derived from the Corsa. And it's all the better for it. Long journeys can be a pain if you have to concentrate on keeping the vehicle in lane but the Combo is firmly planted on the road. Point it in the direction you want and off you go. Steering was also of a high standard, with a positive turn-in on corners; handy if you're carrying a full load. Speaking of full loads, we bet you're wondering how the uprated chassis copes with a heavier payload. Well, considering that we were carrying a gross 795kg, the Combo did well, but this will affect the responsiveness of the chassis.
Having that torquey engine to enhance the chassis definitely helps the driving experience. It would be safe to say that it is one of our favourite small diesel engines. Praise indeed. Keep it spinning between 2,0004,000rpm and you should have no problem in overtaking slow-moving vehicles and keeping your travel time down. The hill climbs on our test route were tackled with gusto, show
ing the engine is more than able to handle different driving conditions. The five-speed syncromesh gearbox is OK but does not match the high standards of the engine, and it can seem quite notchy at times.
One thing that was noticeable at higher speeds was the intrusion of road-roar and wind noise, though these were most prominent when the Combo was fully laden. it's a small gripe but may become an irritation on long journeys.
For a working vehicle, the Combo's cab does the job well. Access in and out is good and the cab is light and airy giving the appearance that it's bigger than it actually is. Once inside, the driver's seat is comfortable and well shaped. Looking ahead, you are confronted by an attractive three-spoke steering wheel and a simple, well laid-out instrument display—a case of less being more. All major controls are nicely laid out, with simple heating and radio switches on both the dash and the steering wheel. It all feels well put together and the controls are sturdy.
Storage is adequate, with door bins and a large shelf situated above the driver's head, suitable for large snaps and files. Visibility is good with the big windscreen allowing an excellent
view out and lots of light in. The oversized door mirrors are a good idea and the high roof helps rear vision.
The optional removable bulkhead and fold-down front seat is a practical feature for anyone carrying longer items, as it extends the load compartment length to well over two metres. And a side-effect of the bulkhead locking into position with the folded seat is that you are well protected from being assaulted by any loose items when cornering.
Our main gripe is the interior colour scheme. The dash and the door trim come in one all-encompassing colour—grey—and of such a shade that long journeys could destroy a man's soul. And the seat trim looks like woven stone cladding; practical, yes, and no doubt cost-effective, but perhaps not as appealing as you would like in a long-term partner.
Summary It's no secret that the Combo has been a runaway success. Its practical mix of capacity, payload and access is unbeatable. Sales figures for the vehicle do not lie and the Combo goes from strength to strength in that department.
Vauxhall has been wise not to upset the formula, only adding to it from time to time. The latest addition of increasing the maximum payload is a wise one and can only open it up to a wider audience. Overall, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Combo. It has everything you need and you'd be hard pushed to find fault. And with a five-seater version on the way, it truly is a van for all reasons.