Vauxhall's Combo is a panel van with the one thing operators really need: serious carrying capacity of up to 4.4m3. Jonathan Crouch reports on the improved fourth generation version.

Ten Second Review

Vauxhall has usefully improved its fourth generation Combo with a smarter look, a more modern cabin and extra range for the EV version. As before, it's a very class-competitive compact van, with both short and long wheelbase body styles that together should be able to satisfy almost every buyer in this segment. With frugal running costs, smart design and strong practicality, it's everything a small LCV should be.

Background

Identity. We all have it. But certain vehicles often don't, particularly if they're vans designed on a shared platform. One such is the Vauxhall Combo, which over the years has been based around first General Motors, then Fiat engineering, but which since 2019 has shared almost everything with the Peugeot and Citroen vans it primarily competes against, as well as models from Fiat and Toyota. In designing the original version of this current fourth generation Combo, Vauxhall was allowed very little latitude in giving this LCV its own distinct look - but that changed in late 2023 as part of the update that created the version of it we're going to examine here. Which is just as well because the other changes made are the same as you'll find in the other four van models that share this one's design - the Peugeot Partner, the Citroen Berlingo, the Fiat Doblo and the Toyota Proace City. Namely improved cabin infotainment and a longer range for the electric version. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The Combo's diesel powerplants are as before, a 1.5-litre unit with 100 or 130PS. The units are combined with five and six-speed manual transmissions. In addition, a low-friction eight-speed automatic with Quickshift technology can be ordered in combination with the top-of-the-range 1.5-litre 130PS diesel. As for refinement, well, the slightly clattery note at start-up settles down quite acceptably once you get up to speed. There are powertrain differences with the electric version. Battery changes have been made here, but surprisingly they don't include installation of the latest 54kWh battery that the Stellantis Group is currently rolling out amongst its electric cars. Instead, the existing 50kWh pack has been revised to give 30 miles more driving range - now rated at 205 miles. A heat pump is now fitted as standard, so you'll be able to sustain most of that in really cold conditions. As before, the electric motor offers 136PS with 270Nm of torque. And there are three levels of brake regeneration, accessible via steering wheel paddles. Whichever body shape you choose - standard or long - you'll find that the driving position pretty good, with the steeply raked windscreen and low bonnet combining to give great visibility. Couple that with big panoramic door mirrors and the result is a vehicle you can be confident about driving even the most congested city streets where the light steering facilitates a tight turning circle, 11.2m in the short wheelbase version and 12.5m for the long wheelbase model.

Design and Build

The change in front-end look here is distinct enough to suggest this to be a new generation Combo, though actually under the skin the fundamentals here haven't changed very much and the practical loading stats haven't changed at all. The new 'Vizor' grille is much the same as has been added to all Vauxhall's passenger cars, featuring a smooth panel that runs the width of the front end with the latest company badge in its centre. Optionally flanking it are the brand's adaptive 'Intelli-Lux' LED matrix headlights, which incorporate 14 LED elements. There's a much fresher feeling inside too, with a dashboard redesign that allows for the installation of a 10-inch digital instrument cluster to go alongside a larger 10-inch central screen. This uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon cockpit platform that integrates AI for the first time. Lower trims get a redesigned smartphone station, allowing you to control the infotainment screen using your handset. As before, the cabin's practical with a large lockable glove box, several cubbies in the dash and large door pockets with enough room for half-litre bottles and A4 clipboards. As expected, it's all very car-like - as this design needs to be given that it's also used to create a passenger MPV, the Combo Life. Ahead of you, there's a steering wheel that adjusts for both reach and rake. And you sit very comfortably, with height and lumbar adjustment as well as a built-in armrest. A place to do business.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £22,000 (ex-VAT) for diesel versions, while the Combo Electric starts from around £27,000 (ex VAT and after grant-deduction), which is significantly less than the pre-facelift model. The Combo is available in two trim levels, 'Prime' and 'Pro', and with electric and diesel powertrains, with the latter offering a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. Both versions of the Combo are available in two lengths, with a choice of two or three front seats. The Combo is additionally offered as a five-seat Crew Cab. You'll need to stretch to the pricier 'Pro' model to get the 10-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10-inch centre screen with its Qualcomm Snapgragon Cockpit Platform AI platform and 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' wireless smartphone-mirroring. The Combo is equipped with an extensive suite of up to 18 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Intelligent Speed Assistance, Lane Keeping Assist, Advanced Emergency Braking and Driver Attention Alert, while Adaptive Cruise Control is also available as an option. The 'Pro' variant of the Combo also features Dynamic Surround Vision, which allows the driver to view an image of the rear and of the side blind spot while on the move, both displayed in the new high-definition digital rear-view mirror. Rear parking sensors, automatic headlight control and a comfort driver's seat with lumbar adjustment are also included as standard, while 'Pro' versions are fitted with power-folding door mirrors, a load-through bulkhead and dual-passenger bench with under-seat storage. Black door mirror caps and side mouldings with 16-inch wheel trims complete the offering on 'Pro' trim.

Practicalities and Costs

For potential Combo buyers, the practical facts make compulsive reading. No other rival can better this Vauxhall's maximum potential carriage capacity of up to 4.4m3. And you'll do well to better this contender when it comes to wheelbase length, potential payload, rear axle load, maximum load length or maximum load height. Short wheelbase, long wheelbase and crew van body styles are available. And this little LCV can carry a load volume of up to 4.4m3 and a payload of up to a tonne. Longer items up to 3,440mm, such as pipes and ladders, can be stored safely and securely, thanks to the rear swing doors and the useful 'FlexCargo' loading hatch that opens through to the cab. The cargo area has easily enough room to slide in the usual Euro pallet. And running costs? Well here, there's little for operators to worry about. Returns from the various turbo-charged, direct injection petrol and diesel engines are competitive, CO2 emissions starting from 111g/km and fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg possible for the 1.5-litre 100PS diesel. The 1.5-litre 130PS diesel manages 65.7mpg and 113g/km. All powertrains meet the stringent Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. As you'd want, the Electric model (which now goes up to 205 miles on a charge) supports up to 100kW rapid (DC) charging, with an 80% re-charge taking 30 minutes, while a full charge from a 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox takes 7.5 hours thanks to the 7.4kW on-board charger. Customers with access to three-phase power can specify an optional 11kW on-board charger that will charge the Combo Electric in 5 hours, when using a wallbox that also supports this faster home-charging solution. You'll also need to know that Vauxhall includes a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty as standard, a package that can be extended up to five years and 100,000 miles at extra cost. A year's free breakdown cover is also provided, along with a six-year anti-corrosion guarantee. Service intervals are at 20,000 miles or every 12 months, depending on which comes round sooner and you can opt for a service plan that lets you pay monthly to spread the cost of regular work to your car. As part of this, Vauxhall offers discounts on wear and tear items, such as brake pads and windscreen wipers.

Summary

Vauxhall builds more vans in Britain than anyone else. More importantly, it sells more vans in Britain than anyone else. But that position in the market can't be maintained unless the brand is properly represented in the compact LCV segment. The fourth generation Combo needed an update and this one has given it a fresh lease of life. The looks are a bit more striking, the cabin feels more modern and the electric version now goes a bit further. Otherwise though, is pretty much as you were, which means the only reason to choose a Combo over its mechanically-identical Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Toyota cousins lies with pricing and dealer service. Vauxhall's extensive franchise network should help here and if that and a sharp deal swing your preference this Combo's way, you'll find it appropriately practical and commercially efficient. It's still not perhaps the most interesting compact van you could choose, but it might now be the one you actually need.