Presentation and road test Opel Combo Life 2018: an MPV that can handle anything
Diego G. Moreira
8 October 2018
6 min. 
The first vehicle built by Opel in Vigo is the new Opel Combo 2018, a van with more MPV qualities than industrial ones, which we have tested.
Despite what it may seem, I haven’t made a mistake in the headline: I know the new Opel Combo is really a van, but I found it unfair to classify it in that category, at least in the concept of a van we had until now, since the Opel Combo 2018 is much more similar to an MPV than to an industrial vehicle, in terms of space, driving and equipment.
This fifth generation of the Opel Combo (on the market since 1986) debuts a passenger-car platform (known as CMP) and is also loaded with technology, with 19 driver assistance systems, and without giving up comfort, even offering an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It will be available in two versions: Opel Combo Life and Opel Combo Cargo.
Design of the new Opel Combo 2018
Manufactured for the first time at the PSA Vigo plant, the Opel Combo shares many elements with its siblings from Citroën and Peugeot, yet it stands out for its front end, with elements typical of the German brand, following the line of the brand’s latest launches. There are two distinct versions: Opel Combo Life -with an MPV vocation- and Opel Combo Cargo -more industrial-, plus an extended XL version measuring 4.75 metres.
The most unmistakably Opel element is the front grille with the two bands holding the brand’s badge, as well as a large, pronounced bonnet. Within the design, the well-defined wheel arches also stand out, and at the rear the possibility of opening the glass without opening the tailgate.
The interior design is simple but practical; in fact, practicality and space are two of its best qualities. The dashboard uses hard plastics but at least with good fit and finish (in line with the norm for this segment), while the huge touchscreen (which very few similar models offer) stands out strongly.
The driving position is elevated but very comfortable, with everything within reach and excellent visibility. In addition, the rear seats have double side doors, which adds an extra dose of versatility and even a flow regulator for the climate control and air vents (this is unprecedented in this segment; even some compacts don’t offer it), as well as three ISOFIX anchor points. For those seeking maximum seating, a seven-seat version is available.
Another eye-catching detail is the large panoramic roof, combined with a huge upper glovebox that runs from the rear to the front. Another very practical detail is the space above the boot, a spot that is normally unused but which, thanks to this solution, gives us an extra 36-litre compartment, for a total boot load capacity of 597 litres.
Technological arsenal worthy of a passenger car
Another novelty of the Opel Combo is the huge range of safety systems it can be equipped with, many of which are more typical of a passenger car or premium saloon than of an industrial model. The new Opel Combo Life features the following systems:
- Head-up display with speed, navigation and traffic sign information
- Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Unintentional Lane Departure Warning
- Intelligent Speed Adaptation, combined with cruise control
- Driver fatigue alert
- Blind Spot Alert
- Lateral Assist
- Panoramic Rear View Camera
- Parking Assistant
On top of all this, there is the IntelliGrip traction system, which improves grip on difficult terrain or in snow by reducing torque to the wheels and sending it to those with better grip. This full list of systems is rare to find on a commercial vehicle, being more common on saloons or compacts.
Engine range and first contact with the Opel Combo Life 1.5 Diesel 130 CV
The Opel Combo’s engine range is completely new, available in three diesel engines and one petrol. The diesels are a 1.5 unit with three power variants: 75 CV, 100 CV and 130 CV. The most powerful version can be fitted with the new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 75 CV and 100 CV variants are paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, or six-speed in the 130 CV version.
The petrol is a 1.2 Turbo (three-cylinder) engine with 110 CV, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. All engines comply with the newly introduced European emissions regulations, both diesel and petrol (notably, the petrol unit gains a GPF particulate filter as a novelty).
We were able to make a short drive with the Opel Combo Life 1.5 Diesel 130 CV, highlighting the driving position and ride comfort. At all times, the sensations were more typical of a compact (a passenger car) than of driving a van, with notable interior sound insulation and more than adequate response from the powertrain.
Without a doubt, if we combine the smooth response with an extremely practical interior, full of solutions designed for everyday use, this Opel Combo becomes a tough rival to MPVs, a truly versatile and practical vehicle that has nothing to envy from SUVs or MPVs.
Opel Combo Cargo: more than just a van
Although analysing the industrial side of models is not our specialty, in this case the Opel Combo offers a version aimed at the more industrial end. Notable is its huge load capacity of up to 4.4 m³ and 1,000 kg, with room for two pallets.
The Cargo version also offers practical details such as an overload indicator, which tells us via an LED that we have exceeded the maximum weight, or the Construction Pack, which provides greater underbody protection, increased ground clearance, rigid front and rear anti-roll bars, larger tyre diameter and variable-load rear dampers.
Adding all of the above, the technology we have already analysed in the Combo Life. The price of the Opel Combo Life starts at 17,061 euros for the 75 CV diesel version. Meanwhile, the Opel Combo Cargo starts at 14,700 euros for the 1.6 TD 75 CV.
Photos | Diego G. Moreira and Opel Spain
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