Test drive of the Opel Combo Life 1.5 Turbo D 130 CV, the revival of the MPVs

SUVs have wiped out most MPVs from the market, but other segments are now stepping up to fill the gap that an SUV does not always cover. This is what happens to the star of our test, the Opel Combo Life, a van which, in its passenger version, has nothing to envy from a good MPV and stands out for its huge space and equipment.

Are you looking for an MPV and you lead an active life? Do you want space without giving up practicality? If you answered yes to both questions, you will surely enjoy this test of the Opel Combo Life 1.5 TD 130 CV Innovation.

Design: a van on the outside, spacious and practical on the inside

On the outside the Opel Combo is a van and it shows in every shape, with a classic design in that respect (though its sister models perhaps have a somewhat more distinctive design). In this Life version (the one intended for passengers) and depending on the equipment level, it already comes with body-colour bumpers and door handles (not on the Expression finish), as well as fog lights. To get electric rear windows or alloy wheels we need to go to the intermediate or top equipment level (Selective or Innovation).

Its two rear side doors stand out, which are really practical for getting in and out or for fitting a child seat, as well as the huge tailgate with its low loading height and the option of opening just the rear window. Furthermore, although it is not an SUV, its ground clearance is similar to that of many SUVs on the market.

The front headlights are halogen (with more than adequate lighting and automatic high beam function), while the daytime running lights are LED. Its exterior shapes are classic yet elegant; in the most complete equipment levels all the plastic parts are painted in body colour.

Inside it’s like moving into a parallel dimension; the most outstanding thing, without a doubt, is the space. The driving position is simple, and the materials used on the dashboard are correct but no more (there is not a single soft plastic, but in exchange the fit and finish are good). That said, the whole design is practical and simple: the instrumentation has a small digital screen with trip computer and traffic sign recognition information (among other functions), and all the multimedia part is controlled from the touchscreen at the top of the centre console.

The driving position is correct, quite upright in relation to the steering wheel and pedals, with the raised gear lever standing out (very practical) and no centre tunnel. The front seats have their own armrests, which adds comfort.

The rear seats consist of three individual seats that can be folded, with more than enough space for feet and head. Depending on the finish level, it also features individual tables behind the front seats.

Although where it stands out most is in the storage space department. There are various cubbies spread throughout the interior for all kinds of objects, from cup holders to its generously sized double glovebox.

In addition, the roof has a full-length module that serves a double function: ambient night lighting and small-object storage. It also has a drawer above the boot tray, with a total capacity of 597 litres.

The interior feeling is one of space and comfort, with several practical solutions in the cabin, allowing us to comfortably carry children (and all we need in addition) or several adults.

Engine and performance

The Opel Combo Life can be specified in four variants: a three-cylinder petrol engine with 110 CV and a diesel engine with three power outputs: 75, 100 and 130 CV. It is also available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

We tested one of the most versatile combinations of engine and gearbox, the 1.5 Turbo Diesel with 130 CV and six-speed manual gearbox. This powerplant, built by the PSA group, is quite capable and moves the Opel Combo with ease. What stands out most is its smoothness: we barely notice when the turbo kicks in, and its pull is linear all the way up (it pulls from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm). It is not common to find such a smooth engine in a van.

Thanks to the six-speed manual gearbox, we can get the full potential out of the engine, which in general meets expectations in almost any situation. It gains speed quickly and is not afraid of overtaking or mountain passes; you will just have to work the gearbox more, which has a correct feel but nothing more, with long throws.

Handling

On the road the Opel Combo Life is very comfortable; in fact, the feel of its suspension is soft in pursuit of comfort. So it is normal that it has certain noticeable body movements, which are nevertheless predictable. It stands out for its smoothness on the road, with notable sound insulation despite its straight shapes, and a high level of ride comfort.

On the motorway it performs correctly, although there aerodynamics do not play in its favour; despite good sound insulation, outside noise does seep in. That said, where it does not excel is on winding roads, because its soft suspension setup quickly brings uncomfortable body roll, although its behaviour is quite predictable once we get used to it.

Consumption

This is where the Opel Combo Life really shines, managing to run with an average consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 km on the road, a figure that rises to 5.8 litres on the motorway. In the worst-case scenario, the city, consumption climbs to 6.5 litres per 100 km.

Equipment

As standard, the Opel Combo Life comes with six airbags, air conditioning with particulate filter, cruise control, instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch colour display, front electric windows, ESP with TC plus, USB port, radio with four speakers and Bluetooth, as well as heated electric exterior mirrors.

Our Innovation finish adds roof bars, electric rear windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming interior mirror, digital radio with navigation and a panoramic roof. The only thing I miss is a rear-view camera to help with manoeuvring, which is not an easy task given its dimensions.

The Safety Pack stands out, including: Lane Departure Warning (with steering wheel intervention), Driver Fatigue Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and collision warning system (which acts on the brakes).

Among the equipment, the head-up display or the multimedia system stands out; although it was not designed by any sound specialist, its quality is more than adequate and surpasses the standard equipment of many compact cars.

Personal opinion and price of the Opel Combo Life

Now that there are no true MPVs left on the market, vans like this Opel Combo become a genuine alternative for those looking for space and, at the same time, a versatile car, with which you can go to Ikea without space issues or load all kinds of objects into its spacious boot. Furthermore, the Opel Combo has worked hard on its interior, with details and practical solutions for storing all kinds of objects and travelling comfortably with five adults.

Its strong points are the interior space, its comfort and a more than sufficient diesel engine with modest consumption. That said, the driving sensations are those of a van (although comfortable and well insulated) and the finishes do without any soft plastics. Better manual than automatic, since this lets us squeeze out every horsepower.

The Opel Combo Life is available from 18,475 euros, while our unit, with its full equipment, is priced at over 24,000 euros.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

Small Passenger VanOpel Combo24 versions · from 28,102 €