New Combo: Wide range of powerful variants
09/13/2011
Opel
The new Opel Combo generation also makes its premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 15 - 25). With clever solutions for the compact van segment, the family-friendly passenger car comes in a wide range of variants, is technically advanced, exceptionally economical and provides maximum utility. The body styles on offer comprise a choice of two wheelbases - 2.755 or 3.105 meters - giving an overall vehicle length of 4.39 and 4.74 meters respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 or 2,10 meters. The new Opel Combo is also available as a versatile car-van, with five or seven seats and as a two-seat panel van with closed or glazed body.
For easy access to the cargo area, van variants can be ordered with one or two optional sliding doors. The passenger car version has both sliding doors fitted as standard and comes with a top-hinged tailgate. An asymmetrical double wing door is also available. In certain panel van configurations, an additional hatch can be installed in the rear of the roof to enable the transport of long cargo like ladders or pipes.
Best-in-class load-carrying dimensions
The special load-carrying talents of the new Opel Combo impress even the experts: with up to 3,800 liters of cargo space in short wheelbase form (with seat folded down) and 4,600 liters with the longer wheelbase, the Combo offers the largest load volume in both classes. Its low 54.5 cm loading height and spectrum of possible payloads up to one ton are best-in-class values, too. The aperture width of the sliding door is also a top value in the segment. The short wheelbase version also offers a cargo deck with the greatest length, height and width between the wheel arches.
Opel face demonstrates family membership
The new Combo's front design clearly shows it is a member of the Opel family. The trapezoidal grille with horizontal chrome bar and the Opel logo are distinctive brand elements, as well as the styling on the front bumper. The alloy wheels and wheel caps also feature typical Opel design. With its wide rear tailgate and door as well as the lower window edge that reaches far down, the rear of the Combo displays the functionality that sets it apart from the competition.
The Combo promises outstanding qualities in everyday use. The individually and anatomically adaptable driver seat, adjustable steering wheel and ergonomically placed controls, together with the modern front-wheel drive with ABS, power steering and newly designed bi-link rear suspension all ensure relaxed, comfortable driving. A steeply raked windshield, low hood, large side-view mirrors and low-reaching rear window ensure good all-round visibility and overview of the vehicle.
Economical and powerful engines
The new Opel Combo is available with six engines: four diesel, one gasoline and a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) unit. The diesel line-up comprises 1.3 CDTI and 1.6 CDTI motors, each with 66 kW/90 hp, as well as a 1.6 CDTI variant with 77 kW/105 hp and a top performance 2.0 CDTI unit providing 99 kW/135 hp. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine delivers 70 kW/95 hp, while the CNG version, which runs on low-cost and environmentally-friendly natural gas, delivers 88 kW/120 hp thanks to turbo charging. All engines offer the long driving range particularly appreciated by frequent drivers. While the gasoline and diesel versions feature a 60-liter tank, the Combo CNG has a 95-liter natural gas tank in addition to its 22-liter gasoline tank. The Combo with long wheelbase can be fitted with a 130-liter gas tank upon request, enabling a range of up to 750 km.
The gasoline and 1.3 CDTI engines are equipped with five-speed manual transmissions, while the CNG engine and the more powerful diesel units have a six-speed manual transmission. The 66 kW/90 hp 1.6 CDTI is also offered with Opel's automated 'Easytronic' five-speed manual transmission.
With the exception of the CNG unit, all powertrains are optionally available with Start/Stop, which particularly in city driving offers even lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The 66 kW/90 hp 1.3 CDTI with Start/Stop boasts best-in-class values of 4.8 liters diesel per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 126 g/km.
The new Opel Combo is not only easy on the budget with its low consumption, it also offers low running costs, not least due to long maintenance intervals. The CDTI diesels, for example, only need to be serviced every 35,000 kilometers or once a year. And in the event of a collision, Combo owners can expect relatively low costs - improved access to important components reduces repair times and thus repair costs.
Extensive equipment to ease the working day
Just like the cargo area is easily accessible from all sides, the passenger cabin is designed for top practicality and functionality. Numerous storage spaces in the doors and between the seats, a large storage compartment above the windshield, stowage pockets on the seats, a document holder on the instrument panel and the glove box where a laptop can be mounted are just a few examples. Even the base specification of the new Combo generation includes generous standard equipment, including central locking, power steering, a height and reach adjustable steering column, electric windows in front, and a four-way adjustable driver's seat (also optionally available with height adjustment), as well as safety features like a driver's airbag, ABS brakes and a tire repair kit.
The panel van is also fitted with a solid partition panel up to the roof between the cargo area and passenger cabin. Upon request, the FlexCargo partition wall can be installed. It protects the driver when extra-long cargo is being transported and the front passenger seatback is folded down. Also optionally available is a custom-made transport bracket mounted on the inside of the roof to securely hold ladders.
The Combo passenger variant is available in Essentia, Enjoy or Cosmo specification. They all come standard with central locking, a 60:40 split and foldable rear bench seat with three head restraints, preparation for radio installation, roof antenna and loud speakers. Equipment options include remote control for the central locking, air conditioning or electronic climate control, park pilot for the rear, heated seats, rear electric windows, side airbags as well as a wide range of infotainment and navigation systems like the CD 50 multimedia with CD and MP3 radio, Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition, Aux-in and USB port and iPOD functionality.
Combo: A tried and trusted name in compact van segment
The new Opel Combo goes on sale at the beginning of February 2012. The vehicle is based on the Doblò van (voted 'International Van of the Year 2011') from Opel's cooperation partner Fiat and will reinforce Opel's growing presence in the commercial vehicle segment.
Opel has been offering a Combo model line since 1985 and the current generation has been on the market since 2001. The strategy of offering a versatile leisure, family and utility vehicle has been warmly received - as European sales of up to 72,000 units per year since its launch testify. Even as it nears the end of its lifecycle, the predecessor of the new Combo remains in the top three in its segment in many markets. Over 25 years, the Combo has earned a long list of accolades, ranging from excellent placings in 'International Van of the Year' award to its value for money victory in a compact van comparison test conducted by the German car magazine 'Auto Bild'.