Vauxhall Combo Crew Van packs in crew and cargo

It’s versatile, quick and comfortable – and because of those unglazed side doors, you can reclaim the VAT

Combo L2H1 Crew Van 2300 1.6CDTi Start/Stop (105hp)

What is it?

With more and more SME businesses recognising the benefit of using crew vans, it makes sense for Vauxhall to introduce this five-seat version of the popular Combo.

The Comb Crew Van can carry the driver plus four crew, but with unglazed rear side doors. it retains its van classification, allowing VAT-registered tradesmen and SMEs to reclaim the tax.

The unglazed side doors provide access to the rear seats or cargo access when the full load area is in use

As with the Combo Van, the Crew Van version comes in long- and short-wheelbase lengths, powered by a 1.3-litre 90hp diesel – which is available with or without ecoFLEX technology including Stop/Start – or a 1.6-litre 105hp engine with Start/Stop included.

Business Vans recently got behind the wheel of the more powerful 1.6-litre model in long-wheelbase form.

If you’re familiar with the conventional Combo (or even the Fiat Doblo, on which it’s based), the cab will hold no surprises.

It packs a generous level of standard equipment in a user-friendly, comfortable space. And the extra row of seats behind adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

Driving position and driver comfort is good, but how do the paseengers in the rear seats fare?

Pretty good, I’d say. It doesn’t feel cramped in the back, although with a burly crew on board, the centre-seat passenger might feel a little confined.