New Vauxhall Combo van goes on sale in February 2012 costing from £14,703

Vauxhall’s new Combo: two payload choices

Vauxhall’s new compact panel van has us seeing Doblo

HERE’S the first look at the all-new Vauxhall Combo van, which goes on sale in February 2012.

It’s essentially a badge-engineered Fiat Doblo Cargo.

The Combo is built alongside the Fiat van in Turkey, replacing the current Combo, which is built in Spain, but is based on the running gear of the previous-generation Corsa hatchback.

Vauxhall parent General Motors last year agreed a deal with Fiat to supply the van, thus saving the development costs of an all-new Combo. With Vauxhall’s larger Vivaro and Movano vans shared with Renault, the only true GM-developed vans are the car-derived Corsavan and Astravan models.

The new Vauxhall Combo will be available in two wheelbases, and two gross vehicle weights (2,000kg and 2,300kg). The short-wheelbase version also has a high-roof option. There will also be two trim levels and four diesel engine choices, including a 1.3 CDTi and a 1.6 CDTi, each with 90PS, as well as a 1.6 CDTi variant with 105PS and a powerful 2.0 CDTi engine providing 135PS.

The 1.3 CDTi engines are fitted with five-speed manual transmissions, while the more powerful CDTi units have a six-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 CDTi is also offered with Vauxhall’s Tecshift automated five-speed manual transmission. With the exception of the Tecshift units, all powertrains are available with Start/Stop functionality to deliver even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

New Combo offers a choice of two payloads: 750kg and 1,000kg.

Vauxhall says the higher-rated Combo will have the highest payload in its sector, up to 1,000kg with driver. Two lengths (4.39m and 4.74m) combined with two heights (1.85m and 2.10m) offer exceptional loading possibilities. With the L1 the load volume is 3.4cu m whereas the L2 packs in 4.2cu m with load lengths of 1.82m (L1) and 2.17m (L2) and the load width of 1.71m.

Standard equipment has been much improved over the outgoing model. Standard features include remote central door locking with deadlocks, full-steel bulkhead, trip computer, electric power steering, driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, CD-radio and a 12 volt power outlet in the dashboard.

New Combo introduces a Sportive trim level for the first time. These models combine added driver comfort with a uniquely sporty style that is consistent with other Sportive models on Corsavan, Astravan and Vivaro. Sportive trim adds air conditioning, metallic paint, body-colour bumpers and door mirrors, nearside sliding door, driver seat with height adjustment, armrest and lumbar support and full wheel covers.

A choice of three option packs are also available.

  • Load compartment pack includes overhead storage shelf in the cabin, PVC lining for the loading compartment floor, rear auxiliary power outlet and a removable courtesy light.
  • Winter pack consists of headlamp wash, fog lights, external temperature sensor and electric adjustable door mirrors.
  • Driver pack includes CD50 multimedia reader (Bluetooth/USB/MP3), steering column mounted audio controls and leather steering wheel and gear knob.

Prices start at £14,703.33 on the road (excluding VAT) for the L1H1 2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) model, rising to £18,203 for the L1H1 2300 2.0CDTI 16v (135PS) Sportive Start/Stop. The 2.0-litre engine is only available with L1H1 spec.

More on the Combo
Read our test of the current Combo:
Combo Crew Van gets style upgrade

Read our van test of the Fiat Doblo

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