Opel Combo
The Opel Combo is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle from the German automaker Opel. The Combo first appeared in 1993, a second generation model was introduced in 2001, and the third was manufactured from December 2011 to December 2017, based on the Fiat Doblò. The name "Combo" was previously applied as a suffix to a three-door panel van body style of Opel Kadett E from 1986 until 1993.
| Opel Combo | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Opel[a] |
| Production | 1986–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Panel van, leisure activity vehicle |
| Body style | Van |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Bedford Beagle Bedford Chevanne Bedford HA Bedford Rascal Opel/Vauxhall Astravan H |
| Successor | Chevrolet N200/N300 (for all Chevrolet rebadges only) |
Opel/Vauxhall joined Groupe PSA in March 2017: the fourth generation Combo, launched in March 2018, shares the platform and bodywork of the Peugeot Rifter and Partner, as well as the Citroën Berlingo.
The Combo B and Combo C share platforms, vital components and some body panels with contemporary subcompact Opel Corsas, which used to be a typical pedigree for such a vehicle. The generations are denoted B and C in typical Opel fashion, but Holden applied the codes SB and XC respectively, reflecting the relation with SB and XC Holden Barinas (Opel Corsa B and C, respectively).
Kadett Combo (Combo A; 1986)
| Kadett Combo | |
|---|---|
| Opel Combo (1989–1993) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Bedford Astramax Vauxhall Astramax |
| Production | February 1986 – August 1993 |
| Assembly | Portugal: Azambuja (General Motors Portugal) United Kingdom: Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall Ellesmere Port) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | 3-door panel van |
| Platform | T-body platform |
| Related | Opel Kadett E |
The Opel Kadett Combo was introduced in January 1986, and finished production in August 1993. It was based on the Opel Kadett E small family car. It was built in the United Kingdom, at Ellesmere Port by Vauxhall until January 1989. This was when the model was facelifted, with a new grille separate from the bumper (as for the Kadett).
At the same time, production was transferred to Azambuja, Portugal and the vans were now built by Opel. In Germany, it was sold with a 1.3 litre petrol engine or a 1.6 (later 1.7) litre diesel unit.[1] The 1.3 petrol unit was then changed to a 1.4. Buyers in some countries, including the United Kingdom, also had the choice of a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) 1.6-liter petrol unit.
In the United Kingdom, the three door estate based van was known as both the Bedford and Vauxhall Astravan, and the high roof van as the Bedford Astramax, later sold as a Vauxhall. The changeover from Bedford to Vauxhall took place on 1 June 1990, as Bedfords were better known as a producer of heavier trucks.[2]
The Astramax was available in base or somewhat better equipped L versions. Both models were offered in 365 or 560 versions, referring to the payload in kilograms.
Combo B (1993-2001)
| Combo B | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (SB) Chevrolet Combo Shanghai Auto Saibao |
| Production | November 1993 – August 2001 2002–2005 (China) |
| Assembly | Portugal: Azambuja |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3-door panel van 3-door LAV |
| Platform | GM4200 platform |
| Related | Opel Corsa B |
The first generation of Combo, launched in October 1993, was based heavily on the Opel Corsa B, launched six months earlier. The front part (up to the B-pillar) is practically identical with the Corsa (except for the roof spoiler), but the platform (and thus wheelbase and the body in general) is extended to accommodate a tall, boxy cargo compartment, capable of carrying a Europallet.
The Combo B had symmetrical twin rear doors that opened to the side (rather than a single tailgate). These are counted as a single "door" when referring to the body style as three door.
Following the increasing popularity of leisure activity vehicles, Opel launched a five passenger version of the Combo in the summer of 1995, called Opel Combo Tour. It differed from the panel van version by having the cargo section fitted with side windows, and a three-passenger split folding bench seat.
Although Combo's primary market was Europe, it has also been sold on other continents, in markets where GM traditionally use Opel derived models. As the Azambuja Opel plant in Portugal is the sole production site of all Combos, all those models were replaced gradually with the Combo C in 2001.
The Combo was also produced in relatively small numbers by SAIC subsidiary SAIC-Yizheng as the "Shanghai Auto (Shangqi) Saibao SAC6420", equipped with the same 1.6 litre engine and five speed manual transmission as the Buick Sail. Built from 2002 until 2005, there was also a DeLuxe version available, with alloy wheels and other extras.[3]
Holden in Australia launched the SB series Combo in February 1996.[4] It offered the 1.4 litre C14NZ engine, upgraded to C14SE specification in 1997. Sales continued until 2002, although the last SB Combos were built in 2001, but complianced as models of 2002. Production of the Combo A ended in August 2001.
Gallery
Holden Combo (SB) van
Vauxhall Combo van
Opel Combo B
Shanghai Auto Saibao SAC6420
Shanghai Auto Saibao SAC6420 (rear)
Names and markets
- Opel Combo – Europe (except for United Kingdom) and Chile before the rebranding in the end of the 1990s
- Vauxhall Combo – United Kingdom
- Holden Combo – Australia, New Zealand
- Chevrolet Combo – Chile
- Shanghai Auto Saibao SAC6420 - China
Engines
- 1.4 L I4 8V 44 kW (60 PS), 60 kW (82 PS) Ecotec
- 1.6 L I4 8V 60 kW (82 PS) Ecotec
- 1.7 L I4 8V 44 kW (60 PS) Circle-L Diesel
Combo C (2001-2012)
| Combo C | |
|---|---|
| Opel Combo (2001–2003) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (XC) Chevrolet Combo |
| Production | October 2001 – January 2012 2002-2013 (Holden Combo) |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4/5-door panel van 4/5-door LAV |
| Platform | Gamma platform |
| Related | Opel Corsa C Opel Meriva A Chevrolet Montana |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
| Length | 4,332 mm (170.6 in) |
| Width | 1,685 mm (66.3 in) |
| Height | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
The second generation was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September 2001.[6] While most competitors severed their connections with their subcompact brethren, Opel decided to base the vehicle on the Corsa again. The use of subcompact Gamma platform constrained the overall width of the vehicle. The front clip is thus still shared with the Corsa, although now only back to the A-pillar. This allowed Opel to more fully integrate the overall design of the car, giving it a "flush" look more in line with its competitors.
Compared to previous generation, the Combo C gained sliding rear side doors (versions with either single passenger side door or double doors are available). Sales began in October 2001.
An Opel Combo Tour version was also introduced, followed by Opel Combo Tour Tramp (Combo Tour Arizona in some markets), in an effort to attract leisure activity vehicle buyers. Combo Tour Tramp/Arizona was thought as a more off road recreational vehicle.
It features enhanced suspension tuning, increased ground clearance, chassis protection covers and numerous styling details that differentiate it from standard Combo Tours, with the intention to conjure a sturdy, outdoor sports related image. The Combo Tour was not offered by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom. Commercial van versions retained the symmetrical twin rear doors, while the Tour versions have an option of a single tailgate (opening to the top). The tailgate is standard on Tour Tramp/Arizona.
In December 2006, the Azambuja, Portugal factory closed down,[7] and the production of the Opel Combo transferred to Zaragoza, Spain in 2007.[8] Holden in Australia launched the XC series Combo in September 2002.[9] It offered the 1.6 litre Z16SE engine, upgraded to 1.4 litre Z14XEP specification in December 2004 for the MY05 update.
Although production ended in the end of 2011, Holden in Australia and New Zealand stockpiled sufficient Combo inventory to last until 2013, with the final 2011 build vehicles complianced in the beginning of 2012. In August 2013, CarAdvice announced that the Holden Combo had been quietly discontinued, and will not be replaced by the Combo D, available to European customers.[10]
Production of the Combo C ended in the end of 2011, in time for the December 2011 launch of the Combo D, which is based on the Fiat Doblò.[11]
Gallery
Holden Combo (XC) van
Opel Combo C Tour
Opel Combo C Tour
Opel Combo C Arizona
Vauxhall Combo
Interior
Names and markets
- Opel Combo – Europe (except for United Kingdom) and Singapore
- Vauxhall Combo – United Kingdom
- Holden Combo – Australia, New Zealand
- Chevrolet Combo – Chile
Engines
Combo D (2012-2018)
| Combo D | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Fiat Doblò Vauxhall Combo Ram ProMaster City |
| Production | January 2012 – December 2018[12] |
| Assembly | Turkey: Bursa (Tofaş) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Panel van/Leisure activity vehicle |
| Body style | 4/5-door panel van 4/5-door LAV |
| Platform | SCCS platform |
| Related | Fiat Linea Fiat 500L Opel Meriva B |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.4 L Fire I4 (petrol) 1.4 L Fire Turbojet I4 (CNG) 1.6 L CDTI I4 (diesel) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,755 mm (108.5 in) LWB: 3,105 mm (122.2 in) |
| Length | SWB: 4,390 mm (172.8 in) LWB: 4,740 mm (186.6 in) |
| Width | SWB: 1,832 mm (72.1 in) LWB: 1,832 mm (72.1 in) |
| Height | SWB: 1,845 mm (72.6 in) LWB: 1,880 mm (74.0 in) |
The third generation Combo was manufactured from January 2012 to December 2018, and was based on the Fiat Doblò. The third generation Combo was manufactured in Turkey by Tofaş.[13] Sales began in January 2012.
Gallery
Opel Combo D
Opel Combo D
Opel Combo D
Vauxhall Combo Mk 3
Engines
| 1.4 | 1.4 Turbo | 1.4 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX | 1.3 CDTI | 1.6 CDTI | 1.6 CDTI | 2.0 CDTI | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 02/2012–08/2017 | 06/2014–08/2017 | 02/2012–08/2017 | 02/2012–03/2016 | 03/2016–08/2017 | 02/2012–03/2015 | 02/2012–03/2016 | 04/2015–06/2017 | 09/2016–08/2017 | 02/2012–08/2017 | 04/2015 | 02/2012–03/2016 |
| Engine | R4-Petrol | R4-CNG | R4-Diesel | |||||||||
| Displacement | 1368 cm³ | 1248 cm³ | 1598 cm³ | 1956 cm³ | ||||||||
| max. Power at rpm | 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 6000 | 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) 5000 | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 4000 | 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 4000 | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 4000 | 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 4000 | 74 kW (100 PS; 99 hp) 3650 | 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) 4000 | 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) 3500 | 99 kW (135 PS; 133 hp) 3500 | ||
| max. Torque at rpm | 127 Nm/ 4500 | 206 Nm/ 3000 | 206 Nm/ 3000 | 200 Nm/ 1500 | 290 Nm/ 1500 | 200 Nm/ 1500 | 300 Nm/ 1750 | 290 Nm/ 1500 | 320 Nm/ 1750 | 320 Nm/ 1500 | ||
| Speed | 161 km/h | 172 km/h | 158 km/h | 159 km/h (161 km/h) | 158 km/h [158 km/h] | 158 km/h | 164 km/h | 160 km/h (164 km/h) | 172 km/h (176 km/h) | 179 km/h | ||
| CO2-Emission combined in g/km | 169–177 (163–171) | 169–179 | 134 | 136 (129) | 136 (123) | 145–156 [141–157] | (138–148) ([133–147]) | 137 (124) | 145–156 (138–148) | 134–158 (120–133) | 136–149 (124–140) | 156–163 (150–157) |
| emission | Euro 5 / Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 5 / Euro 6 | Euro 5 | Euro 6 | Euro 5 | Euro 6 | Euro 5 / Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 5 | |
Combo E (2018)
| Combo E | |
|---|---|
| Opel Combo Life | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Peugeot Rifter Citroën Berlingo Peugeot Partner Toyota ProAce City Vauxhall Combo/Combo Life Fiat Doblò |
| Production | 2018–present |
| Model years | 2019–present |
| Assembly | Portugal: Mangualde (PSA Mangualde Plant) Spain: Vigo (PSA Vigo Plant)[14] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Leisure activity vehicle (M) |
| Body style | 4/5-door panel van 5-door LAV |
| Platform | PSA EMP2 platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.2 L Petrol THP 1.5/1.6 L diesel HDi/CDTI |
| Transmission | 5&6-speed manual EAT8 Automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780–2,970 mm (109.4–116.9 in) |
| Length | 4,400–4,750 mm (173.2–187.0 in) |
The fourth generation Combo was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. It is a sister model to the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter and Partner, as Groupe PSA bought Opel in March 2017.
Gallery
Rear
Interior
Middle Seats
Vauxhall Combo Van
Vauxhall Combo Life
Notes
- ^
- General Motors (1986–2017)
- PSA Group (2017–2021)
- Stellantis (2021–present)
References
- ^ Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990, p. 153
- ^ Weatherley, Brian, ed. (31 May 1990). "Retirement for Bedford name". Commercial Motor. Sutton, Surrey: Reed Business Publishing Group. 172 (4371): 24. ISSN 0010-3063.
- ^ De Feyter, Tycho (8 December 2011). "Spotted in China: Shanghai Auto Saibao panel van". CarNewsChina.com.
- ^ . AutoWeb. 13 February 1996. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ "Opel. Opel in Portugal". Car-cat.com. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ "World premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show: Opel Combo Tour". The Auto Channel. 22 August 2001. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
- ^ Patel, Pritesh; Scott, Candida (18 April 2007). "Opel Antwerp Loses Out on Next Astra Production Allocation, Strikes Begin". IHS Inc. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
- ^ "Zaragoza Plant. Facts and Figures". Opel. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
- ^ Pettendy, Marton (18 July 2011). "First look: Opel outs next Combo". GoAuto. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
- ^ Beissmann, Tim (8 August 2013). "Holden Combo discontinued, no plans for replacement". CarAdvice. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
- ^ "Fiat and Opel/Vauxhall Sign Contract for Combo Successor". Vauxhall. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
- ^ Autonews production
- ^ Patrascu, Daniel. "Fiat to Build Combo for Opel". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
- ^ Specht, Michael (22 March 2017). "Nach PSA-Übernahme: Welche Opel-Modelle werden geopfert?" [After the PSA takeover: Which Opel models will be sacrificed?] (in German). Welt.de. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
External links
- Official Opel Combo website