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Vauxhall’s new Combo panel van breaks cover

17th October 2011 Print
Vauxhall Combo

Vauxhall’s all-new Combo panel van is set to become a firm favourite of owner-drivers and large fleets alike with its combination of state-of-the-art technology and class-leading features.
 
Available in two wheelbases, two heights, two gross vehicle weights (2,000kg and 2,300kg) two trim levels and with four engine choices, Combo boasts the highest payload (up to 1,000kg with driver), large load volume (up to 4.2m3), highest rear axle capacity (1,450kg) and longest wheelbase in its sector.
 
New standards in commercial vehicle exterior design
 
New Combo’s steeply raked deep windscreen, together with the low bonnet line, gives the driver exceptional visibility.  Generous panoramic exterior mirrors with integrated indicator repeaters provide outstanding rearward vision. The clear glass wrap-around headlight clusters are functional and efficient, the rear light clusters are high mounted to avoid incidental damage, and the optional front fog lights are protectively recessed.
 
Exceptional loading possibilities
 
New Combo has been designed as a commercial vehicle without compromise and the overall exterior style reflects its rugged and practical nature.
 
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 3,400 litres whereas the L2 packs in 4,200 litres with load lengths of 1.82m (L1) and 2.17m (L2) and the load width of 1.71m.  New Combo offers a choice of two payloads: 750kg and 1,000kg.
 
Conveniently low loading height (54.5cm) combined with wide opening sliding side doors enable easier loading and convenient access to cargo. An optional upward opening flap built into the rear of the roof of new Combo L1H1 models enable the secure transport of longer loads such as ladders and pipes.
 
Economical and powerful engines
 
The new Combo is available with four diesel engines. The units include 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.
 
Interior design features
 
Driver comfort and convenience are prioritised in new Combo. The stylish dashboard is functional and uncluttered, the steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach and all of the controls are intuitive and within easy grasp. There are deeply contoured front seats, and generous heating and ventilation outlets. Attention has been given to building an environment that is ergonomic, robust and hard-wearing.
 
In terms of convenience and storage new Combo leads the field with spacious door pockets, dashboard storage and a lockable glove box that can hold a laptop. The Sportive also features an overhead storage shelf in the cabin for additional storage capacity. Standard seat trim is cube black cloth with vinyl black available as a free-of-charge option.
 
Two trim levels with a Combo Sportive available for the first time
 
Standard equipment has been much improved over the outgoing model with a raft of equipment including 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 will have these additional features over the standard model including 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 variety of options to ease the working day
 
New Combo offers a wide breadth of options and option packs enabling customers to tailor and personalise to best suit their business needs.  Free flow options include cruise control, rear parking distance sensors, automatic climate control and ESP with hill holder.
 
Front passenger’s airbag and/or side-impact airbags, glazed rear doors or tailgate, longitudinal roof bars and winter tyres are also available.
 
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.
 
Combo: A tried and trusted name in compact commercial vehicle segment
 
Order banks for new Combo are open now with the first vehicles due for delivery from February 2012.  Prices start at £14,703.33 on the road (excluding VAT) for the L1H1 2000 1.3CDTI 16v (90PS) model.
 
Vauxhall has offered a Combo model line since 1996 and the current generation has been on the market since 2001.  Even as it nears the end of its lifecycle, the Combo is still a popular choice for both small businesses and fleets, and has all-time sales of nearly 200,000 units.
 
“We’re looking forward to bringing the all-new Combo to market in 2012,” said Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.  “Combo has been a lynchpin of our van offering  for the last 15 years, earning a long list of accolades, ranging from excellent placings in the ’International Van of the Year’ award to numerous honours from industry heavyweights such as What Van?, Van Fleet World and GreenFleet.”

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Vauxhall Combo