Vauxhall Combo (2012 - 2018)

As vans get more luxurious, it’s a novelty to be behind the wheel of something as simple as our Vauxhall Combo. It’s not that the Combo itself is basic, but the specification we’ve got is best described as ‘fleet friendly’, and it’s better (mostly) for it.

The Combo is one of a quadruple of vans from Stellantis, Vauxhall’s owner. Chief amongst them are the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner — both near identical to the Combo — which comprehensibly outsell the Vauxhall. That’s a surprise as, if you step up a size to the medium-sized Vivaro, Vauxhall’s French counterparts don’t get close.

Two body lengths, two diesel engines, two cabs and two trim levels give buyers plenty of options, and there’s also an electrically powered model called, imaginatively, the Combo Electric.

It all starts with a model in its prime, or at least in Prime specification, which is what we’re testing here.

Living With the Vauxhall Combo Cargo

The entry-level Prime van is well equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. The other model, Pro, adds navigation, a rearview camera, parking sensors and the innovative FlexCargo pack that improves cargo flexibility.

It’s a pleasant cabin, too. The windscreen feels miles away, giving a sense of space up front, while the dashboard is angled towards the driver, a pair of vents sitting below the infotainment screen. Underneath juts out the gear level, with a handy tray that’ll take most phones, although the USB socket (handy for using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay) is higher up and will leave a cable dangling around.

The instrument binnacle is, surprisingly, a highlight. It’s typically straightforward and unexciting, something Vauxhall does well, but that means you get the information you need clearly and concisely, without superfluous additions. 

The sensation of space is boosted by the Prime being a two-seater model, missing out on the two-person bench seat fitted to the Pro model. You can have it as an option, but many won’t miss it

Every Combo is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, available with either 100hp or 130hp. As befits the starting point to the range, ours is a 100hp model, with 250Nm of torque. It’s a modern and refined engine, so long-distance cruising is almost pleasurable, with enough performance o keep up with motorway traffic.

It’s comfortable, too, helped by suspension that sacrifices a little in handling prowess to keep the van compliant and restful, which pays dividends in town where it copes with cracks and potholes nicely. It’s still able to cope with a tonne of payload, though, so nothing has been sacrificed for practicality.

The Combo van offers a spacious cargo area with twin rear doors and a single sliding side door. Our longer L2 model can accommodate loads up to 2,167mm long, and with just one height option available, all models can take an item up to 1,243mm tall. The cargo area measures 1,527mm at its broadest point, narrowing to 1,229mm between the wheel arches — large enough to fit two euro pallets. The rear doors fold out by 180 degrees, allowing for easy forklift access, and the side door provides a 675mm wide gap. It’s all very similar to the Ford Transit Connect’s dimensions, with only very minor differences between them.

Vauxhall's FlexCargo system is fitted to Pro specification models and enables loading of items up to 3,440mm long through a load-through bulkhead under the passenger seat, although this restricts passenger seat use. A protective bag offers some protection to the driver from any loose cargo, keeping small but long loads securely in place.

Payload limits across the range run from 650kg to 1,025kg, with our Prime L2 model handling 998kg. That’s significantly more than a comparable Ford Transit Connect's 865kg.

The Combo Cargo starts at a competitive £20,580, with this Prime model being a better bet than the richer Pro model — there’s extra equipment, but not that much unless you need the extendable cargo bay.

With its 100hp diesel engine, the Combo claims a fuel economy figure of 51.4mpg, although testing resulted in less impressive 42.8mpg. Still, that’s competitive with rivals from Ford and Volkswagen. The 50-litre diesel tank allows for a theoretical 565-mile range between refuelling, and a 17-litre AdBlue tank requires occasional top-ups.

Service intervals are up to 25,000 miles or two years, with the Combo monitoring itself and alerting the user to the need for a dealer visit. A three-year warranty runs for 60,000 miles. However, the Toyota Proace City is covered for a potential 10 years with its Toyota Relax offering, while Citroen and Peugeot’s coverage extends to 100,000 miles. Considering all four models are mechanically identical, you’re short-changed with the Vauxhall.

It’s not often that a base-level model is the best in the range, but since Vauxhall dropped the super-basic Edition model, the Combo’s entry point looks and feels like good value. The infotainment screen adds a somewhat premium feel to the cabin, which is spacious and comfortable. It’s also a pleasing van to drive and has a cargo area that’s competitive with its rivals.

It’s just a shame for Vauxhall that its rivals are rather talented. The Ford Transit Connect is a better van to drive and every bit as spacious, although maximum payload weights are lower with the Ford. The Volkswagen Caddy feels classy and solid, while the new Renault Kangoo is modern and up-to-date, offering a more car-like experience than ever before.

More rivalry comes from within, with parent company Stellantis offering the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and Peugeot Partner, all of which are mechanically identical. For the most part, only the badges and equipment lists differ. List prices and finance rates will vary, so choose the best deal.

For owner-operators and smaller businesses that keep hold of their vans beyond the usual three or four years, the Toyota Proace City is, again, another identical version. However, it’s backed by a service-activated warranty that can see you being covered for up to 10 years. That should see most through to the end of the van’s life, allowing operators to predict future costs and ensure that their investment won’t become a liability.