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
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; 1986–1993)

Kadett Combo
Opel Combo (1989–1993)
Overview
Also called	Bedford Astramax Bedford Astravan Vauxhall Astravan Vauxhall Astramax
Production	1986–1993
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.

Opel Kadett Combo 1.7 D (1986–1989), rear

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 365 or 560 models, or somewhat better equipped 365L/560L versions.

1990–1993 Vauxhall Astramax 365

Combo B (1993–2001)

Combo B
Overview
Also called	Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (SB) Chevrolet Combo Shanghai Auto Saibao
Production	1993–2001 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 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 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

• 1.4L I4 8V 72 PS DOHC Ecotec (1996)
• 1.6L I4 8V 86 PS DOHC Ecotec (1996)
• 1.4L I4 16V 90 PS DOHC Ecotec (1997)
• 1.6L I4 16V 105 PS DOHC Ecotec (1999)
• 1.7L I4 8V 60 PS SOHC Circle-L Diesel (1996)
• 1.7L DTİ I4 16V 100 PS DOHC Circle-L Turbo Diesel (2001)

Combo C (2001–2011)

Combo C
Opel Combo (2001–2003)
Overview
Also called	Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (XC) Chevrolet Combo
Production	2001–2011
Assembly	Portugal: Azambuja (2001–2006)[5] Spain: Zaragoza (2007–2011)
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. While the general body shape was updated to fashionable "flush" look, the front part (up to the A-pillar) is shared with the Corsa.

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
• 
  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

• 1.3L 1.3 CDTI Ecotec
• 1.4L I4 16V DOHC TwinPort Ecotec
• 1.6L I4 8V SOHC Ecotec
• 1.6L I4 16V DOHC CNG Ecotec
• 1.3L I4 16V DOHC CDTI
• 1.7L (Y17DTL) I4 16V DOHC DI 65bhp
• 1.7L (Y17DT) I4 16V DOHC DTI 75bhp
• 1.7L (Z17DTH) I4 16V DOHC CDTI 100 bhp (75 kW)

Combo D (2011–2017)

Combo D
Overview
Also called	Fiat Doblò Vauxhall Combo Ram ProMaster City
Production	2011–2017[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 December 2011 to December 2017, 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 @ rpm	70 kW (95 hp)/ 6000	88 kW (120 hp)/ 5000		66 kW (90 hp)/ 4000	70 kW (95 hp)/ 4000	66 kW (90 hp)/ 4000		70 kW (95 hp)/ 4000	74 kW (100 hp)/ 3650	77 kW (105 hp)/ 4000	88 kW (120 hp)/ 3500	99 kW (135 hp)/ 3500
max. Torque @ 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–present)

Main article: Citroën_Berlingo § Berlingo_III_/_Rifter_/_Combo_E/_ProAce_City_(2018–present)

Combo E
Opel Combo Life
Overview
Also called	Peugeot Rifter Citroën Berlingo Toyota ProAce City Vauxhall Combo/Combo Life
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 L diesel HDi/CDTI
Transmission	6-speed manual EAT8 Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,780–2,970 mm (109–117 in)
Length	4,400–4,750 mm (173–187 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 the PSA Group bought Opel in March 2017.

Gallery

• 
  Rear
• 
  Interior
• 
  Middle Seats
• 
  Vauxhall Combo Van
• 
  Vauxhall Combo Life

References

1. Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990, p. 153
2. Weatherley, Brian, ed. (31 May 1990). "Retirement for Bedford name". Commercial Motor. Sutton, Surrey: Reed Business Publishing Group. 172 (4371): 24. ISSN 0010-3063.
3. De Feyter, Tycho (8 December 2011). "Spotted in China: Shanghai Auto Saibao panel van". CarNewsChina.com.
4. "Holden's Unique New Combo Delivers Unbeatable Van Value, Car-Like Comfort And Safety". AutoWeb. 13 February 1996. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
5. "Opel. Opel in Portugal". Car-cat.com. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
6. "World premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show: Opel Combo Tour". The Auto Channel. 22 August 2001. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
7. Patel, Pritesh; Scott, Candida (18 April 2007). "Opel Antwerp Loses Out on Next Astra Production Allocation, Strikes Begin". IHS Inc. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
8. "Zaragoza Plant. Facts and Figures". Opel. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
9. Pettendy, Marton (18 July 2011). "First look: Opel outs next Combo". GoAuto. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
10. Beissmann, Tim (8 August 2013). "Holden Combo discontinued, no plans for replacement". CarAdvice. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
11. "Fiat and Opel/Vauxhall Sign Contract for Combo Successor". Vauxhall. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
12. Autonews production
13. "Fiat to Build Combo for Opel". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
14. https://www.welt.de/motor/modelle/article163045739/Welches-Opel-Modell-wird-als-Erstes-geopfert.html

External links

• Official Opel Combo website