Vauxhall Combo (01-11) - Review

All the contenders in this class – Combo, Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo Cargo, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo – have load volumes which hover around the 3.0 cubic metre mark. They all have good square load boxes too, so fairly big items will fit in the back. In comparison, the Astravan offers 1.58 cubic metres, but its load box is long and comparatively narrow. Combo’s payloads vary from 743kgs to 803kgs depending on the model chosen and the load floor is low and flat, meaning that items can be slid in and out with ease. The Combo features as an option a swinging bulkhead and folding passenger seat which increases the load volume from 2.8 cubic metres to 3.2 cubic metres. Load length is 1,787mm, load width is 1,348mm and load height is 1,175mm.

For a commercial vehicle, the Combo is surprisingly well-specified in the safety department, with both driver and passenger airbags. ABS brakes are standard on the more powerful models, while remaining an option on the base ones. Central locking comes in the package too, along with an immobiliser, although an alarm costs extra.

Front-end prices are much of a muchness across the sector but the joker in the pack is the Citroen Berlingo which seems to be offered new with never-ending cashback deals. Opt for the new CDTi engines and service intervals are a remarkable 30,000 miles, which should keep maintenance costs low. Both common rail diesel engines are extremely frugal and should offer fuel consumption figures in the mid to high 40s, depending on loads carried and driving style. Warranty is three years/60,000 miles. As with most other Vauxhalls, parts should be cheap and abundant while labour costs for repairs shouldn’t break the bank either.

Although the older model features low-tech diesel engines, there is no suggestion that they are not reliable and long-lasting. The new engines are legendary for their longevity.