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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
ManufacturerOpel[a]
Production1986–present
Body and chassis
ClassPanel van, leisure activity vehicle
Body styleVan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
Chronology
PredecessorBedford Beagle
Bedford Chevanne
Bedford HA
Bedford Rascal
Opel/Vauxhall Astravan H
SuccessorChevrolet 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)

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Kadett Combo
 
Opel Combo (1989–1993)
Overview
Also calledBedford Astramax
Vauxhall Astramax
ProductionFebruary 1986 – August 1993
AssemblyPortugal: Azambuja (General Motors Portugal)
United Kingdom: Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall Ellesmere Port)
Body and chassis
Class3-door panel van
PlatformT-body platform
RelatedOpel 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.

 
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 base or somewhat better equipped L versions. Both models were offered in 365 or 560 versions, referring to the payload in kilograms.

 
1990–1993 Vauxhall Astramax 365

Combo B (1993-2001)

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Combo B
 
Overview
Also calledVauxhall Combo
Holden Combo (SB)
Chevrolet Combo
Shanghai Auto Saibao
ProductionNovember 1993 – December 2001
2002–2005 (China)
AssemblyPortugal: Azambuja
Body and chassis
Body style3-door panel van
3-door LAV
PlatformGM4200 platform
RelatedOpel 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 Euro-pallet.

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.

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Names and markets

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  • 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

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Combo C (2002-2012)

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Combo C
 
Opel Combo (2002–2006)
Overview
Also calledVauxhall Combo
Holden Combo (XC)
Chevrolet Combo
ProductionJanuary 2002 – January 2012
2002-2013 (Holden Combo)
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style4/5-door panel van
5-door LAV
PlatformGamma platform
RelatedOpel Corsa C
Opel Meriva A
Chevrolet Montana
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
5-speed Easytronic automated manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length4,332 mm (170.6 in)
Width1,685 mm (66.3 in)
Height1,800 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 January 2002.

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]

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Names and markets

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  • Opel Combo – Europe (except for United Kingdom) and Singapore
  • Vauxhall Combo – United Kingdom
  • Holden Combo – Australia, New Zealand
  • Chevrolet Combo – Chile

Engines

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1.4 Twinport ecoFLEX 1.6 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX 1.7 DI 1.7 DTI 1.7 CDTI
engine type Petrol I4 CNG I4 Diesel I4
displacement 1364 cm3 1598 cm3 1248 cm3 1686 cm3
max. power
at rpm
66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp)
5600
64 kW (87 PS; 86 hp)
5400
69 kW (94 PS; 93 hp)
6200
51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp)
4000
55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp)
4000
48 kW (65 PS; 64 hp)
4400
55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp)
4400
74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp)
4400
max. torque
at rpm
125 Nm/
4000
138 Nm/
3000
133 Nm/
4200
170 Nm/
1750–2500
170 Nm/
1750–2500
130 Nm/
2000-3000
165 Nm/
1800–3000
240 Nm/
2300
max. speed 164 km/h 164 km/h 166 km/h 150 km/h 152 km/h 147 km/h 155 km/h 170 km/h
CO2 emission
combined in g/km
151 188 133 138 134 146 146 140

Combo D (2012-2018)

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Combo D
 
Overview
Also calledFiat Doblò
Vauxhall Combo
Ram ProMaster City
ProductionJanuary 2012 – December 2018[12]
AssemblyTurkey: Bursa (Tofaş)
Body and chassis
ClassPanel van/Leisure activity vehicle
Body style4/5-door panel van
5-door LAV
PlatformSCCS platform
RelatedFiat Linea
Fiat 500L
Opel Meriva B
Powertrain
Engine1.4 L Fire I4 (petrol)
1.4 L Fire Turbojet I4 (CNG)
1.6 L CDTI I4 (diesel)
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseSWB: 2,755 mm (108.5 in)
LWB: 3,105 mm (122.2 in)
LengthSWB: 4,390 mm (172.8 in)
LWB: 4,740 mm (186.6 in)
WidthSWB: 1,832 mm (72.1 in)
LWB: 1,832 mm (72.1 in)
HeightSWB: 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. It is built in the Stellantis plant in Mangualde, Portugal, and in the Stellantis plant in Vigo, Spain, alongside the new Peugeot Rifter and Citroën Berlingo.[14][15]

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Engines

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1.4 1.4 Turbo 1.4 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI 1.6 CDTI 1.6 CDTI 2.0 CDTI
engine type Petrol I4 CNG I4 Diesel I4
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
max. 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)

Combo E (K9; 2018)

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Combo E
 
Opel Combo Life
Overview
Also calledPeugeot Rifter
Citroën Berlingo
Peugeot Partner
Toyota ProAce City
Vauxhall Combo/Combo Life
Fiat Doblò
Production2018–present
Model years2019–present
AssemblyPortugal: Mangualde (PSA Mangualde Plant)
Spain: Vigo (PSA Vigo Plant)[16]
United Kingdom: Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall Ellesmere Port)
Body and chassis
ClassLeisure activity vehicle (M)
Body style4/5-door panel van
5-door LAV
PlatformPSA EMP2 platform
Powertrain
Engine1.2 L Petrol THP
1.5/1.6 L diesel HDi/CDTI
Transmission5&6-speed manual
EAT8 Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,780–2,970 mm (109.4–116.9 in)
Length4,400–4,750 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.

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Notes

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  1. ^

References

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  1. ^ Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990, p. 153
  2. ^ Weatherley, Brian, ed. (31 May 1990). "Retirement for Bedford name". Commercial Motor. 172 (4371). Sutton, Surrey: Reed Business Publishing Group: 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. ^ Patrascu, Daniel. "Fiat to Build Combo for Opel". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  14. ^ "Les futurs Citroën Berlingo et Peugeot Partner seront produits à Vigo". l'argus.
  15. ^ "Les remplaçants des Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo et Opel Combo sont prévus pour 2018". caradisiac.
  16. ^ 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.
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