Sporting the brand’s ‘Vizor’ front end treatment, the new Vauxhall Combo and Combo Electric have been revealed, which are set to become available to order in the UK by the end of the year.
Besides the compact van’s refreshed looks, which take some design cues from newer Vauxhall passenger models like the Mokka SUV, the manufacturer adds that the van has been given an upgraded interior, more advanced headlights and a larger infotainment screen as it moves into the next generation, as well as a longer battery range for all-electric versions.
The more expensive ‘Pro’ versions come with a ten-inch infotainment touchscreen and ten-inch digital instrument cluster pairing with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If you decide to opt for the lead-in ‘Prime’ trim, you get a smartphone ‘station’ instead, which uses your smartphone screen to control the van’s infotainment.
The Combo is equipped with several driver assistance systems, including a speed limiter, lane keeping assistance, a driver attention alert, while adaptive cruise control is available as an option. The ‘Pro’ variant of the new Combo also features what Vauxhall calls ‘Dynamic Surround Vision’, which allows the driver to view an image of the rear and of the side blind spot while on the move, both displayed in a new digital rear-view mirror.
Rear parking sensors and a comfort driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment are also included as standard, while ‘Pro’ versions are fitted with power-folding door mirrors, a load-through bulkhead and dual-passenger bench with underseat storage. Black door mirror caps and side mouldings with 16-inch alloy-wheels complete the ‘Pro’ offering.
Vauxhall is yet to announce much about the standard diesel panel van, but has published details on the new Combo Electric, which the brand says can travel 17% further on a single charge than the current model. The new variant uses the same 50kWh battery pack, but with a new heat pump that helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures, boosting the range to 205 miles.
The van uses one front-mounted 136hp electric motor, and the top speed is capped at 81mph. A 7.4kW on-board charger comes as standard (a 11kW charger is optional), and the battery can be recharged from 0-80% in less than 30 minutes at a 100kW public charging station.
Regardless of your powertrain choice, the compact van still offers up to 4.4m3 of storage space, with a 780kg maximum payload and a 750kg towing capacity.
Prices for the new Combo start at just under £21k for diesel variants, and around £28k for the Combo Electric – the latter price tag representing a saving of £4k over the outgoing model.
Vauxhall says that sales of the new Combo range are scheduled to start by the end of this year. Full specification and pricing details for the full line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
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