Arriving in Vauxhall showrooms late in 2018 will be the new Combo Life, a practical and versatile mini people carrier equipped with two rear sliding doors which can be ordered as a five- or seven-seater.
Unlike the current-generation Combo, which is a rebadged Fiat Doblo, the new Combo models will be based on the latest version of the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. This had always been expected as Vauxhall’s new owners PSA Groupe move to integrate Vauxhall and Opel with its French brands.
The latest addition to the Vauxhall range is fitted with technologies and driver assistance systems that are more commonly seen in the compact or SUV segments, such as driver drowsiness alert, rear-view Camera with 180° bird’s-eye view, head-up display, and IntelliGrip, as well as improved comfort features such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Other features include advanced park assist and a new Flank Guard system that, while turning at low speed, gives a warning when there is a risk that the side of the vehicle will collide into an obstacle, such as pillars, barriers, walls or other vehicles. Flank Guard consists of 12 sensors that analyse the surrounding area and warn the driver through the infotainment screen if a potential collision is detected.
The Combo Life is also equipped with IntelliGrip traction control for safer handling, while a heated steering wheel and heated front seats keep the chill at bay. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment systems with colour touchscreens are available to keep drivers connected.
The Combo Life will be available as a 4.4-metre standard length version or a longer 4.75-metre long model, with two sliding rear doors as standard.
The five-seat, standard length version has a minimum luggage volume of 597 litres, while the long-wheelbase model has a minimum luggage volume of 850 litres. With the rear seats folded down, the boot volume of the standard version more than triples to 2,126 and the longer version goes up to 2,693 litres.
Combo Life customers will have the choice between a variety of turbocharged, direct injection petrol and diesel engines. The engines will be available with either five or six-speed manual transmissions, or an eight-speed automatic.
