There’s a strong sense that the Vauxhall Combo is just like any other Stellantis small van, and while the new interior and exterior are slightly different it’s not an unfounded perception. The Stellantis-wide facelifts have been softer on the small vans, leaving the Combo’s maximum payloads at over 980kg (model dependent) and the load volumes strong. The vehicle reviewed is a diesel version at the Pro trim level and standard length, which adds some spec and tech to the entry-level Prime trim, making the higher trim models easier to recommend even with the modest price increases. The latest version of the Combo is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new small van.
Stellantis small vans in general are among the most practical (against price) currently available - have a look at my recent review of the Citroen Berlingo to see what I mean. While there are no roof height options, the Combo is available in Standard and XL lengths, with most models capable of carrying payloads of just over 900kg and towing just over 1000kg extra weight behind them. Load length is extended by a load-through section of the bulkhead in Pro models that provides 3m in the Standard models and 3.4m in the XL models - load volumes are 3.3 cubic metres in Standard models and 3.9 cubic metres in XL. The wheel arches don’t impose very far into the cargo bay meaning load volumes are relatively unaffected and leave ample room for a Europallet to slide in. The cargo space is accessible through 180-degree-opening, 60-40 split rear doors and a single side sliding door on the passenger side. The loan vehicle came fully ply-lined providing good protection for the metalwork. Overall, the Combo makes a lot of sense to a lot of trades looking for a compact high weight carrier with good accessibility.
Expert rating: 4/5
Interior
Having driven several of the new Stellantis small vans over the past few weeks, the loan Combo’s interior felt very familiar, almost a home from home. It’s the epitome of hard-wearing plastics and fabrics. It’s comfortable, especially for the driver, but still suffers with restricted legroom for the centre passenger on models fitted with a bench seat. Overall, it’s a comfortable cabin for two, but gets a bit crowded with three people inside. I’m pleased with the upgraded infotainment system you get at the Pro trim level, and I’d bet most would choose the higher trim simply for the additions it offers to the cabin and driving experience. Check out the equipment section at the foot of this review for a full rundown of everything available spec and tech-wise at both trim levels. The one issue I experienced was the awkward placement of the climate control switches, or rather the decision to have the temperature up/down function controlled by flippers on both sides of the cabin and the fan speed up/down function controlled by two separate buttons immediately to the left of the steering wheel. It's just a bit awkward to find them when you're driving in a smaller van cabin - not a deal breaker, just something to note.
Expert rating: 4/5
Running costs
Running costs won’t vary much between models, with the 100PS or 130PS 1.5-litre diesel engines offering around 40-50mpg (WLTP). Combos are seen as good value for money and the efficiency of the engines play a big part in that. Acquisition prices are very reasonable, starting at just over £20,000 on the diesel versions, and they can be made even more competitive on finance or on a lease deal. There is an electric version of the combo available, and this section will be updated with a link to that when the Auto Trader review of the new electric model is completed.
Expert rating: 3/5
Reliability
All diesel-powered Vauxhall commercial vehicles are covered by a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty, a very standard warranty length and one you’ll find on most new Stellantis small vans. Add that to the fact that it’s a Stellantis vehicle and that means badged and rebadged parts are everywhere, with ample after sales care options and franchise outlets. Vauxhall also has a good reputation for responding to customer issues promptly and is well-regarded as a reliable manufacturer when it comes to sorting warranty work.
Expert rating: 3/5
Performance
The Combo performs in line with small car-like vans when loaded with my usual dummy load of 250kg. The version I tested for this review was equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox 1.5-litre 100PS turbo diesel engine, although you can opt for that same setup with a 130PS version of the same engine, or upgrade to an eight-speed automatic transmission 130PS turbo diesel unit. There’s no noticeable cabin noise from the engine except at stop and start. I experienced an mpg readout on the dashboard of around 44mpg as I drove my 30-mile loop of country, town and dual carriageway roads. The single roof height is also multi-storey car park friendly.
Expert rating: 4/5
Ride and handling
When loaded with weight, the Combo is a far better drive than when it’s unladen. Its steering is more accurate and the van feels more planted to the road, which inspires confidence. Its diminutive size also allows it to negotiate roads of all types with relative ease. I never once felt unsafe while driving the van, that’s got to count for something.
Expert rating: 4/5
Safety
Safety equipment is good with rear parking distance sensors, cruise control and speed limiter, lane keep assist, intelligent speed assistance, driver attention alert, high beam assist, advanced emergency braking, electronic stability and traction control, a full complement of airbags, full steel bulkhead, hill start assist, Matrix LED headlights, remote control central deadlocking and an engine deadlock immobiliser as standard. Stepping up to Pro nets you a dynamic surround view of the vehicle on the infotainment screen, a clever digital rear view mirror fed from a camera on the back end, blind spot detection, the addition of front parking distance sensors, the useful detection of fixed obstacles system, a 180° rear parking camera, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and a remote control security alarm system.
Expert rating: 4/5
Equipment
Across the Stellantis vans you usually see high equipment levels and the Combo is no different. At the entry-level Prime trim level, you get the new infotainment system with a smartphone station, Bluetooth and USB connections, and access to the Vauxhall Connect service. The steering wheel is covered in controls, easy to grip and adjustable for reach and rake, which combined with the six-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment means it’s no chore to get comfortable. You also get air conditioning and climate control functions, and a 12V socket in the dash. Storage is ample with a full-width overhead storage shelf, a top-lidded glove box above the steering wheel, generous door pockets and slightly bigger cup holders at each end of the dash being notable highlights. Hard plastic floor protection in the cabin is a good addition to keep the internal space durable, and the four-way adjustable passenger seat is equally hard-wearing. On the outside, you get electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, side-protection mouldings and 16-inch steel wheels. The step up to Pro nets you a fully integrated satellite Navigation system and increases the infotainment screen in size to a 10-inch HD colour touchscreen with wireless mirror screen, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, 4G connectivity, voice control, and a better sound system. You also get a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a dual front passengers’ fixed bench seat, fold-flat centre seat backrest with table, two-way foldable outer seat (up to increase cabin space, down to use the load-through bulkhead), and electronic parking brake and additional PVC cabin floor coverings. It's a lot!
Expert rating: 4/5
Why buy?
Is the Vauxhall Combo the best Stellantis small van? No, that honour goes to the Peugeot Partner, but it’s so close (like all the others) that price will be the key determinator. There’s not a lot else to say besides the Vauxhall Combo is a good small van that’s hard wearing and efficient enough to work for most trades - it’s the one I’d best describe as the ‘off-the-shelf’ choice.