What's the news?
Opel is launching a new passenger version of its Combo van. The Combo Life is designed to appeal primarily to families looking for a little more practicality. Unlike the previous Fiat-based Combo, the new one is to be based on the Peugeot Partner platform, in light of the French PSA Group's 2017 takeover of Opel.
The Combo Life can be ordered with one or two rear sliding doors; five or seven seats; and long (4.75m) or short (4.40m), making it highly versatile in terms of passenger and luggage space. Indeed, space is the key attraction for a vehicle like this, with the short and long wheelbase versions providing minimum luggage volumes of 597- and 850 litres respectively. All those rear seats can, of course, fold down, which will give both versions of the Combo Life a commodious space (2,126- and 2,693 litres) to stow bikes, surfboards or almost anything else you can throw at it. The interior will be full of practical secondary storage options like a double glovebox, large centre-console and, depending on the configuration, 36 litres of overhead storage space.
Despite the van-like styling and huge luggage volumes, the Combo Life is far less utilitarian than it looks and will come with a great deal of gadgets and driver aids as standard and as options, including the usual infotainment systems and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
Given that this vehicle is being aimed at families, Opel is including a lot of reasonably high-tech stuff aimed at making driving the Combo safer, including the optional IntelliGrip traction control system from the Grandland X, but also things like Head-Up Display; Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection; Automatic Emergency Braking; and Intelligent Speed Adaptation, which, in addition to alerting the driver to changes in the speed limit, if the cruise control is activated, will slow the vehicle down to the appropriate speed. 'Flank Guard', a system of sensors around the vehicle to help the driver avoid clipping a rear corner, will surely come-in useful, as may Trailer Stability Control, an additional ESP function to make towing safer. That comes as standard if you order the Combo with a tow bar.
Anything else?
There's still no final word on engines, but Opel says there will be turbocharged, direct-injection petrol and diesel options to be paired with five- or six-speed manual gearboxes or an eight-speed automatic. The Combo Life is expected to go on sale in Autumn this year following its world debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show.