Vauxhall Combo 1.3CDTi Easytronic Road Test Report

Performance

The Combo comes with plenty of power for a small van - 70bhp on tap at 4,000rpm - more than enough to get you around the urban jungle.Under the bonnet you have a 1,248cc Ecotec-4 four-cylinder 16-valve double overhead cam engine generating 125 lb/ft of torque. The engine is mated to the Easytronic gearbox, which sets this van apart from rivals. The ‘box is an optional extra on the Combo range – but it will make your driving experience so much easier. It’s a five-speed manual gearbox with a fully auto mode. In manual you simply push the lever forward or back to shift gear up or down. The facia display shows you what gear you’re in – 1-5 N for Neutral or A for Auto. Switch to fully automatic mode and it has many of the features of a regular automatic including a kick-down function. There’s no clutch pedal so you can drive it on an automatic-only driving licence.

Ride & Handling

The ride and handling of the Combo performs well in both the urban environment and outer urban as the Combo is fitted with an independent front suspension, this includes MacPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The unit coped well out of town although there was intermittent rattle from either the back doors or the bulkhead as the van was empty — we couldn't figure out which and it proved to be rather annoying.

Build Quality & Reliability

Inside and out the Combo has been well built, service intervals are in principle set at 30,000 miles/two years, but you’ll be pleased to know you won’t have to write this down as there is a built-in monitoring device to warn you if your van needs to visit the service department.Vauxhall provides a three-year/60,000 mile warranty with no mileage limit in the first year. Roadside rescue and recovery is also provided for the first 12 months, and a six-year anti-perforation body panel warranty completes the package.

Safety & Security

Safety is important to maker Vauxhall and the marque has added ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard as are ventilated 260mm diameter front disc brakes. Most of you know not to keep tools in your vans but Vauxhall has quite rightly laid plenty of stress on security and the Combo is no exception. It comes with remote central locking with deadlocks.

Space & Practicality

The Combo comes with a Rack-and-pinion steering, with electric power assistance — this is a boon in town as it makes the Combo easier parked than some rivals. The payload was 785kg, which meant our van was capable of towing a braked trailer grossing 1,000kg. A downside to the Combo was the lack of a full-height bulkhead and a full lining for the load area. When at speed, wind noise and road roar was more prevalent because of the lack of a bulkhead.

Ownership & Value

The Combo has been blessed with a lively common rail turbodiesel, this package is even better when in tandem with the Easytronic gearbox.Vauxhall’s long service intervals should keep your all-important running costs down, while it has a roomy load bay and should be ideal for businesses working in an urban environment. A downside is the lack of storage space up-front. You’ll struggle to store a two-litre bottle of lemonade or a flask as the door pockets and glove box is small in size.