Opel Combo

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Opel Combo
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1995-present
Class	Leisure activity vehicle
Similar	Citroën Berlingo Ford Courier (Europe) Peugeot Partner Volkswagen Caddy

The Combo is a small commercial van and leisure activity vehicle from General Motors, which is branded as Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Chevrolet, depending on the market.

The Combos share platforms, vital components and some body panels with contemporary subcompact Opel Corsas, which used to be a typical pedigree for such a vehicle. The generations are denoted A and B in typical Opel fashion, but Holden applied the codes SB and XC respectively, reflecting the relation with SB and XC Holden Barinas (Opel Corsa B and C, respectively)

The Combo first appeared in 1995, and a second generation model was introduced in 2001. The name "Combo" was previously applied to a 3-door panel van body style of Opel Kadett E.

[edit] Combo A

Combo A

Also called	Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (SB) Chevrolet Combo
Production	1995–2001
Body style	3-door panel van 3-door leisure activity vehicle
Platform	FF GM4200
Related	Opel Corsa B

The first generation of Combo, launched in 1995, was derived out of Opel Corsa B, launched two years earlier. The front part (up to the B-pillar) is practically identical with the Corsa (except for the roof spoiler), but the platform (and thus wheelbase and the body in general) is extended to accommodate a tall, boxy cargo compartment, capable of carrying an Europallet. The Combo A had symmetrical twin rear doors that opened to the side (rather than a single tailgate). These are counted as a single "door" when referring to the body style as 3-door.

Following the increasing popularity of leisure activity vehicles, Opel launched a 5-passenger version of the Combo, called Opel Combo Tour. It differed from the panel van version by having the cargo section fitted with side windows and a three-passenger split-folding bench seat.

Although Combo's primary market is Europe, it has also been sold on other continents, in markets where GM traditionally use Opel-derived models. As the Azambuja GM plant in Portugal is the sole production site of all Combos, all those models were replaced simultaneously with Combo B in 2001.

[edit] Names and markets

Opel Combo - Europe (except for UK) and Chile before the rebranding on the late 90´s
Vauxhall Combo - United Kingdom
Holden Combo - Australia, New Zealand
Chevrolet Combo - Chile

[edit] Engines

1.4L I4 8V SOHC Ecotec
1.6L I4 8V SOHC Ecotec
1.7L I4 8V SOHC Circle-L Diesel

[edit] Combo B

Combo B

Also called	Vauxhall Combo Holden Combo (XC) Chevrolet Combo
Production	2001–
Body style	4/5-door panel van 4/5-door leisure activity vehicle
Platform	FF Gamma
Related	Opel Corsa C Opel Meriva Chevrolet Montana

The second generation was launched in 2001. While most competitors severed their connections with their subcompact brethren, Opel decided to base the vehicle off a Corsa again. The use of subcompact Gamma platform constrained the overall width of the vehicle. While the general body shape was updated to fashionable "flush" look, the front part (up to the A-pillar) is shared with the Corsa. Compared to previous generation, the Combo B gained sliding rear side doors (versions with either single passenger side door or double doors are available).

An Opel Combo Tour version was also introduced, followed by Opel Combo Tour Tramp (Combo Tour Arizona in some markets), in an attempt to attract leisure activity vehicle buyers. Combo Tour Tramp/Arizona was thought as a more off-road recreational vehicle. It features enhanced suspension tuning, increased ground clearance, chassis protection covers and numerous styling details that differentiate it from standard Combo Tours, with the intention to conjure a sturdy, outdoor-sports-related image.

Commercial van versions retained the symmetrical twin rear doors, while the Tour versions have an option of a single tailgate (opening to the top). The tailgate is standard on Tour Tramp/Arizona.

Azambuja, Portugal remains the sole production site of the Combo.