Opel Combo

Opel Combo
Overview
Manufacturer Opel
Production 1994–present
Body and chassis
Class Leisure activity vehicle
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive

The Opel Combo is a leisure activity vehicle from the German automaker Opel. The Combo first appeared in 1993, a second generation model was introduced in 2001 and the third has been manufactured from December 2011, based on the Fiat Doblò. The name "Combo" was previously applied as a suffix to a three-door panel van body style of Opel Kadett E.

The Combo B and Combo C 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 B and C 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).

Kadett Combo (Combo A; 1986–1993)

Kadett Combo
Overview
Also called Bedford Astramax
Vauxhall Astramax
Production 1986–1993
Assembly Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom, Azambuja, Portugal.
Body and chassis
Class 3-door panel van
3-door wagon
Platform T-body platform
Related Opel Kadett E

The Opel Kadett Combo was introduced in January 1986 and finished production in the summer of 1993. It was based on the Opel Kadett E compact car and was built in the United Kingdom at Ellesmere Port by Vauxhall until 1989 when production was transferred to Azambuja, Portugal and built by Opel. In Germany it was sold with a 1.3 litre petrol engine or a 1.6 (later 1.7) litre diesel unit.[1]

United Kingdom

The Bedford/Vauxhall Astramax (Opel Kadett Combo in mainland Europe) was a very popular choice with drivers, and on the television show Lovejoy, it was used as a minor action vehicle.

When the van was introduced, it was called the Bedford Astramax. It was not until some years later, it was called the Vauxhall Astramax, when GM Europe decided to retire the Bedford badge, and rebadge them as Vauxhalls.

Combo B (1993–2001)

Combo B
Overview
Also called Vauxhall Combo
Holden Combo (SB)
Chevrolet Combo
Shanghai Auto Saibao
Production 1993–2001
Assembly Azambuja, Portugal
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door panel van
3-door wagon
Platform GM4200 platform
Related Opel Corsa B

The first generation of Combo, launched in 1993, was based on the 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 a Europallet. The Combo B 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 in 1995, 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 Opel plant in Portugal is the sole production site of all Combos, all those models were replaced gradually with the Combo C in 2001. The Combo was also produced in relatively small numbers by SAIC subsidiary SAIC-Yizheng as the "Shanghai Auto (Shangqi) Saibao SAC6420", equipped with the same 1.6 litre engine and five-speed manual transmission as the Buick Sail. Built from 2002 until 2005, there was also a DeLuxe version available, with alloy wheels and other extras.[2]

Holden in Australia launched the SB series Combo in February 1996.[3] It offered the 1.4-litre C14NZ engine, upgraded to C14SE specification in 1997. Sales continued until 2002, although the last SB Combos were built in 2001, but complianced as 2002 models.

Names and markets

Engines

Combo C (2001–2011)

Combo C

Opel Combo facelifted
Overview
Also called Vauxhall Combo
Holden Combo (XC)
Chevrolet Combo
Production 2001–2011
Assembly Azambuja, Portugal (2001–2006)[4]
Zaragoza, Spain (2006–2011)
Body and chassis
Body style 4/5-door panel van
4/5-door wagon
Platform Gamma platform
Related Opel Corsa C
Opel Meriva A
Chevrolet Montana
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length 4,332 mm (170.6 in)
Width 1,685 mm (66.3 in)
Height 1,800 mm (70.9 in)

The second generation was launched in 2001. While most competitors severed their connections with their subcompact brethren, Opel decided to base the vehicle on the 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 C 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 effort 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.

In late 2006, the Azambuja, Portugal factory closed down and the production of the Opel Combo transferred to Zaragoza, Spain.

Holden in Australia launched the XC series Combo in September 2002.[5] It offered the 1.6-litre Z16SE engine, upgraded to 1.4-litre Z14XEP specification in December 2004 for the MY05 update. Although production eneded in late 2011, Holden in Australia and New Zealand stockpiled sufficient Combo inventory to last until mid-2013, with the final 2011-build vehicles complianced in early 2012. In August 2013, CarAdvice announced that the Holden Combo had been quietly discontinued and will not be replaced by newer generation available to European customers.[6]

Production of this Combo ended in late 2011, when a new Combo based on the Fiat Doblò was launched.

Names and markets

Engines

Combo D (2011–present)

Combo D
Overview
Also called Fiat Doblò
Vauxhall Combo
Ram ProMaster City
Production 2011–present
Assembly Bursa, Turkey (Tofaş)
Body and chassis
Body style 4/5-door panel van
4/5-door wagon
Platform SCCS platform
Related Fiat Linea
Fiat 500L
Opel Meriva B
Powertrain
Engine 1.4L Fire I4 petrol
1.4L Fire Turbojet I4 CNG
1.6L CDTI I4 diesel
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase

2,755 mm (108.5 in) (SWB)

3,105 mm (122.2 in) (LWB)

The third generation has been manufactured from December 2011, and is based on the Fiat Doblò. The new Combo is manufactured in Turkey by Tofaş.[7]

Engines

Petrol engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note
1.4 FIREI41368 cc95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @6000 rpm127 N·m (94 lb·ft) @4500 rpm2011-on
Compressed natural gas
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note
1.4 FIRE CNG TurboI41368 cc120 PS (88 kW; 120 hp) @5000 rpm207 N·m (153 lb·ft) @3000 rpm2011-on
Diesel engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note
1.6 CDTII41598 cc90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4000 rpm290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @1500 rpm2011-on
1.6 CDTII41598 cc105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4000 rpm290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @1500 rpm2011-on

References

  1. ↑ Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990, p. 153
  2. ↑ De Feyter, Tycho (2011-12-08). "Spotted in China: Shanghai Auto Saibao panel van". CarNewsChina.com.
  3. ↑ "Holden's Unique New Combo Delivers Unbeatable Van Value, Car-Like Comfort And Safety". AutoWeb. 13 February 1996. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  4. ↑ "Opel. Opel In Portugal". Car-cat.com. Retrieved 2010-07-19.
  5. ↑ Pettendy, Marton (18 July 2011). "First look: Opel outs next Combo". GoAuto. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  6. ↑ Beissmann, Tim (8 August 2013). "Holden Combo discontinued, no plans for replacement". CarAdvice. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  7. ↑ "Fiat to Build Combo for Opel". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2010-12-02.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Opel Combo.
« previous — Opel car timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
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City car Agila A Agila B Karl
Adam
Supermini Corsa A Corsa B Corsa C Corsa D Corsa E
Chevette
Small family car Kadett D Kadett E Astra F Astra G Astra H Astra J
Ampera
Large family car Ascona B Ascona C Vectra A Vectra B Vectra C / Signum Insignia
Executive car Rekord E / Commodore C Omega A Omega B
Full-size car Senator A / Monza Senator B
Convertible Cascada
Sports car Tigra A Tigra TwinTop B
Manta B Calibra Speedster GT (Roadster)
Mini MPV Meriva A
Compact MPV Meriva B
Zafira A Zafira B
Large MPV Sintra Zafira Tourer C
Mini SUV Mokka
Compact SUV Frontera A Frontera B Antara
Mid-size SUV Monterey
Pick-up Campo
LAV Kadett Combo Combo B Combo C Combo D
LCV Bedford Blitz Arena Vivaro A Vivaro B
Movano A Movano B