Holden Combo
| Company type | Vehicle model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Rüsselsheim , Germany |
| Products | Panel van, leisure activity vehicle |
The Opel Combo is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle manufactured by the German carmaker Opel. Its introduction took place in 1993, followed by new generations arriving in 2001 and 2011—the latter model being derived from the Fiat Doblò. The "Combo" designation originally appeared as a suffix for a three-door panel van variant of the Opel Kadett E produced between 1986 and 1993.
After Opel and Vauxhall became part of Groupe PSA in March 2017, the fourth-generation Combo, launched in March 2018, adopted shared platforms and body designs with the Peugeot Rifter, Peugeot Partner, and Citroën Berlingo, illustrating PSA’s platform unification strategy.
Previous versions, namely Combo B and C, utilized platforms and components common to subcompact Opel Corsa models, a conventional practice within this vehicle category. Holden referred to these variants as SB and XC, corresponding to their associated Barina models.
Kadett Combo (Combo A; 1986)
The Opel Kadett Combo was introduced in January 1986 and remained in production until August 1993. It was based on the small family car Opel Kadett E. Production initially took place at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility until January 1989, after which manufacturing moved to Opel’s Azambuja plant in Portugal.
Available engine options included a 1.3-liter petrol unit, later increased to 1.4 liters, alongside diesel engines ranging from 1.6 to 1.7 liters. Certain markets such as the UK offered a more powerful 1.6-liter petrol engine variant.
In the UK, the three-door estate van was sold under the Bedford brand initially, later rebranded as the Vauxhall Astravan. The high-roof version was marketed as the Bedford Astramax before adopting the Vauxhall name in June 1990, reflecting Bedford’s traditional association with larger commercial vehicles.
The Astramax came in either a basic or better-equipped L trim level, with payload capacities of either 365 or 560 kilograms.
Combo B (1993-2001)
The first generation of the Combo series debuted in October 1993 and was based on the Opel Corsa B, which had been introduced six months earlier. The design from the front up to the B-pillar closely resembled that of the Corsa, except for an added roof spoiler. The extended wheelbase and platform supported a tall, box-shaped cargo compartment tailored to accommodate a Euro-pallet.
This generation featured symmetrical twin rear doors that opened sideways; these were counted collectively as one "door" within its three-door configuration.
In response to growing demand for leisure activity vehicles, Opel launched the five-seat Opel Combo Tour during summer 1995. This variant incorporated side windows and a foldable bench seat for three passengers within the cargo area.
Mainly aimed at European markets, this model was also available where GM marketed Opel-based vehicles. All Combo B units were produced exclusively at Opel’s Azambuja factory in Portugal before being succeeded by the Combo C starting in 2001.
Between 2002 and 2005, SAIC-Yizheng manufactured a version named "Shanghai Auto (Shangqi) Saibao SAC6420" in China, powered by a 1.6-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox shared with the Buick Sail. A DeLuxe trim provided features like alloy wheels and additional amenities.
Holden introduced the SB series Combo to the Australian market in February 1996, initially equipped with a 1.4-liter C14NZ engine that was upgraded to C14SE in 1997. Although sales continued until 2002, production ceased in 2001 with models meeting compliance through that year.
Names and markets
- Opel Combo – Available throughout Europe (excluding the United Kingdom) and Singapore
- Vauxhall Combo – Sold in the United Kingdom
- Holden Combo – Distributed in Australia and New Zealand
- Chevrolet Combo – Marketed in Chile
Engines
Combo D (2012–2018)
The third iteration of the Opel Combo, produced between January 2012 and December 2018, utilized the Fiat Doblò platform and was assembled by Tofaş in Bursa, Turkey. This generation offered a range of engines including petrol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and diesel variants. Engine choices included a 1.4 L Fire petrol inline-four, a turbocharged CNG version, and a 1.6 L Multijet diesel unit. Buyers could select between manual and automatic gearboxes, with both short and extended wheelbase options available to cater to various commercial and recreational vehicle demands.
In different markets, this model was sold under alternative badges: as the Vauxhall Combo in the United Kingdom and as the Ram ProMaster City across North America. This rebadging strategy was designed to enhance regional market appeal. The partnership with Fiat enabled Opel to capitalize on the SCCS platform, promoting cost savings and broadening its product lineup.
Sales began in early 2012, focusing primarily on small business fleets and urban delivery services with an emphasis on fuel economy and adaptability.
Engines
| 1.4 Twinport ecoFLEX | 1.6 | 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX | 1.3 CDTI | 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX | 1.7 DI | 1.7 DTI | 1.7 CDTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| engine type | Petrol I4 | CNG I4 | Diesel I4 | |||||
| displacement | 1364 cm3 | 1598 cm3 | 1248 cm3 | 1686 cm3 | ||||
| max. power at rpm |
66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 5600 |
64 kW (87 PS; 86 hp) 5400 |
69 kW (94 PS; 93 hp) 6200 |
51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) 4000 |
55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) 4000 |
48 kW (65 PS; 64 hp) 4400 |
55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) 4400 |
74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) 4400 |
| max. torque at rpm |
125 Nm/ 4000 |
138 Nm/ 3000 |
133 Nm/ 4200 |
170 Nm/ 1750–2500 |
170 Nm/ 1750–2500 |
130 Nm/ 2000-3000 |
165 Nm/ 1800–3000 |
240 Nm/ 2300 |
| max. speed | 164 km/h | 164 km/h | 166 km/h | 150 km/h | 152 km/h | 147 km/h | 155 km/h | 170 km/h |
| CO2 emission combined in g/km |
151 | 188 | 133 | 138 | 134 | 146 | 146 | 140 |
| 1.4 | 1.4 Turbo | 1.4 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX | 1.3 CDTI | 1.6 CDTI | 1.6 CDTI | 2.0 CDTI | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| engine type | Petrol I4 | CNG I4 | Diesel I4 | |||||||||
| displacement | 1368 cm3 | 1248 cm3 | 1598 cm3 | 1956 cm3 | ||||||||
| max. power at rpm |
70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 6000 |
88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) 5000 |
66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 4000 |
70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 4000 |
66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 4000 |
70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) 4000 |
74 kW (100 PS; 99 hp) 3650 |
77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) 4000 |
88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) 3500 |
99 kW (135 PS; 133 hp) 3500 | ||
| max. torque at rpm |
127 Nm/ 4500 |
206 Nm/ 3000 |
206 Nm/ 3000 |
200 Nm/ 1500 |
290 Nm/ 1500 |
200 Nm/ 1500 |
300 Nm/ 1750 |
290 Nm/ 1500 |
320 Nm/ 1750 |
320 Nm/ 1500 | ||
| max. speed | 161 km/h | 172 km/h | 158 km/h | 159 km/h (161 km/h) |
158 km/h [158 km/h] |
158 km/h | 164 km/h | 160 km/h (164 km/h) |
172 km/h (176 km/h) |
179 km/h | ||
| CO2 emission combined in g/km |
169–177 (163–171) |
169–179 | 134 | 136 (129) |
136 (123) |
145–156 (141–157) |
138–148 (133–147) |
137 (124) |
145–156 (138–148) |
134–158 (120–133) |
136–149 (124–140) |
156–163 (150–157) |
Combo E (K9; 2018)
Unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the fourth-generation Combo became part of Groupe PSA's lineup following Opel's acquisition in March 2017. Built on the same architecture as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter, this model is aimed at the leisure activity vehicle sector.
Production takes place at Stellantis facilities located in Mangualde, Portugal; Vigo, Spain; and Ellesmere Port, UK. The Combo E is available in both panel van and leisure activity vehicle configurations. Engine options include a turbocharged 1.2 L petrol THP alongside diesel units ranging from 1.5 to 1.6 L HDi/CDTI, with choices of manual gearboxes or the EAT8 automatic transmission.
Designed to deliver efficiency and flexibility for both commercial use and passenger transport, this generation utilizes Stellantis' EMP2 platform to enhance manufacturing processes and expand its presence throughout the European market.