For fleets looking at the possibility of downsizing, adopting a smaller van with lower running costs and improved fuel economy, Vauxhall’s Combo is a natural replacement for the firm’s Vivaro customers. But what if you still require the sort of load volume or payload of the larger van, but fancy the smaller external dimensions and lower costs?
Until recently there was no actual overlap between the two models. However with the introduction of an L2H2 Combo, the line between the two Vauxhall vans becomes a little more blurred.
The L2H2 Combo has a load volume of 5.0m3, which is almost on a par with vans from a class above. With a payload of up to 1,000kg, it even betters some of the smaller vans from the next class up, offering companies a real alternative.
The compact Vauxhall is of course based on Fiat’s Doblo Cargo and unlike some
competitors, buyers can now specify four body sizes, with two lengths and two heights on offer.
The high roof is reasonably well integrated, with full height rear doors for easy access. The actual cab roof is untouched however, which allows the firm to offer a lockable storage compartment above the cab roof but inside the sloping section of the van top.
Combo L2H2 is offered with a choice of two 1.6-litre diesel engines, with 90hp and 105hp. They have Start/Stop as standard and both deliver 290Nm of torque. The 1.6CDTi with 90hp comes with a five-speed Tecshift automated manual box, while the 105hp motor has the more popular six-speed manual gearbox.
The manual van is a very relaxed motorway cruiser, with that extra gear helping
to keep rpm and fuel consumption low. Vauxhall claims up to 49.5mpg should be possible. That’s combined with a CO2 output of 150g/km.
The L2H2 is designed as a workhorse and so only comes in the more basic Combo trim level, with no option to upgrade to the popular Sportive specification. The base trim isn’t that hard to live with however, all models come with remote control deadlocking, a CD/radio, reach and rake adjustable seats and steering column, electric windows, a full steel bulkhead and two sliding side doors on the L2 models.
Combo is a decent van to drive, with plenty of room for those over six foot to get comfortable. The steering is light but you’re never left in doubt about what’s going on under the front wheels. As the roof above the driver is no higher than in an H1 van, you really don’t notice the extra height from inside either. No doubt a full 1-tonne load would make its presence felt, but at half load, the Combo is a rapid means of transport capable of holding its own in town or country driving.
The real attraction of the L2H2 Combo will be for those customers who want the volume and load capacity of a mid-weight van. This L2H2 Combo comes out at £17,648, while the new Vivaro range starts at £17,995.
While that might not seem like much of a downsizing move, the operating costs of the smaller van, including fuel consumption, should be considerably lower.
What we think
The L2H2 body adds to the appeal of Vauxhall’s compact Combo van, delivering small van running costs with the carrying capability of a much larger model.
Specification
MODEL Vauxhall Combo L2H2 1.6CDTi S/S
BASIC PRICE £17,648
ENGINE 4-cyl/1,598cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 105hp @ 4,000rpm
TORQUE 290Nm @ 1,500rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW 2,460
KERB WEIGHT 1,460
PAYLOAD 1,000
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,300
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,170
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,714
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,550
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 545
LOAD VOLUME 5.0m3
Cost considerations
COMBINED MPG & CO2 49.5mpg/150g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/21,000 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles
