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Vauxhall Combo (2012 – 2018) Review

Vauxhall Combo (2012 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5

+Essentially a rebadged Fiat Doblo Cargo, good value for money, economical CDTi diesel engines, petrol version also available.

-Smaller diesels are noisy at motorway speeds.

The Vauxhall Combo may look familiar because it's actually a rebadged version of the Fiat Doblo Cargo with a slightly redesigned front end. That's good news as the Doblo is a capable and good quality van with proven mechanicals.

It uses the same engines as the Doblo with a 1.3 CDTi and a 1.6 CDTi, each with 90PS, as well as a 1.6 CDTi variant with 105PS and a powerful 2.0 CDTi engine providing 135PS. They all get a standard five-speed gearbox while the 1.6 CDTi is also available with Vauxhall’s ’Tecshift’ automated five-speed manual transmission

Standard equipment has been much improved over the outgoing model with a raft of equipment including remote central door locking with deadlocks, full-steel bulkhead, trip computer, electric power steering, driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, CD stereo and a 12 volt power outlet in the dashboard.

The new new Combo introduces a Sportive trim level for the first time. These models combine added driver comfort with a sporty style and additional features including air conditioning, metallic paint, body-colour bumpers and door mirrors, a nearside sliding door, driver's seat with height adjustment, armrest and lumbar support and full wheel covers.

What do owners think of the Vauxhall Combo (2012 – 2018)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

Ask Honest John

What small van or MPV offers the quietest drive?

"Of the small van-based cars (Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Ford Tourneo Connect, Vauxhall Combo, Skoda Yeti, Fiat Doblo), which do you reckon offers the quietest drive?"
Small vans are not as refined as small cars, but a full size steel bulkhead will do a good job of muffling a lot of the usual road and wind noise. However, if you want seats in the back then the Skoda Yeti is probably the quietest (given that it's a car and not a van): https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/yeti-2009/ The Ford Tourneo Connect would comes in as a close second: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/tourneo-connect-2014/ The Volkswagen Caddy Life would also be a good option, but avoid DSG autos as these have mixed feedback when it comes to reliability: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/caddy-life-2015/
Answered by Dan Powell

Need a low cost running car, with a large boot for my cycling business - what do you advise?

"I've started my own up-cycling business and I don't want to use a third party. My largest piece is 54-inches long and 45-inches high and pretty heavy, so needs to be able carry considerable weight. Considered a pick up truck but heard they are costly to run and it would also have to be a double cab. Hope you can help advise me."
You're only talking 4' 6" here, but 3' 9" high. I think your best bet is a Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Vauxhall Combo, Ford Connect van or combi (with windows). All have low load floors. Combis such as the Berlingo Multispace tend to be cheaper to insure and the rear seats can be folded or totally removed.
Answered by Honest John
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