In case you didn’t notice, Opel’s newcomer is based on the Fiat Doblo van with the exterior styling changes over the Italian model limited to the design of the front bumper that somewhat awkwardly incorporates the German firm’s family grille.
The previous generations of the Opel Combo van shared their platforms, interior components and body panels with the Corsa, but last year, GM signed a contract agreement with Fiat for the supply of several commercial vehicles including the Combo.
The Fiat-based Combo will be offered in a variety of models. For example, the panel van will be available with a a choice of two wheelbases, measuring 2,755 mm or 3,105 mm long and providing an overall vehicle length of 4.39 and 4.74 meters respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 m or 2.10m.
Opel said the short-wheelbase model offers up to 3,800 liters of cargo space with the seat folded down, while the long-wheelbase version, up to 4,600 liters.The passenger car model will be available as a minivan with five or seven seats and a paneled or glazed body.
There are six available engines including four diesel, one gasoline and a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) unit.
The diesel range comprises 1.3 CDTI and 1.6 CDTI motors, each with 90HP, as well as a 1.6-liter CDTI variant with 105HP and a 2.0-liter CDTI unit delivering 135-horses.
The 1.4-liter gasoline engine produces 95HP, while the CNG version, which runs on natural gas, is rated at 120-horses.
The gasoline and 1.3 CDTI engines are equipped with five-speed manual gearboxes, while the CNG engine and the more powerful CDTI units have a six-speed manual gearboxes. The 90HP 1.6 CDTI is also offered with Opel’s ’Easytronic’ automated five-speed manual transmission.
A Start/Stop system is offered on all powertrains expect the CNG and the 90HP 1.6 CDTI when equipped with the Easytronic transmission.
The new Opel Combo goes on sale in Europe this autumn.
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