Vauxhall Combo Cargo the best small van in 2019

Vauxhall's Combo cargo is a panel van with the one thing operators really need: serious carrying capacity of up to 4.4m3.
With their fourth generation Combo, Vauxhall fields a very class-competitive compact van, with both short and long wheelbase body styles that together should be able to satisfy almost every buyer in this segment. With frugal running costs, smart design and strong practicality, it's everything a small LCV should be.
Background
When the time came to develop this fourth generation Combo van, the Combo Cargo, Vauxhall grabbed the opportunity to design something from a clean sheet of paper that would tackle both the LCV market's major small van sectors. Whether you want something spacious yet small (like a Citroen Nemo or a Peugeot Bipper). Or compact but a little bigger (like a Ford Transit Connect or a Renault Kangoo), Vauxhall hopes that this Combo will appeal.
The previous generation version used Fiat underpinnings, but this time round, the Combo borrows its platform from two of its closest rivals, the PSA Group Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner models. But adds some really clever tech touches of its own.
Driving Experience
These days, van drivers are well used to a car-like response from LCVs, especially small ones. That doesn't necessarily mean an enjoyable driving experience though and in the old third generation Combo with its Fiat Doblo-derived underpinnings, you didn't get one. This fourth generation Combo uses a lighter Peugeot / Citroen Group platform system clever enough to provide supple ride comfort, yet firm enough to resist body roll and support heavy loads. It's a much better compromise.
Can the same be said of the engines on offer? Well, the line-up certainly seems effective on paper. There's a 1.2-litre 110PS petrol unit. Or a 1.5-litre CDTi diesel, developing either 100 or 130PS. The units are combined with five and six-speed manual transmissions. In addition, in a segment first, a low-friction eight-speed automatic with Quickshift technology can be ordered in combination with the top-of-the-range 1.5-litre 130PS diesel. Whichever variant you choose - standard or long - you'll find that the driving position pretty good, with the steeply raked windscreen and low bonnet combining to give great visibility. Couple that with big panoramic door mirrors and the result is a vehicle you can be confident about driving even the most congested city streets where the light steering facilitates a tight turning circle, 11.2m in the short wheelbase version and 12.5m for the long wheelbase model. As for refinement, well, the slightly clattery note at start-up settles down quite acceptably once you get up to speed.
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[@bikerman6907]

Just bought a low millage grey met. 2020 Combo 130 hp 8 speed auto. Very happy with it, fast and so easy to drive and low in road noise. In the spring, its gonna get a set of wide 8x18 inch alloy wheels, Lazer led bar, and some mud flaps😊. Cheers from Norway

[@rivervalegroup]

Hope you enjoy your new Combo!

[@bikerman6907]

@@rivervalegroup I bought it a month ago. Have had two Connect Sport 120hp 6 speed man. previously. The Combo with its 8 speed auto is very relaxing to drive.

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

this will make a nice camper van when converted

[@user-yg4ov6pv5h]

Great review, Van is manufactured with the berlingo in northern France, great details, well done OSV!! 👍

[@quip59]

Portugal

[@Nelson1234]

Another very good informative and comprehensive review from OSV , if you want to know everything about the vehicles .... OSV reviews are the one to look out for, well done guys.

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the feedback Tony 👍 great to see comments like this

[@bodiezeke9848]

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[@legendaydin8837]

@Bodie Zeke Instablaster =)

[@bodiezeke9848]

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[@bodiezeke9848]

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[@TheCarRestorer957]

That’s the first time I have watched a full review very interesting tech on a van

[@paulmorris3613]

one thing missing for a van is the security of the van to break-ins,It would seem if you break into the van the front can be accessed through the hatch,

[@stealth1692]

I don’t think you can acces it like that I think you have to open it from the front and from what I’ve seen you’d have to break your back in the process

[@tounovtwin]

And whats the security like? Spec and options not interested. I want to know will my tools be safe...

[@sandotermsrl7534]

Hello. Combo was and is one of the commercial vehicle which has played an important role in the economic development of many countries. Now with the new PSA platform has become a much better car. I'm not sure about the maintenance costs of the new platform, because with Combo always was low. Thank you for all the informations!

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the comment sandoterm 👍 it still is a great van with low running costs ✔

[@lecapitainevincent4945]

Citroën Berlingo = Peugeot Rifter = Opel Combo = Vauxhall Combo = Toyota Pro Ace City Verso are build in Vigo (Spain)

[@thingyee1118]

Good video besides the other small van reviews having a identical script when describing parallel features. I don't recall you mentioning load lengths however. But yeah otherwise a good review, professional.

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for watching and we appreciate your feedback. Will take this on-board for future reviews 👍

[@GillanBell-he1nj]

Wet belt or?

[@sports872]

What's better, Vauxhall Combo or Transit Connect?

[@rivervalegroup]

Hi there, one of our vehicle experts will be happy to talk this through with you to help you decide which model best suits your needs 👍 Book a free consultation here and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@gaurapms]

Good detailed review

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the feedback Phil 👍

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

@@rivervalegroup this wii make a small camper van when converted

[@literate-aside]

I really like this channel, it’s informative, presents well and the host is very likeable. That said I don’t think you’re living up to the potential here. Some constructive criticism: - Stop the choppy editing, it results in repeated info - Discuss pricing - base, trim and extras! - properly cover loading area configurations - Better demonstrate what the things can hold - Show cubby holes and little QoL features properly And finally, put a little more personality into the mix. It’s the same phrases, same cookie cutter presentation. Each video feels almost identical, even the strange editing shifts from presentation, to driving, to presentation. They even share the same info repeated at least twice. Please don’t think I’m hating, I value the info this channel provides; it’s one of the best. It’s just it could be so much more.

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the feedback Antoni, we agree with your points here but sadly we don't have much say in the video creation side. We will get there eventually 👍

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

"Modest speed of 115 mph". Traffic cop with speed camera: You were saying?

[@jaimiekenny7182]

Is this the L1 or L2 model ?

[@rivervalegroup]

Hi Jaimie, this is something our Vehicle Specialists can look into for you 👍 We supply every make and model in the UK, so fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@briantrend1812]

how much ? and as I would want to go surfing with my dog and buddies what concerns me in the Uk is its a van therefore higher insurance and commercial van charges on the road which is unfair if youre using it as a non commercial van. ? anyone advise me on that thanks good preview thankyou and great looking van would carry loads of surfboards dogs and camping gear

[@rivervalegroup]

Hi Brain, thanks for the comment 👍 Feel free to get in contact with our vehicle specialist team in the link below. www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/ They can give you pricing, any extra information (i.e.like commercial van charges) alternative vehicles. Look forward to hearing from you

[@nisancashi2241]

you could have changed the script a bit Opel make a good gearbox

[@thomaslee7218]

the lead rear door is on the wrong side for this country

[@palooooch]

Surroud rear vision - DO NOT PURCHASE THAT THING - every time you switch on the car key - YOU NEED TO ACCEPT that you acknowledge the risk of using it. Opel means that you are like computer - every time you switch off the car you turn off your memory (loose the knowlege of that risk) so when you turn the carkey again you have to confirm message that you`ve already seen thousand of times !!! Imagine that you start your car 10 times a day - do you get a picture how annoing it is ? And the most curious thing is that if you want to change the view from rear to right side (camera under right mirror - European version) you have to do it AGAIN WITH BUTTON near the screen ( you have to reach with hand while you drive) ONLY IN OPEL. In other sibling cars (Peugeot, Toyota and Citroen ) you can do it WITHOUT TAKING HAND OFF THE STEERING WHEEL. ONLY BY PRESSING A BUTTON ON INDICATOR SHIFTER !!! Not in Opel :( And if you pick this system you do not have a rear view on a big 8" screen with better perspective - no no no !!! Yu have it on a lot smaller 3" screen !!! So once again - CONSIDER - if you need to make your blood pressure higher and you can't drink coffe - please do purchase that system.

[@rivervalegroup]

Hi there, we're sorry to hear that you've had a bad experience with the car's surround rear vision feature. It would be best to contact Vauxhall directly to see if they can help 👍

[@palooooch]

@@rivervalegroup I did. :( "If it`s not in manual - we are sorry" Funny - the button that I mentioned before (indictor shifter) is UNUSED - realy - ZERO FUNCTION ATTACHED. Seems it takes a role of a politician - just exist - does nothing !

[@chrisclark1761]

Should really have compared three diesels.

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the feedback, Chris. We'll take this on-board 👍

[@hotpointbrownlover3365]

this is the same as an opel combo van

[@garethjudd5840]

And no manual handbreak as standard. Just a button. 🥴

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for the feedback, Gareth 👍 If you enjoyed this review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@joelalmon3088]

Too much terminology (confusing) and too much $$$ for every accessory.

[@RD2564]

Parts of the script are identical to the script for the Peugeot Partner, typical as laziness is why you lost your car industry to begin with, shame on you Britishers ...

[@normanpouch]

You lose 71% of your money in 3 years. joke.

[@ryanjamieson1906]

Why is that ,?