Vauxhall Combo Life 2019 as practical as the PSA alternatives?
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Vauxhall's Combo Life won't be the family car you dreamed about but it could be the one you actually need.
Vauxhall has long offered MPV passenger-carrying versions of its compact Combo van on the Continent. Now it brings that kind of package to the UK market in the form of this small but spacious People Carrier, the Combo Life.
Background
Is this more than just a van with windows? Vauxhall wants to convince you that the Combo Life is just that. Yes of course it's based on the Combo panel van, but this little MPV gets the kind of safety and media technology that most LCV drivers can only dream of.
It comes in two lengths, gives you a choice of either five or seven seats and can swallow up to 2,693-litres if you load it up to the gunwhales. Is there room in your life for a vehicle as versatile as that, one that can average around 65mpg and is priced from no more than around £20,000? If so, then read on...
Driving Experience
Combo Life buyers choose between three engines. 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. Under the skin, there's an independent Bi-link suspension system that can provide reasonably supple ride comfort, yet is firm enough to resist body roll and support heavy loads. It's a decent compromise.
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 - usually a van-based MPV issue - well, the slightly clattery note at start-up settles down quite acceptably once you get up to speed. Ultimately, probably the biggest compliment you can really pay this Vauxhall is that at times, it's easy to forget you're driving a van-derived product.
Design and Build
The Combo Life is available in a 4.4-metre standard length version or a longer 4.75-metre long model, with two sliding rear doors as standard. Both variants have a height of 1.8 metres and are available with either five or seven seats. Style-wise, compared with other van-based MPVs in the segment, this one has a shorter front overhang and a higher bonnet, making it look more balanced. From the front, it displays a typical Vauxhall identity and the high bonnet features two crisp lines, which go from the windscreen down to the grille and emphasise the stability of the vehicle.
As with most van-based MPVs, you get plenty of boot space. The five-seat, standard length version has a minimum luggage volume of 597-litres, while the long wheelbase model has a minimum luggage volume of 850-litres. With the rear seats folded down, the boot volume of the standard version more than triples to 2,126-litres. The longer version of the Combo Life offers even more capacity when the rear seats are folded down with up to 2,693-litres available. For passengers, there are five and seven-seat variants. Either way, you get three individual rear seats, all with ISOFIX child seat brackets, and you can specify an optional panoramic glass roof.
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The more I look at this car the more I like it. Its styling is pure van based and doesn't pretend to be pretty which makes me desire it even more.
I really like how comprehensive your reviews are. I don't have a single question remaining after watching.
That's what we like to hear Zane 👍
The Presenter really is a beacon of informed wisdom, I am particularly impressed with his superb review, which contained everything a potential owner may wish to know.
The review mean that I will not have to ask multiple questions at the test drive.
This is our next mobility car this March. We have ordered the se xl combo 1.5 diesel turbo. Cannot wait to get it. The seven seats will be awesome for my 5 grandsons, not all at once though. ;-) and our 4 dogs. The travel crates for our large breed dogs will fit perfectly. Only a large double crate in the boot as the 2 elder dogs will go, nicely, on the third row seats. Plus my electric scooter and wheelchair are easily driven up ramps into the boot area. A lot lower to the ground than the past 2 suv's we have previously owned. They look so much better in real life too. Great video and great knowledge gathered as well. Thank you.
Hi Jannette, thank you for watching. We hope you enjoy your new vehicle 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply love this modle want to make this version and the van version into micro camper vans
Reviewer is a true expert. Very interesting and informative.
thanks for the good feedback 👍 always great to see comments like this
Rifter front is most handsome imo. Fantastic practical vehicles, wish could afford one😁
Hi there, our team would be happy to explore pricing options to help find the most affordable solution 👍We supply every make and model in the UK. Give us a call on 01903 538835 📞
I've got the XL and its manual gearbox often doesn't mean to take the first on the traffic lights while it jitters when I press the clutch uphill. Also, the 2nd row passengers are seated way too upright making long journeys unbearable as their seats don't recline at all. On top of everything, those seated in the 3rd row are roasted like chickens on a hot summer day given that their windows don't open and there are no air vents. It's about time PSA understood passengers are something more than parcels on shelves and they definitely deserve more respect.
Hi Eleni, thanks for your feedback and sorry to hear that you're not having the best time with the Combo! Are you in the market for a new vehicle? If so, we're more than happy to help 👍
Amazingly detailed review, thank you. I've been looking for a 2-3 year old van-based car with petrol engine and automatic gearbox. Almost no Berlingos or Rifters for sale have these two requirements. For some reason, there are lots more auto/petrol Combo Lifes for sale, but I knew very little about them. Not too sure about their rather bland looks, but your video has reassured me no end as to their functionality. Again, thank you for so much detail!
I’ve ordered the XL in a 5 seater midnight grey 1.5 cdti 100bhp....awesome vehicle
Hi, Have you got an estimated delivery date from your dealer yet?
plangidavid 1st September 69 plate,so I’ve been told
@@powly7946 2 years later...are you pleased with it?
It's funny watching the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, and Opel / Vauxhall Combo Life. They're all the same damned car save some minor cosmetic differences. The car in itself isn't bad but I wonder how much additional cost it requires to produce 3 separately branded variants of the same thing.
It is still a lot cheaper than 3 different vehicles
Being Van-Like , can be an advantage . If you are DISABLED and have to lug about a powerchair weighing 55kg , you need van suspension on the back end Forget hatchbacks and anything with a sloping rear window................ . Our Vitara (good car ) has just gone through a set of reat tyres in just over 10,000 ml. I have had Berlingo and Teepee models and intend to go back so don't knock the van like qualities ! Wales UK.
just ordered one as i have a 95kg powerchair
@@nigelbath WOW you're going to need a crane ! 55kg I struggle to lift in , just changed to alloy , lipo , brushless -weighs 26 kilos and folds up in 1 step like childs pushchair >
Much prefer the styling of the Berlingo and Rifter.
It grows on you , you can see where styling fits in with SUV range . (Prefer Berlingo , too much money !)
As always great review, as an ex Vauxhall man would probably go for this version.
Did you really mean to say that after 3 years/60k miles, the car would be worth 36% of its new cost? That would mean I'd be seeing 3-year-old Combo Life vehicles for sale at < £10,000 ... which I'm definitely not seeing!
Had one for just over 12 months, brilliant motor, go for the long wheel base, loads of room and a great drive and ride. Just a pity a automatic is not available in the 7 seater.
Very comprehensive review, thanks
Many thanks for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
I have been looking for one of these.there are many 2019 models that have had 3 owners. I will avoid they are obviously trouble
PSA needs to offer this as an EV; there seems to be enough space under the floor for a battery pack. Perhaps they could use a similar motor and battery pack as in the eCorsa (100 kW, 50kWh, 205 mile range).
Unfortunately in winter lucky to get 100 miles 😞
Is there a way of removing the back seats in the 5 seater
Excellent review.
Many thanks for watching!
if you could pick 1 which would you pick , this or the rifter or the berlingo?
I have this van . Lots of problems after 12 months use, radio and morning dampness, panels popping out, window switch breaking and falling into door panel. Pictures and videos to support this.
that sucks. I would love to have one of these, cause they are much better than suvs for doing the job, but Im not sure i trust opel, peugot or citroen to be trouble free... I really want a no worry car. :(
I'm in the market for one of these/rifter/berlingo but I'm noticing alot have many owners 2,3 even 4 within a few years. Very worrying. May look into the older variant.
@@phil16 yea. Its a shame. I mean its a fairly simple car it shouldn't have many problems. I want a trouble free work horse
@@metoo3773 I've had a Rifter for almost 3 years and not a days trouble with it.
@@captaing5166 thats awsome!. what year is it? Is it the newer one? I'm thinking of the petrol version, as i don't want the diesel maintenance. Do you have that one?
Could you tell me, which is the best Combo life for towing,what would the biggest caravan be that I could tow with,thanks.
Why have the psa group reduced the spec on vehicles and offered no compensation
Peccato che la Ultimate non la fanno con le porte battenti.
Is there any such thing as a friendly dealer ? after your original purchase of a car.
True
I hear ya!
No way I'd choose this thing over a proper MPV like Scenic or Picasso.
are you old enough to drive /
if you think this is a 'thing', then you don't know much about vehicles...
Got mine in 4 weeks
We hope you enjoy your new car, Mark! Let us know how you find it 👍
Child pack gives you the option of restraining your child under a cargo net ? Seems a bit cruel to me. 🙂
some of 'em need a cargo net !!
I've ordered an XL version, it's taking ages to be delivered
Yep. I'm pissed at the delivery time too. Ordered an Energy regular 130 diesel in Moonstone grey. Been waiting nearly 2 month now.
@@ShaunRogue90 finally got mine after nearly 5 months !
@@lesastles6524 I hope it doesn't take mine that bloody long. My insurance is due up on my Corsa soon. Not after paying another year 😂
Basically this is the replacement to the Zafira according to the Vauxhall salesman after dropping off my father's car for its safety recall
Hi KiranTaker. you are right 👍 we show some of the photos of the Zafira fires in this weeks "Behind the Wheel" news ruclips.net/video/w0ZjjeBiy4Y/видео.html
The new Vauxhall Vivaro Van 2019 will replace the Zafira but called Vauxhall Vivaro Life so Zafira is dead. The Vauxhall Adam and Vauxhall Vivo city car will be axed end off 2019 not sure what’s going to happen to the Vauxhall Insigna as that was GM made
@@TheCarRestorer957 and opel vivaro aswell
Still looking in vain for a road test of the much vaunted petrol engine ?? ?? ?? all seem to be testing diesels which , lets face it , are now familiar to motoring public ?
Thank you for your feedback, we will look into how we can provide more insight into petrol-engined vehicles on our channel moving forward.
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply It's not you buddy , I've tried all of youtube even OPEL brand , unfortunately I don;t speak east european ! Motability is trying to get us all out of diesel cars , by charging big downpayments so petrol 3cyl is looking like a possibility (prefer diesel of course :) )
Does the spare wheel fit underneath?
It does on the Combo van I had so assume this probably does as well.
Is chain driven or belt?
The Vauxhall Combo Life 2019 is equipped with an engine that uses a timing belt rather than a chain.
If you have any other questions about the Combo Life or its maintenance, feel free to ask!
Citroen dash without the stupid strap trim on the glove box lid ?
Postman Pat's ideal car.
@OSV, Your company also reviewed the Ford Tourneo Connect and stated that it could give a combined cycle of between 56.4 to 61.4Mpg and now you are saying that this Vauxhall gives better fuel economy @ 50.8Mpg Sorry but your claims do not match your own figures, Due to my Driving habits I averaged 54.7 to 67Mpg in the Ford Connect during combined cycles, Due to the illegitimate herritage of the Vauxhall combo life it offers very little in terms of the Vauxhall brand, Edited by me.
Hi there, we can assure you that we don't favour any manufacturer over others. We aim to be as impartial as possible to help viewers find their perfect next vehicle.
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Yes that is always what I have believed, then the bigger variation in figures must be down the different Drivers doing the test, As with all Vehicles the Ford can be driven so it can achieve those figures stated within the Brand Claims. Thank you for replying.
Paint finish on the tailgate is appalling.
How does 940 + 350 = 1350? 🤔
Why do Opel renamed to Vauxhall in UK?
Until the 1970s, Opel and Vauxhall designed their own models, which were sold alongside each other in many countries across Europe, but later on Vauxhall models became based on Opel ones.
By the 1980s, Vauxhall had become a UK-only brand, with the Opel name used in the rest of Europe, including countries like Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, which are right hand drive markets like the UK.
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thank you for the explanation!
Why does the motoring press treat all of these badge engineered vehicles as though they are different ?
It is as bad as when Austin Morris made Austin Morris Wolesley Riley
MG and Vandenplas versions of the same car.
Fiat Vauxhall Peugeot Citroen small vans are the same,Nissan
Renault and Vauxhall large vans
are the same.
Suzuki badged as Vauxhall ,Fiat
and Vauxhall seem to share underpinnings for cars Corsa Astra etc .
Renault and Nissan small cars and
S U V are the same.
Plus all the stupid VW owned brands.
Why can't someone write an article
on what is the same with a different badge and a few panels !
absolutely , they're kidding themselves !
Robert Mitchell Vauxhall is Opel, Opel is owned by the PSA group now called Stellantis since their joint venture with the Fiat group.
You’re right they’re all the same…
I prefer the Vauxhall Combo because its more stylish and it has better value for money.
Specsavers😂
Ah its the new Comblingo!!!
I think you'll find it's Comblingifter. (Combo/Berlingo/rifter)
The videography for this review suggests extreme body roll in corners.. must be very bad for third row passengers.
Hi there, if you're unsure about ride quality we definitely recommend arranging a test drive!
What the heck are Vauxhall doing.
You mean Peugeot and citroën. It's not vauxhall anymore..
@@georgehuser4711 indeed. The last Vauxhall designed & produced vehicle was the (Bedford) CF van which ceased production in 1978. 40 years of badge engineering. The future for Vauxhall UK workforce looks bleak. The duplicitous French owners will almost certainly cease production of vehicles in the Uk and transfer production to France or one of their facilities in a second world country (& of course will invariably blame Brexit). Think back to their acquisition of the remnants of the Rootes group. History repeating.
Its hard to see what this one is replacing - is it replacing the Zafira & Meriva ? - Doesn't look very attractive compared with Ford or VW equivalents and doesn't look as good as the Citroen its based on !
Neither at the moment as Meriva stopped 12 mths ago and Zafira is continuing for at least 12mths.
Zafira isn't on their website now so it doesn't look like you can order them anymore.
The new Vauxhall Vivaro Van 2019 will replace the Zafira but called Vauxhall Vivaro Life so Zafira is dead and so will the Vauxhall Adam and Vauxhall Viva city car
Mind you berlingo wasn’t a bad van 😏😉
Asim Iqbal it’s a shame it got the french build quality issues
Roger Pierre there is lots of faults like timing chains on the 208 that just go with no warning as blue pumps failing and having to buy the tank and pump as it’s not servicable 1.6 hdi turbos just stop working properly wiring faults access to service items are a joke brakes that are silly expensive because you have to buy a complete hub just google common psa group car faults there is hundreds.I am not saying that other manufacturers are not as bad but psa cars have got to be one of the worse for silly ideas and faults
Postman Pat red is not the best colour for this vehicle.
Vauxhall is PSA.....
that explains everything!! they are all the same bloody car berlingo/rifter/combo
I don't like it looks it looks ugly I think. But long wheele base looks nice.
That is one ugly mother ducker of a vechicle compared to the citroen version
8
Hi Patricia, are you interested in getting a Vauxhall Combo?
Whoever designed this car needs sacking
Vauxhall are useless, not impressed with their customer service, all of these you can only get second-hand from Motability this was told to me by a very uninterested salesman. Not one thing on the market now to replace my aging Agila, nothing with a proper spare wheel, absolutely furious.
Sorry to hear this Chris. We supply every make and model in the UK and one of our vehicle experts will be happy to look into this further for you. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or click here to book a free consultation - bit.ly/3soFVbF
Worst ever looking car I've ever seen.. Just a van with seats..
Badge engineering. Don’t buy this piece of crap unless you also own a tow truck. The 1.2 engine is somewhat fun but can early on develop some jerky behavior. Not very pleasant on a new car. A used Caddy Life is more value for your money.