Vauxhall Combo Electric review

The new Vauxhall Combo is available in two trim levels, Prime and Pro. Both diesel and electric versions of the New Combo are available in two lengths, with a choice of two or three front seats. The New Combo and Combo Electric are additionally offered as a five-seat Crew Van.

Produced at Ellesmere Port, the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing plant, the New Combo Electric can travel up to 205 miles on a single charge of its new 50kWh battery (WLTP combined cycle) - 30 miles further than its predecessor. Powered by an electric motor developing 136PS and 270Nm of torque, the New Combo Electric comes with a 7.4kW on-board charger as standard (a 11kW charger is optional), and the battery can be recharged from 0-80% in 30 minutes at a 100kW public charging station.

Like its predecessor, the New Combo Electric continues to offer up to 4.4 cubic metres of storage space (the same as its combustion engine siblings), while the 780kg payload and the 750kg towing capacity are both best-in-class.

The New Combo is powered by an efficient 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine producing 100PS and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A more powerful 130PS variant is also available and can be specified with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Entry-level Prime specification includes a smartphone station as standard, featuring DAB radio, Bluetooth® and a smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as Vauxhall Connect. Prime models are also equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including advanced emergency braking, driver attention alert, intelligent speed assistance and lane keep assist. For added convenience, drivers benefit from rear parking sensors, automatic lighting control with high beam assist and cruise control.

Pro trim adds Vauxhall’s Multimedia Pro Navi infotainment system, which includes a 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and natural voice recognition. The instrument cluster is also upgraded to a 10-inch digital display, while visibility is improved thanks to the Dynamic Surround View system. This comprises two cameras, one located above the rear doors and another under the passenger-side exterior mirror. The images – of the rear while driving and (when activated by the indicator stalk) of the side blind-spot – are displayed in the new high-definition digital rear-view mirror.

Another first for the New Combo is the addition of adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux Matrix LED® headlights on Pro variants, becoming the first model in its segment to have this technology. Its matrix headlamps, comprised of 14 LED elements, automatically cut out oncoming road users from their beam, ensuring drivers have a clear view ahead without dazzling others.

For enhanced style, the Combo Pro also adds full-diameter 16-inch wheel trims, body-colour bumpers and door handles and black, power-folding door mirrors. Meanwhile, the FlexCargo Pack provides greater practicality with a load-through bulkhead, dual front passengers’ fixed bench seat, fold-flat centre seat backrest with table and two-way foldable outer seat.

Prices for the New Combo start at £21,920 OTR (exc. VAT) for diesel variants. The New Combo Electric starts from £26,800 OTR (after Plug-in Van Grant, exc. VAT), representing a saving of £4,750 over the outgoing model.