Following the successful launch of the Opel Combo delivery van, the second model variant is now being introduced: the "Tour". With above-average space for five passengers and luggage (up to 2320 liters according to the standard VDA test method), agile, safe handling and a wide range of comfort options and practical accessories, the Combo Tour is the ideal companion for family and leisure – not least because of its low running costs, thanks to favorable insurance categories. This is because the Combo has been designed for low-cost repairs, is available at a low entry-level price and has economical, low-emission engines that also keep the cost of ownership down. Thanks to these same virtues, the panel van version was voted runner-up in the 2002 "Van of the Year" competition – directly behind the Opel Vivaro.
The new, generously equipped Opel Combo Tour, which like the panel van has technical features largely based on the third-generation Corsa, is available with a choice of three power units, one gasoline engine and two turbocharged direct-injection diesels. The powerful 1.6-liter 64 kW (87 hp) gasoline engine already complies with the Euro 4 emission standard. It therefore qualifies its owners for a reduction in motor vehicle tax in some countries. The ECOTEC turbodiesel direct injection versions, which comply with Euro 3, have a displacement of 1.7 liters and develop 48 kW/65 hp (1.7 DI) and 55 kW/75 hp (1.7 DTI) respectively. Fuel consumption for these two engines is a mere 5.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (MVEG combined).
Combo owners benefit from favorable insurance premiums. German and British insurance companies have placed the Combo in extremely low categories, as can be seen from the following overview:
- Germany (third-party liability/fully comprehensive/part comprehensive cover):
Combo 1.6: 15/14/23
Combo 1.7 DI, 1.7 DTI: 18/16/27 - Great Britain: gasoline-engine 1 ET 2, diesel 2 ET 2 (on a scale of 1 to 20 where 20 is the most expensive category). This makes the Combo the best insurance bargain in its class in Great Britain.
This favorableclassification is due to the Combo's ingenious design and stable body structure – including for example energy-absorbing crash boxes at the front and rear. In the event of an accident, Combo owners living in countries with insurance premiums based on power output also benefit from such safe, repair-friendly design. Like the insurance premiums, workshop charges are extremely reasonable: the Combo Tour only needs to visit the workshop for servicing every 30,000 kilometers or once a year. Such long intervals are possible because many components such as the hydraulic clutch or the diesel engines' camshaft drive are entirely maintenance-free.
Comfort: First-Class Travel even in the Second Row
Sports enthusiasts and young families share the same two problems: shortage of time and lack of space in the car for passengers, equipment or baggage. The new Combo Tour can cope with the transport needs involved in all kinds of leisure activities. Driver and front passenger enjoy ample headroom (1039 millimeters) in the attractively designed passenger compartment of the Combo Tour – a bonus made possible by the "monocab" design. The new model also goes to the top of its segment with regard to rear seat space. Thanks to the longest wheelbase in its class (2716 millimeters) the legroom, measured as seated-occupant space, is an impressive 1019 millimeters. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous knee room of 125 millimeters behind the front seat backs. Even the 'giants' among us travel first class when sitting in the second row. Headroom here is an impressive 1246 millimeters. Thanks to large tinted windows all round, they enjoy an excellent view, with hinge-out side windows to supply fresh air to the rear-seat area too.
Getting in and out of the Combo is very convenient, thanks to the standard sliding door on the front passenger's side, which opens very wide. Installing children's seats is also very easy with the 'Isofix' system. A second sliding door, on the driver's side, is available as optional extra. Childproof catches are standard on these doors, and the general safety equipment at the rear is equally exemplary, including three head restraints, three lap-and-shoulder seat belts and seats of anti-submarining design. These prevent the occupants from slipping under the seat belts in the event of a crash. In addition, the load-area cover and the reinforced seat backs help to prevent items in the load area from endangering the Combo's occupants in a collision. This extensive safety package can be completed by an optional baggage retaining net.
Load Area: up to 2320 Liters of Practical Baggage Volume
Within its compact overall dimensions (length 4323 mm, width 1685 mm, height 1801 mm), the Combo Tour offers plenty of load space as well. The rear-seat back and seat cushion can be split and folded in a 40:60 ratio. If the rear seats are folded down - the headrests can be easily stowed in the footwells - the length of the completely flat load area is 1.60 meters. When this is filled to half its height, a capacity of 990 liters is available; if loaded up to the roof the figure is a remarkable 2320 liters. If the back seats remain upright, the load volume according to the VDA test method and with the roller cover extended is 455 liters. The load area is easily accessible via the two hinged rear doors and has a low sill height of only 55 centimeters. The full-size spare wheel is hidden beneath the floor to save space.
Smaller items such as road maps or ice scrapers, music tapes, food and candy for the journey or toys have to be accommodated where they are easy to reach. As a vehicle for the family and for leisure activity, the Combo has a large number of practical storage facilities and compartments, including nets between the tops of the B- and C-pillars and bins and can holders in all four doors or side panels. The large compartment in the roof on the driver's side provides ample space for documents or road maps, and there are various spaces for small items on the dashboard as well.
Convenient Power-Assisted Steering and Safe DSA Suspension
The fact the Combo can be easily maneuvered into the smallest parking gap is not only due to its compact dimensions and the convenient turning circle of only 11.23 meters. Its standard speed-dependent electric power steering (EPS) reduces the effort needed for maneuvering very significantly, but has a more direct response at higher speeds, when precise steering is essential.
Thanks to the DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis, the new model combines agile handling with good ride quality and high safety reserves – the latter of course maintained even at the maximum payload of 565 kg. The independent front suspension uses the McPherson principle, with a separate hydro-formed subframe. The rack-and-pinion steering is also attached to this; together with the one-piece lower suspension control arms, this improves crash safety and steering precision. The Combo's rear suspension is a space-saving design with double-U section torsion beam.
The accident-protection measures on this family-oriented Opel model are as advanced as the suspension: the standard safety package includes full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters plus Opel's patented Pedal Release System, which significantly reduces the risk of injury to the driver's feet and lower legs in the event of a frontal collision. All engine versions are also available with a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), including electronic brake force distribution.
Diversity: Various Equipment Options and Attractive Colors
Although the Combo Tour takes the many possible uses of a leisure and family vehicle fully into account, it can still be tailored to the individual buyer's needs by means of an extensive equipment range. Combo Tour buyers can choose from a long list of convenient extras, practical accessories and visual details, including electric windows, central locking with radio-operated remote control for up to six doors, air conditioning, a large folding sunroof and a series of infotainment systems including a satellite-supported navigation computer and integral car phone. Depending on personal taste, the prospective owner can also choose from ten body colors, ranging from Aruba blue to Magma red, including four luxury two-layer paint finishes.
For the Combo Tour, Opel has combined various highly recommended features into three equipment packages. The 'Safety Package' includes ABS and Active Head Restraints on the front seats. The 'Function Package' has a heated rear window and wiper, a driver's seat with height adjustment, reading lights at the front as well as a drawer under the front passenger seat. The 'Electric Package' includes electric window lifts and remote-control central locking for the rear doors, sliding doors and fuel filler flap.
The roof rack system can be fitted with various attachments for special purposes; it is an interesting option for sports enthusiasts and as a means of carrying additional loads. Bicycles can be lifted from ground level onto the roof by means of an optional hoist. As an alternative a bicycle carrier can be attached to the trailer tow hitch for easy access and fuel economy.
Since November 1, 2001 Opel has granted a two-year general warranty and mobility guarantee on all its new vehicles. This ruling applies within the European Union and in Switzerland. The Combo Tour's extensively galvanized body has a 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
Source: Opel
