Russelheim. More great news for Opel fans - Opel just announced that their range of Combo commercial vehicles will be brought to South Africa in early 2019. And, as if that wasn't good enough news, the Opel Combo Cargo has received the coveted IVOTY (International Van of the Year) Award.
Each with its own personality - while offering a similar level of practicality.
After unveiling the family-oriented Opel Combo Life recently, the PSA Group subsequently also introduced its commercial counterpart – the Opel Combo Cargo.
This award-winning light commercial vehicle is embracing a new generation of Opel vehicles, introducing some all-new design changes inside and out, along with more practicality than ever before. The Opel Combo Life on the other hand is being described as 'the family's best friend' thanks to a spacious cabin and a high level of flexibility. Indeed, you can have it with five or even seven seats, one or two rear sliding doors, and with a choice between short (4.40 meters) and long (4.75 meters) lengths.
The new Opel Combo Vans were designed as part of a cross-business programme in which services were systematically tailored as closely as possible to the needs of business customers in terms of convenience, driving assistance systems and safety.
Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY jury, described the new Opel line-up as "the most significant small panel van development in years". Commenting on the jury's decision, he added: "The OPEL Combo is well future-proofed, packed with technological advancements to aid the driver and offers substantial financial benefits to the owner or fleet manager. The creation of its new 'overload alert system' is a great initiative, as it will ensure compliance and enhance safety. The availability of two wheelbase versions is another step forward, as is the introduction of an all-wheel-drive variant, considering that an increasing number of utility companies are looking for 4x4 traction in a smaller van. All in all, an excellent package, well put together."
The new models were developed using the EMP2 platform and accommodate the latest generation of powertrains and driver assistance equipment. They offer a range of services for business/commercial customers, meeting the highest standards on the market in terms of spaciousness and modularity, including a load capacity of 1,000 kg.
To cover all customer needs, the vans will come in two lengths and will be available in 2-, 3- and 5- seater versions. With each generation, Groupe PSA has brought useful and major innovations to the segment, now proposing two technologies that are unique on the market: the 'overload indicator' and 'surround rear vision.'
With this new offering, Groupe PSA intends to consolidate its already leading position in the European commercial vehicle market.
OPEL is one of the oldest car brands operating in Southern Africa, and the brand has built a solid reputation over the 80+ years that OPEL has been in the country. The South African Motoring Guild voted the new Opel ASTRA as the South African 'Car of the Year for 2017' after the new ASTRA was awarded 'Car of the Year' in 12 European countries, as well as 'Overall European Car of the Year'. Opel won the prestigious 'Car of the Year' award in South Africa on few previous occasions as well – in 1991 (Opel Monza), in 1994 (Opel Kadett) and in 1995 (Opel Astra). Opel cars are known for offering luxury level specifications that packs stamps a German engineered punch high above their price category – hence the brand's pay-off line: "The Future is Everyone's".
