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".
Voted as 'Best Buy Car Europe 2019' at AUTOBEST 2019 by a jury of 31 specialist journalists from 31 countries, it was voiced that no rival vehicle offers as much car for the money as the OPEL Combo Life! Packed with high levels of flexibility, comfort and innovative technologies, the Combo Life is unrivalled in this class and continues to deliver on OPEL's ongoing vision to supply quality vehicles with rich specification at best pricing.
The Opel Combo Life is a modern 5-seater people-mover for a modern lifestyle where the comfort and dynamics of a passenger car and the spaciousness and variability of a typical Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) unite. Typical to Opel , there is no compromise on safety for the driver or passengers – Combo Life is equipped with 6 Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist (HSA) to ensure peace-of-mind driving.
A state-of-the-art 1.6 turbo diesel engine offers combined fuel consumption of 5 L/100 km, satisfying the buying consideration of fuel economy while the low-speed torque allows for better and more efficient overtaking, towing and gear choice as offered by the car-derived running gear.
The 7" Touchscreen IntelliLink Infotainment System affords conversation and sound at your fingertips with easy connectivity to modern-day devices. Speed-sensitive power steering with tilt & telescopic adjustment, plus steering wheel audio controls and cruise control, allow you to keep your eyes on the road in your preferred seating position in a height-adjustable driver seat with the comfort of lumbar support. Left- and right-sliding rear doors and a tailgate with window, afford easy access for passengers as well as goods, thanks to the 60/40-split rear seats, which enable a load of up to 690 kg when flattened forward.
Convenience is further enhanced by the easy opening tailgate while a towing capacity of 1 100 kg (braked) / 720 kg (unbraked) allows for easy packing and considerable versatility in this great looking, practical MPV which sports colour-coded bumpers, door handles and side mirrors to match the body colour.
The introduction of the Combo Life compliments the existing Opel range in South Africa, offering a vehicle between the conventional Passenger and the SUV, with added functionality to suit this market. Opel's high specification offerings and commitment to produce vehicles that are accessible to many more prospective vehicle owners, once again reflects in the Combo Life. With no extra costs for additional features, the customer knows that the price they see is the price they pay. You get so much more than expected!
Present Opel models available in South Africa include the ADAM, Corsa, Astra, Crossland X with the newly introduced Turbo Diesel option, Mokka X, Grandland X, Combo Cargo, and now also the Combo Life as from August 2019. The Zafira Life model rounds off the people-mover range early in 2020.
As 'Best Buy Car of Europe 2019' the Combo Life continues a strong Opel tradition. In recent years the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker was twice successful in the AUTOBEST Award. The Opel Corsa took the title outright in 2007 and 2015. AUTOBEST presents the 'Best Buy Car of Europe' since 2000.
