The New Opel Combo Tour: Practical, Versatile, Economical

Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

© 1998 - 2002 Copyright &
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com

News of February 20, 2002

The New Opel Combo Tour: Practical, Versatile, Economical

Photo: Opel

Ideal for Family and Leisure
Ample space for passengers and baggage
Favorable premiums thanks to low insurance categories
Economical, low-emission engines
Advanced DSA chassis with high safety reserves

Rüsselsheim - 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. 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 favorable classification 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.

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.

(February 13, 2002)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]