Page 14 - Motoring Issue 1 2021

TEST REVIEW OPEL

OPEL COMBO LIFE

1.6TD ENJOY

s it a car? Is it a van? Or is it a bus? Or family vehicle during the week and an adventurer’s dream on the weekend with
could it just be a combination of all three? space for bikes, canoes or surfboards. It really is a case of you can make your
IThe Opel Combo Life may be based on van choices and it can cover all the possibilities.
underpinnings but it certainly belies its humble The Combo is powered by the same 1.6l 4-cylinder turbodiesel that we
origins and rides and handles far more like a recently experienced in the Crossland X crossover. Once again, the numbers
car or minivan, always allowing for the tall on paper serve to deceive. 68kW and 230Nm seem to spell an underpowered
stance and higher centre of gravity. and lethargic life ahead. Yet, the vehicle always feels full of life and has more
As a family car, it offers an extremely than enough in reserve to allow cruising all day at the national speed limit with
spacious 5-seat body with a massive boot. It safe overtaking.
incorporates features like Isofix fittings on all The biggest surprise is the fuel economy. Immediately on arrival, I took our
three rear seats, six airbags, cruise control standard economy run route and returned 5.0l/100km. After a full week of general
and infotainment screen including Apple driving and covering a total of 574km, the trip computer was reading 5.4l/100km.
Carplay and Android Auto. Considering the size and van aerodynamics (or lack thereof), this must rate as
As a bus, it offers space to stretch out in exceptional. A range of 1 000km on a 52l tank may just be achievable.
comfort, the massive boot with a board that The 5-speed manual gearbox is rather slow and deliberate but this simply
can be placed at two heights to hide your adds to the overall relaxed demeanour of the vehicle. The gearshift is placed
luggage from prying eyes, and the versatility of high up. With the fold-down armrest on the driver's seat, it was certainly
dropping the rear seats 60/40 if you require comfortable and perfectly placed for me.
even more load space. The general feel of the vehicle on the whole is extremely solid and
As a van, you have the versatility of a huge sometimes slightly heavy. Opening and closing the rear sliding doors, folding
load area, large tailgate, and rear sliding doors down the rear seats and even opening the tailgate do require a bit of strength
on both sides for easy access and packing. to operate but many will consider that a plus in the long term.
Storage areas abound up front as well with a Currently priced at R389 900 including a 3-year/60 000km service plan, the
large lidded compartment atop the fascia in Combo Life really can be a vehicle for all reasons. n
front of the driver plus a large shelf overhead
for storing documents or similar items. Use this link to see our full video review:
Or, as a combination, it could be your https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2lgOonUjRI

MOTORING | Issue 1, 2021 | 12