Combo diesel and electric vans upgraded

Vauxhall has launched an upgraded version of the popular Combo van in both diesel and electric formats**.** Priced from £20,850 (exc. VAT), the diesel-engined Combo now gets the brand’s distinctive Vizor front-end, already seen on its passenger cars, plus an enhanced interior and upgraded lighting tech. It’s the first Vauxhall van to come with the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Light – which also marks a first for the vehicle segment.

Meanwhile, the Combo Electric now offers a WLTP range of up to 205 miles – a 17% increase from the former 175 miles – while prices now start from £28,550 (exc. VAT), offering a saving of £4,450 compared to the outgoing model.

The increased electric range is due to next-generation battery technology and the addition of a heat pump that helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures. The Combo Electric also gets paddle-selectable brake regeneration, with a choice of three levels to optimise range.

The all-electric compact van, which is built at Ellesmere, is powered by a 136bhp electric motor, enabling a top speed of 81mph. It comes with a 7.4kW on-board charger as standard (a 11kW charger is optional), and the battery can be recharged from 0-80% in less than 30 minutes at a 100kW public charging station.

As with its predecessor, the Combo Electric offers up to 4.4 cubic metres of storage space (the same as its combustion engine siblings), while the 780kg payload and the 750kg towing capacity are said to be best-in-class.

Interior upgrades include an better infotainment system with Vauxhall’s latest-generation user interface and with upgraded 10-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entry-level Pro grades.

Higher level Prime variants of the Combo are available with a smartphone station, which allows the driver to use their smartphone to control the vehicle’s infotainment panel, also interacting with the steering wheel buttons.

The Combo also gets up to 18 advanced driver assistance systems, including intelligent speed assistance, lane keeping assist, advanced emergency braking and driver attention alert, while adaptive cruise control is also available as an option.

The Pro variant also features Dynamic Surround Vision, which allows the driver to view an image of the rear and side blind spot while on the move, both displayed in the new high-definition digital rear-view mirror.

Rear parking sensors, automatic headlight control and a comfort driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment are also included as standard, while Pro versions are fitted with power-folding door mirrors, a load-through bulkhead and dual-passenger bench with underseat storage for greater convenience. Pro models also come with black door mirror caps and side mouldings with 16-inch wheel trims.

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