What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

The first generation of Combo, the 1986 Opel Kadett Combo, was better known in the UK as the Astramax van, Luton only adopting the Combo name at the Corsa-based second generation – from 1993 – as GM Europe consolidated its model names. The third generation from 2002 to 2012 was also Corsa-based but the Mk4 was actually a Fiat Doblo Cargo which took the model up to 2018, the year after PSA bought Vauxhall/Opel and hence the next iteration, this Mk5 is a re-badged Citroen Berlingo, just revamped for 2024. That gives us a used model life here from 2019 to early 2024.

That Berlingo-base is no bad thing, the Mk4 left its (slightly cramped) Corsa feel behind, but inherited the Doblo’s cab and whilst fair exchange is no robbery, it certainly felt like it. The Berlingo’s cab interior has always been good and the latest is no different. It’s roomy, has plenty of clever storage and the seats complement the van’s good laden or unladen ride quality. Two length versions give overall dimensions of 4.4m or 4.75m with a width of
1.85m and heights of 1.8m or 1.84m in the long version. Interior height is 1.23m with widths of 1.63m at most with 1.23m between the wheel arches. Load lengths vary from 1.8m in the short model, 2.1m in the long and 3.1m to 3.4m respectively with the FlexCargo folding (dual passenger) seat, giving volumes from 3.3 to 4.4m3. The L1 also features a roof flap for long loads such as ladders, whilst the L2 has twin side-loading doors in place of the L1’s single item. Payloads range from 955kg to 1,020kg depending upon trim and options. 

Pulling all that along is the capable 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. It musters 75, 100 or 130hp depending upon model type and model year and although the 75hp device is a bit weak, the 100hp unit makes a good showing for itself against its 30-horse superior version. The 100hp version posts the best consumption figure at 54mpg whilst the 130hp unit shows 50mpg, and its automatic version drops it to 49mpg. The latter is a small price to pay if you want the convenience of the auto, as it’s a decent box. On the subject of transmission, the short-lived 4X4 (manual) version added another dimension of versatility. The 1.2-litre petrol version is just as rare and, as well as being more thirsty, requires more frequent servicing. The diesel runs two years and 25,000 miles between workshop visits.

Equipment levels are generous, although copying the Berlingo in almost every aspect, the Combo has Vauxhall switchgear, steering column stalks and satnav graphics. The Prime version has a good raft of standard kit with adjustable steering column, DAB, Bluetooth and multiple 12v and USB sockets. The Sportive adds satnav, a lidded glove box, reversing camera and alloy wheels to the mix. All models could optionally be specified with the FlexCargo folding twin passenger seat/load-thru feature. This generation of Combo was a decent step-up from previous incarnations and the first to offer electrification too.

Plus points

1) Economical