Vauxhall’s Combo Cargo light van is now available with four-wheel drive, thanks to a conversion carried out by traction specialist Dangel.
The Combo Cargo 4×4 provides up to 205mm of ground clearance, 110mm higher than the two-wheel drive version, and features stronger underbody protection to enable it to tackle rougher terrain.
The Combo shares a platform with its PSA Group siblings the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner but Vauxhall is the only brand to have elected to offer a 4×4 derivative. It says this gives it an opportunity to grow in sectors including agriculture, construction and telecoms/communications.
Three versions of the model are available, the Combo L1 Edition 4×4 costs £34,660, all prices exclude VAT, the Combo L2 Edition 4×4 is £35,860 and the Combo L1 Sportive 4×4 is £36,010.
Via a rotary switch on the instrument panel, drivers can choose between two drive modes – Auto 4WD and Eco 2WD. In the former the 4×4 is engaged, shifting part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip. In Eco 2WD mode, the 4×4 system is disengaged and the van switches to front-wheel drive only, reducing fuel consumption, emissions and tyre wear, according to Vauxhall.
In more demanding conditions, drivers can select ‘R’ Lock mode to lock the rear axle. A limited-slip rear differential for maintaining traction in the severest driving conditions is optional.
The Combo 4×4 provides 90mm higher ground clearance as standard but the optional 4×4 Plus Pack adds a further 20mm. With approach and departure angles of 26.6 and 38.3 degrees respectively, and a break-over angle of 26 degrees, the Combo Cargo 4×4 can climb 41-degree gradients, Vauxhall claims.
