Light commercial vehicles have made a real leap in recent years. If previously they were quite simple utilitarian cars, now both in terms of equipment and comfort they can easily compete with family passenger cars. This progress can be seen in the Opel Combo: its first generation in the 90s was a “pie” based on the Corsa, and now it is a modern minivan. Recently, the fourth generation Opel Combo was updated and the Focus got acquainted with the modernized car.

The new Opel Combo retains the classic two-box silhouette with a high hood. You can recognize the model by its modified front end in the signature Opel Vizor style with a black insert in place of the radiator grille and elongated headlights. Bumpers and lights have also been updated..

In the Edition+ version, which was tested by Focus, the front optics are not only diode, but also matrix, which is actually exclusive in this segment.

As before, the Opel Combo minivan is available in the standard L1 version and the L2 version extended by 35 cm. Test car - long wheelbase.

Let's take a look inside. The Opel Combo interior has changed significantly. The first thing that catches your eye is the new four-spoke steering wheel of the original design.. It is quite large and flattened on top and bottom.. Instead of the automatic transmission washer, a compact joystick was installed, which is found on other Stellantis models. The plastic finish is hard but wear-resistant.

From now on, all passenger Opel Combos are equipped with a digital instrument panel - just recently, the owners of such cars could not even dream of such a thing. The display graphics are simple and clear, and if desired, it can be configured and display the necessary information.

A 10-inch touchscreen, slightly oriented towards the driver, is also standard.. The multimedia system menu is clear and quite simple, and there are also wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Physical climate switches remain, although some are small. There are also a pair of USB-C ports.

Of course, there are a lot of compartments for small things in the Opel Combo interior. Since the parking brake is now electronic, this frees up space and allows for the installation of a new center console with a larger compartment inside.. In addition, there are two glove compartments, a shelf under the ceiling and a pair of niches in the front panel, as well as a full power outlet.

The driving position is traditionally high, and the driver's seat can be raised significantly. The steering column is adjustable in height and depth. The Opel Combo's front seats are firm and comfortable, although I wish they offered a little better back support.

Thanks to the large glass area, thin roof pillars and large mirrors, visibility is very good.. In addition, the test version has a rear view camera with a high-quality picture.

The large sliding doors of the Opel Combo make access to the second row very easy. There is more than enough space here and even passengers 2 meters tall are not cramped. In addition, you can choose three separate chairs that are removable. For convenience, there are air deflectors, USB ports and folding tables.

The third row of the Opel Combo L2 is designed not only for children, but also for adults. Being 176 cm tall, there is enough space here for me..

With all seven seats, a 322-liter trunk remains. If you remove the third row seats, the volume increases to 1538 liters, and in a two-seat configuration it is 2693 liters. Load capacity of Opel Combo L2 - 725 kg. The window in the rear door opens separately.

All Opel Combo minivans in Ukraine are equipped with electric windows front and rear, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, light sensor. Mandatory are 2 airbags, stabilization and driver fatigue control systems.

The Edition+ version adds a rain sensor, parking sensors, a camera, side airbags, headlight assistant. In addition, equipment typical of more expensive models is available as options - keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, steering wheel and windshield.

The new Opel Combo in Ukraine is offered with 1.5-liter turbodiesels of 100 and 130 liters. , as well as in a 136-horsepower electric version. Focus was given a minivan for testing in a 130-horsepower version with an automatic transmission..

Turbodiesel has a calm character, it is elastic and high-torque. Already from 1750 rpm, 300 N•m of torque is available, so the engine can easily handle even a loaded car. Overtaking on the highway or a steep climb is also easy.

Of course, the Opel Combo is not a sports car and hurricane dynamics are not required from it. However, you can’t call it too slow - the minivan can accelerate to 100 km/h in 13.4 seconds and reach 188 km/h.

In addition, the turbodiesel will please you with its efficiency.. The rated fuel consumption is 4.8 l/100 km in the urban cycle and 4.2 l/100 km in the suburban cycle.. During the test, we got about 7 liters per 100 km in the city with traffic jams and from 3.7 to 5 liters per 100 km on the highway. The engine shutdown system at stops helps save fuel.

The engine is not very noisy, but you can hear it, especially at high speeds. It is noteworthy that in the Opel Astra the same turbodiesel is quieter - obviously, there is better sound insulation of the engine compartment. The diesel engine has no vibrations, and the 8-speed automatic generally shifts gears smoothly.

The elongated Opel Combo pleasantly surprised with its maneuverability - a considerable car feels confident on city streets. The steering wheel is not the most informative, but it is light - you can rotate it with several fingers.

The energy-intensive suspension of the Opel Combo copes even with serious road irregularities without problems.. It is very difficult to “break through” it, the ride is comfortable and the minivan is not afraid of Ukrainian roads. However, due to such settings of the chassis and the considerable height of the car, body roll in corners is quite noticeable.

By the standards of its class, the minivan has good sound insulation, although it is not as high quality as that of sedans or crossovers. At high speeds, aerodynamic noise appears and the tires can be heard.

The Opel Combo minivan in Ukraine costs from 973,600 hryvnia, and the extended Edition+ version with automatic transmission will cost 1,284,800 hryvnia.

Considering the car's equipment, its price is low, although it is worth noting that its brother Citroen Berlingo (the models share a platform) is somewhat cheaper.

Opel Combo is an inexpensive family model with a spacious, practical interior and a huge trunk. It has an economical turbodiesel and a strong suspension. The minivan has made considerable progress in recent years - this is not a utilitarian Spartan car. It can now be equipped with matrix headlights, a digital instrument cluster or a camera and can be seen as a more affordable alternative to family models.