VAUXHALL COMBO LIFE ELECTRIC ESTATE 100kW Ultimate 52kWh 5dr Auto

Even smaller MPVs offer EV options these days. Jonathan Crouch drives Vauxhall's improved Combo Life Electric

Ten Second Review

Vauxhall's fully electric small MPV, this Combo Life Electric, gets a useful update here both inside and out, but the main change is a significantly greater driving range between charges. As a result, like its Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota design counterparts, it might be a tempting option if you're looking for a full-electric compact family car and don't want a compact SUV. Here, there's the option of a 7-seat cabin too, which is quite rare to find in an EV at present.

Background

Because current Vauxhall vans must all have fully electric powertrain options these days, MPV customers also get offered BEV technology. This is provided both with the large Vivaro Life Electric model and also with this smaller Combo Life Electric, which shares its design with two French counterparts, the Citroen e-Berlingo and the Peugeot E-Rifter. As with those two models, this battery Combo has been significantly updated here, with the longer driving range, smarter looks and an updated front-of-cabin experience with enhanced media connectivity. But the boxy practicalities are just as before and are unaffected by the battery installation.

Driving Experience

We'd hoped that this improved Combo Life Electric might get the same improved 54kWh battery lately fitted to the closely related Corsa Electric. Instead, like its cousins, Peugeot's E-Rifter, the Citroen e-Berlingo and the Toyota Proace City Verso Electric, this Vauxhall gets a less dramatically improved 52kWh battery which is now supposed to be able to take the car up 213 miles between charges, a useful 31 miles further than before. Much the same electric motor propels this MPV as it did before, a 136PS unit with 270Nm of pulling power but a particularly modest top speed (just 82mph). And you'll struggle to get that (and particularly eager acceleration) if you select the 'Eco' drive mode necessary to get anywhere near the quoted range stat. This reduces the powertrain's total output to just 80PS and also restricts the climate system to conserve power. Vauxhall recommends that you do most of your driving in the 'Normal' setting, which increases the motor output to 107PS. The top 'Power' mode you'll need for the full output isn't really intended for sporty driving but for situations when you're carrying heavy loads. There's a three-level regenerative braking system now operable via paddles behind the steering wheel. The fiercest setting increases the level of regen braking to a point where the car slows so much when you come off throttle that you'll very rarely need to use the brake, unless you're coming to a complete stop. And on the move? Well like all electric vehicles, this one has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk, but that arguably helps the Combo Life Electric when it comes to ride quality; you'll feel things like speed humps keenly, but at speed on the open road, it handles tarmac tears a little better than you might expect.

Design and Build

The original Combo-Life (later renamed the 'Combo Life Electric') was a rather apologetic-looking thing. A bit too van-like and sensible, even for the aesthetically undemanding customers who want a small van-based MPV. This updated model won't stop the other school mums in their tracks, but it's a much more appealing-looking thing thanks to the addition of Vauxhall's signature 'Vizor' grille design. Plus restyled bumpers and much slimmer LED headlights that can optionally feature adaptive IntelliLux matrix technology. As before, two body lengths are available - 'Medium' (4.41m) and (if you want seven seats) 'XL' (4.76m). Inside, there's a considerably more far-reaching fascia redesign than you usually get with a facelift; this model's needed it to accommodate the latest Stellantis Group media tech. Namely a 10-inch digital instrument display that provides navigational information and energy consumption data. And a bigger 10-inch central touchscreen with wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-connectivity. The steering wheel's been redesigned too and has a set of paddles behind it for control of the different strengths of the regenerative braking system. As you'd expect from an LCV-based design, there's simply loads of luggage room. Even the standard-length 5-seat short wheelbase model can swallow 775-litres in the boot if you load to the glassline - or 2,130-litres if you load to the roof. For the lengthier XL version, the figures would respectively rise to 1,050-litres and 2,950-litres. In addition, if you're taking really long items, with both body shapes the front passenger seat can be folded flat, allowing items like surfboards of up to 3,050mm long to be taken inside XL models. The parcel shelf at the back can be mounted in a choice of two heights and can take up to 25kg of weight (so you can even put the dog on top of the shopping). Fold the second row seats in the standard version and you'd have 1,414-litres of space available to the glassline - or a removal van-like 4,414-litres of capacity if loading to the roof - which of course is in a different league to what you'd get in an SUV or an estate car, even quite a large one. For the XL version, the respective figures would be 1,672-litres and an enormous 5,172-litres. Such are the advantages of a converted van.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £32,000 and there's a premium of £900 if you want to progress from the five-seat 'Medium' body shape to the seven-seat long wheelbase 'XL' version. There are two trim levels - base 'Design' and the plusher five-seat-only 'Ultimate', for which you'll need close to £35,000. 'Design' spec gives you quite a lot - a 10 inch centre touchscreen, air conditioning, roof rails, 16 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and Vauxhall remote smart phone access. 'Ultimate' spec adds navigation, a heated steering wheel and an electronic dual zone climate control. A key option is the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. These incorporate a total of 14 LED elements - seven on each side - to ensure that the road is optimally illuminated in the dark and without glaring other road users In total, the Combo Life Electric can now offer up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. The highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function as well as a high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera. Intelli-Grip with hill descent control provides a firm grip on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Sensors at the front and rear as well as flank guard and blind spot warning facilitate safe manoeuvring. Numerous additional systems such as Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert with Emergency Braking complete the portfolio.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned the improved WLTP-rated range in our Driving Experience section - 205 miles. To optimise range, you'll need to make full use of the car's regenerative braking system, regularly activating the fiercest mode via steering wheel paddles to maximise energy recovery during braking. As you'd want, the Combo Life Electric supports up to 100kW rapid (DC) charging, with an 80% re-charge taking less than 30 minutes, while a full charge from a 7.4kW single-phase wallbox takes 7.5 hours thanks to the 7.4kW on-board charger. Customers with access to three-phase power can specify an optional 11kW on-board charger that will charge this Vauxhall in 4 hours 45 minutes, when using a wallbox that also supports this faster home-charging solution. As usual with a compact zero emissions EV model, there's a Benefit-in-Kind first year tax rate of just 2%. That's until 2025, as is exemption from London congestion and ultra-low emissions charges. Maintenance intervals are much as they would be for a combustion model, but there'll be less for the workshop to do, so costs should be lower. There are plenty of Vauxhall outlets to choose from, so you should never be too far from one. So you can budget ahead, the brand offers various servicing pre-payment schemes that let you pay either a one-off fee or monthly instalments to cover the cost of the routine upkeep of your car. Insurance groups range between 18A and 21A.

Summary

This improved Combo Life Electric probably won't be the family car you promised yourself but it could well be the one you really need. Assuming that your Vauxhall dealer has delivered a sharper asking price quote than you could have got for this car's virtually identical Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot E-Rifter and Toyota Proace City Verso EV design stablemates. This Vauxhall's probably ideal for family folk who want a spacious compact electric vehicle - maybe as a second car - but don't want an SUV. Something that's realistically priced - on a lease deal anyway - and has an acceptable driving range. Plus this Combo Life Electric can be a van if you need it to be. Everything you really need then. And nothing you don't.

Body Glass

Dark tinted rear tailgate window

Dark tinted rear windows in row 2

Dark tinted rear windows in row 3

Four automatic electric one touch up and window lifter in row1 and row2

Front intermittent wipers

Intermittent rear window wash/wipe

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Side window demist vents

Solar heat absorbing windscreen

Windscreen demist vents

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Brake energy regeneration

Cornering brake control

Electronic brake force distribution

Electronic parking brake

Emergency brake assist

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) + Hill Start Assist

Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) - Engine Drag Torque Control

Paddles for regenerative braking selection 3 level - light, medium, strong

Straight line stability control

Traction control

Carpets/Rugs

Fabric carpet floor trim (Row 1, 2, 3)

Fully carpeted load area

Communication

4G connectivity + Voice control + E-call + A-call

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth connectivity

Handsfree calls via steering wheel controls and vehicle microphone

Driver Aids

Connected services

One storage behind the cluster

Driver Convenience

Digital visiopark 180

Drive mode selector (Eco, Normal and Power)

Driver Attention Alert level 4 with driver monitoring camera

Forward collision warning

Front camera system

Intelligent speed assistance

Panoramic rear view camera

Rear parking sensors

Speed limit information

Speed sensitive electric power assisted steering

Speed sign recognition

Driver Information

10" digital instrument cluster

Central facia display with digital clock, outside air temperature and audio information

Driver information display - Trip computer data, total mileage, service due indicator

Instrumentation - Speedometer, digital battery charge level and remaining range, digital power indicator

Lights on audible warning

Multi function trip computer - Trip mileage, vehicle range, average speed and driving time

Phone book access

RDS with traffic programme

Smartphone projection

Vauxhall connect

Warning light in instrument cluster

Driving Mirrors

Central rear view mirror with black painted cover

Dipping rear view mirror

Electric and heated exterior mirror with temperature probe, no puddle light, no side indicator

Electric folding door mirrors

Shiny black door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Body colour front fascia

Body colour tinted central zone

Entertainment

1 x USB type C (Data & Charge) and 1 x USB type C (Charge only)

4 speakers + 2 tweeters

AM/FM stereo radio

DAB Digital radio

Multimedia Pro infotaiment system - 10" HD touchscreen with WiFi mirror screen

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Exterior Body Features

Body colour crossover flap

Body colour front and rear bumpers with skidplate

Body colour side access door rail covers

Bodycolor license plate light support

Chrome-effect front grille bar

Flexible roof mounted aerial

High glass black simple longitudinal roof bar

Magic wash

Nearside and offside sliding side access door with opening windows

Painted flap shield

Painted shiny black door handles

Painted shiny black side protection mouldings

Roof rails

Tailgate with opening heated window and wash/wipe facility

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

Front fog lights

Hazard warning lights

High beam assist

LED daytime running lights

LED Matrix headlights

LED side repeat indicators

Manual headlight beam levelling

Rear fog lights

Reversing light

Third brake light

Welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

1 closed cooled glove compartment in the upper part on the passenger side

4 speed fan with illuminated controls

Air recirculation facility

Cabin particulate filter - removes dust, airborne particles and pollen

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Four adjustable facia vents

Rear heater duct

Interior Features

12V socket in 2nd row

12V socket in dashboard

Chrome effects instrument rings

Chrome inner door handles

Chrome interior air vents

Four load restraint lashing eyes

Four tie bracket points on trunk lower area

Front door trim with textile armrest

Full width overhead storage shelf with ambient lighting

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Individual roof light and grab handle for R1 in the overhead storage and R2

Interior tailgate handle

Large open storage pocket behind infotainment screen

Luggage compartment cover

Mistral cloth upholstery

Open storage compartment below glovebox

Small open storage compartment behind gear knob

Sunvisor with ticket holder, Mirror, Lighting, Cover on driver and without mirror on passenger side

Twin gas assisted tailgate struts

Two drinks holder in centre console

Two facia mounted drinks holders

Two foldable table with cupholders

Two front large and small door pockets

Two rear door pockets

Two-spoke heated leather design steering wheel

Interior Lights

1x 5W Light in loading area

Adjustable dashboard illumination

Central front and rear courtesy light

Fade up/fade down on interior lighting

Front map reading lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Safety

2x3 point seatbelts R1, 3x3 point seatbelts R2

Child proof locks on rear doors

Deactivation switch for front passenger front and side impact airbags

Driver and passenger not fastened seat belt warning with detection for passenger

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Full size curtain airbags

ISOFIX child seat mountings incorporating top tether anchor points located on second row rear seats

Lap and diagonal inertia reel seatbelts

Two front seat side-impact airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

33/33/33 individual split/folding 2nd row of seats with fold flat facility

4 way passenger seat with armrest, shelves and storage on the back

6 way comfort driver's seat ergonomic (Reach/Rake/Height) with lumbar and armrest

Fold flat front passenger seat with armrest

Front seat back pockets

Height adjustable and removable front/rear head restraints

R2 - Individual foldable seats with 3 headrests. Isofix system in each place

Single front passenger seat

Security

2x 3-Button keys (lock, load area unlock, full car unlock)

Electric child security

Electronically protected audio equipment

Engine deadlock and immobiliser

Freewheeling door locks

Key left in ignition audible warning

Locking wheel bolts

Remote control central locking - Operates on doors and tailgate, deadlocking, central locking activation switch on driver's door

Visible vehicle identification number

Vanity Mirrors

Driver's side sunvisor/concealed vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable

V2L (Vehicle to load)

Wheels

96H XL goodyear efficientgrip

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 52

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1350

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 1.8

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 403

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 290

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 50.6

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 21.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 17.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.6

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 489

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: 391

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: 490

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 320

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 338

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 289

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 354

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 304

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: 243

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: 304

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 199

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 210

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 180

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 220

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 136

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 100kW 52kWh

Coin Series: Ultimate

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22A

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 25000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.3

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.7

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 199

Engine Torque - MKG: 27.5

Engine Torque - NM: 270

Engine Torque - RPM: 3674

Top Speed: 82

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 7 SPOKE

Wheel Style: VIANA

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1812

Height (including roof rails): 1880

Length: 4403

Length: 4410

Wheelbase: 2785

Width: 1848

Width: 1921

Width (including mirrors): 2107

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2360

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1414

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 775

Max. Loading Weight: 624

Max. Roof Load: 100

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1736

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Two coat metallic paint

Packs

Drive assist pack - Combo Life

Paint - Metallic

Two coat metallic - Carbon black

Two coat metallic - Contrast grey

Two coat metallic - Kiama blue

Two coat metallic - Quartz silver

Two coat metallic - Sirkka green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Trim - Cloth

Mistral cloth - Grey

Vehicle Charging

11KW onboard charger

Wheels - Alloy

17" 7 spoke alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Full size spare wheel