VAUXHALL COMBO LIFE 100kW Ultimate XL 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

Side window demist vents

Front intermittent wipers

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Windscreen demist vents

Intermittent rear window wash/wipe

Electrically operated front and rear windows with safety auto reverse and one touch up/down facility

Solar heat absorbing windscreen

Dark tinted rear windows in row 2

Dark tinted rear windows in row 3

Dark tinted rear tailgate window

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Electronic brake force distribution

Cornering brake control

Emergency brake assist

Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) - Engine Drag Torque Control

Electronic parking brake

Brake energy regeneration

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) + Hill Start Assist

Straight line stability control

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

Carpets/Rugs

Fully carpeted load area

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

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth connectivity

Handsfree calls via steering wheel controls and vehicle microphone

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

Driver Aids

Front camera system

Forward collision warning

Rear parking sensors

Speed limit information

Speed sign recognition

Speed sensitive electric power assisted steering

Drive mode selector (Eco, Normal and Power)

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver attention alert

Driver Information

Lights on audible warning

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

Smartphone projection

Vauxhall connect

RDS with traffic programme

Phone book access

10" digital instrument cluster

Warning light in instrument cluster

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

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

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

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Dipping rear view mirror

Shiny black door mirrors

Twin electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Central rear view mirror with black painted cover

Embellishment Trims

Body colour front fascia

Body colour tinted central zone

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

DAB Digital radio

4 speakers + 2 tweeters

AM/FM stereo radio

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

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Black door handles

Magic wash

Tailgate with opening heated window and wash/wipe facility

Chrome-effect front grille bar

Nearside and offside sliding side access door with opening windows

Flexible roof mounted aerial

Body colour side access door rail covers

Bodycolor license plate light support

Body colour crossover flap

Painted shiny black side protection mouldings

Body colour front and rear bumpers with skidplate

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Reversing light

Third brake light

Automatic headlight control system

Welcome lighting

LED daytime running lights

High beam assist

Rear fog lights

LED side repeat indicators

Manual headlight beam levelling

Hazard warning lights

LED Matrix headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear heater duct

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Air recirculation facility

Four adjustable facia vents

Cabin particulate filter - removes dust, airborne particles and pollen

4 speed fan with illuminated controls

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

Interior Features

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Interior tailgate handle

Luggage compartment cover

Mistral cloth upholstery

Chrome inner door handles

Twin gas assisted tailgate struts

Four load restraint lashing eyes

Two drinks holder in centre console

Two facia mounted drinks holders

Large open storage pocket behind infotainment screen

Small open storage compartment behind gear knob

Open storage compartment below glovebox

Full width overhead storage shelf with ambient lighting

Two foldable table with cupholders

12V socket in dashboard

Two rear door pockets

Four tie bracket points on trunk lower area

12V socket in 2nd row

Chrome effects instrument rings

Two-spoke heated leather design steering wheel

Two front large and small door pockets

Toolbox with towing hook, wheel stopper and headlight removal tool

Chrome interior air vents

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Illuminated load area

Front map reading lights

Adjustable dashboard illumination

Fade up/fade down on interior lighting

Central front and rear courtesy light

Safety

Full size curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Child locks on rear doors

Front seatbelt unfastened audible warning and warning light

Deactivation switch for front passenger front and side impact airbags

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

Two front seat side-impact airbags

Lap and diagonal inertia reel seatbelts

Seats

Height adjustable and removable front/rear head restraints

Fold flat front passenger seat with armrest

Front seat back pockets

6 way adjustable driver seat - height, reach, backrest, manual lumbar, armrest, under seat storage, headrest

4 way manually adjustable passenger seat with reach, backrest, headrest and flat fold facility

Single front passenger seat

Second row three person layout 33/33/33 individual split/folding 2nd row of seats with fold flat facility

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Visible vehicle identification number

Freewheeling door locks

Key left in ignition audible warning

Engine deadlock and immobiliser

Electronically protected audio equipment

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

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

Vanity Mirrors

Driver sun visors incorporating vanity mirrors with covers

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable

Wheels - Spare

Emergency tyre inflation kit

Electric Vehicle Data

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

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 1.8

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 52

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

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

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 335

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 335

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 319

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 24.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 24.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.6

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

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 208

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 198

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 208

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 50.6

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Ultimate XL

Coin Description: 100kW 52kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23A

Service Interval Mileage: 25000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 136

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.7

Top Speed: 82

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 199

Engine Torque - NM: 270

Engine Torque - RPM: 3674

Engine Torque - MKG: 27.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 7 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4410

Width: 1921

Wheelbase: 2975

Width (including mirrors): 2107

Height: 1837

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1766

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2320

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 554

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1050

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 3500

Entertainment

Multimedia Pro NAVI with digital rear view camera

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 - 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