Following the recent launch of the Opel Combo Cargo, the Russelsheim brand is rolling out a people-mover version of its panel van in the South African market. In a market dominated by SUV-flavoured (but compact hatchback-based) crossovers, the newcomer is a conventional MPV that offers an impressive value and practicality for R369900.

* Note that the vehicle pictured here is of Eurospecification, the local model will have a slightly different mix of features, Opel notes.

Compared with its Cargo commercial-vehicle sibling, the Life’s exterior treatment is more in keeping with a compact MPV. It features colour-coded bumpers, -door handles and -side mirrors, plus protective side-mouldings, left- and right sliding rear doors (the former with a tiltable window and latter with a fixed pane), plus a tailgate (instead of cabinet-style doors) with a separately-opening window.

Large side-glass areas create a roomy-feeling interior.

The newcomer is a 5-seater with 60/40-split rear seats that can accommodate loads of up to 690 kg when they’re folded forward, Opel claims.

Standard features include, inter alia, a height-adjustable seat with lumbar support, a rake- and reach-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, which is power-assisted, cruise control, a 7-inch Intellilink touchscreen infotainment system (with smartphone-screen projection technology, in conjunction with a 6-speaker audio setup) and automatically activated headlamps. Roof rails are optional, however.

The Combo Life is powered by a 68 kW/230 Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Opel claims the model will consume an average of 5.0 L/100 km and the newcomer is rated to tow trailers of up to 720 kg (unbraked) and 1100 kg (braked).

As befitting an MPV, the Combo Life affords generous utility space with the rear seats folded flat.

In terms of safety equipment, the Opel is equipped with 6 airbags (driver-, front-passenger, front side and full-length curtain units), ABS with EBD, a high-level brake lamp, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control and hill-start assist. Security measures include remote-controlled central locking, an anti-theft immobiliser and electronic child locks for the rear sliding doors.

Opel Combo Life Price in South Africa (August 2019)

The new Opel Combo Life is offered with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance cover anda 3-year/60 000 km service plan (with service intervals at 12 months/15 000 km.

Opel Combo Life R369900

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