All the traction for the ultimate van.

Opel has two new vans that can go basically anywhere you would need to make a delivery or collection.

Although the 4×4 bakkie is a favoured all-terrain logistics vehicle, they are heavy on fuel and tyres. A van will always have superior bulk loading capacity and Opel is now offering both its Combo and Vivaro with selectable 4×4 capability.

Using the same productionCombo and Vivaro platform, Opel commissioned French off-road traction system specialist, Dengle, to develop these new 4×4 variants. As Opel is now part of PSA, the French connection makes sense.

Steering and suspension components are upgraded, to give these 4×4 Combo and Vivaro vans better ride quality and obstacle clearance off-road.

The Combo sees a significant 90 mm ground clearance gain, to 205 mm, whileunderbody protection is added to guard the most vulnerable power- and drivetrain bits. Dengle claims that its Opel Combo 4×4 will ascend a 41-degree incline.

With the larger Vivaro, there is a smaller ground clearance gain (up by 20 mm) and only 23.7-degree incline climbing ability. The Vivaro 4×4 does counter with an impressive 1 344 kg payload.

How does the Dengle 4×4 system work on both of these Opels? Well, it is a rotary select design which engages the rear axle when required, via a viscous coupling. An R-Lock feature is integrated within the Dengle set-up, whilst the Combo and Vivaro’s ESP systems have been recalibrated to allow or greater wheel slip, before limiting engine power.

Opel is offering a limited-slip rear differential option for those users who prefer a more mechanical traction interface in sandy or loose terrain.

If you would like to live a slightly more adventurous #vanlife, these new Opels will take youwhere most crossovers cannot.

Related content

Volkswagen Developing Caddy Camper

Ford Reveals Offroad-Ready Transit Vans

Opel Combo 1.6TD Panel Van (2019) Review