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With so many manufacturers striving for a more sustainable future, Vauxhall is no exception with its recent influx of small electric vans, including that of the Vauxhall Combo and the Combo-e.
Originally launched in 2018, the diesel-powered Vauxhall Combo is now in its fifth generation and definitely the best version yet. Offering generous cargo weights in the back, easy access and plenty of useful load-carrying options, it’s no surprise why this van was awarded the winner of the Parkers Small Van of the Year in 2020 and 2021, making it a front-runner in the small van class.
Following the success of the diesel-powered Vauxhall Combo, Vauxhall made the decision to add their take on the firm favourite with the addition of the all-electric Combo-e, retaining most features of its diesel counterpart but with added sustainability.
While the payload and range of the electric variant are fairly average for a van of this class, the sleek and sporty finish, low running costs and abundance of fantastic features make this van a strong contender.
Like many electric vehicles, the combo-e is more expensive to buy outright than the Vauxhall Combo, however, the low running costs and zero emissions make up for the price in the long run.
If you are struggling to decide between the award-winning Vauxhall Combo and the sleek, sustainable Combo-e, then keep on reading for an in-depth comparison of the engines, specs and interior of these two impressive vans.
Engines and Spec
The biggest difference between the Vauxhall Combo and the Combo-e is, of course, the engine.
The Vauxhall Combo comes with a 1.5 turbo diesel engine providing 130hp and 300Nm of torque and a choice of a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic.
On the road, the Vauxhall Combo feels good to drive. The car-derived platform delivers secure handling and good grip, while the driving position gives a good view of the road and your surroundings. The manual gearbox could do with a bit more of a positive shift, but overall the Combo is a comfortable van to drive.
The Combo-e, on the other hand, features an all-electric 100kw motor with a 171-mile claimed driving range and rapid charging. While this is an acceptable range for a vehicle of this size, there are small vans on the market which are superior in this particular metric. However, as mentioned in our Vauxhall Combo-e review, this range isn’t awful by any stretch and should be satisfactory for a day on the roads, ready to be charged overnight.
There are three driving modes in the Combo-e – Eco, Normal and Power. You start off in Normal when you turn the Combo Electric on, regardless of which mode you were in when you last turned it off. Even Normal restricts the motor’s performance slightly, with only 80kW of power and 210Nm of torque available versus the 100kW and 260Nm that’s on offer when you go into Power mode.
Both the electric and diesel variation offer 800kg payload with up to 4.4m3 of load volume.
Thanks to the electric engine of the Combo-e, you can enjoy a much quieter ride than the diesel engine with improved handling due to the battery being positioned beneath the floor.
If you live and work in the city and want to do your bit for the environment while also keeping running costs low, then the Combo-e would seem to be an obvious choice. However, if you are looking for a comfortable and reliable drive, then the diesel counterpart is also a sure choice.
Interior
If you were a fan of the interior of the diesel-powered Vauxhall Combo, then great news because the one in the Combo-e is virtually identical.
Boasting a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of technology, we don’t think it’s a bad decision at all that Vauxhall decided to keep the interior the same.
The Vauxhall Combo and the Combo-e come with a range of technology features including the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which offers connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with DAB radio, a USB socket and Bluetooth.
The interior also comes with adjustable steering, premium seats and up to 15 storage compartments so you have plenty of room to store all your belongings.
The Verdict/Snap shot
While both vans offer a number of benefits, the best vehicle will ultimately come down to your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for an award-winning, powerful diesel-powered vehicle with up to 300Nm of torque, then the Vauxhall Combo might be the van for you.
However, if you live and work in the city and want to do your bit for the environment while cutting down on running costs, then the Combo-e is best suited to you.
We offer both the Vauxhall Combo and the Combo-e at Vanaways on finance for a more affordable and cost-effective option.
To discover more vans which you might like, browse our wide range of new vans that we have on offer at Vanaways today.
If you have any questions or queries about any of the vans we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team at Vanaways today.
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