Brand New Vauxhall Combo, Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner Vans
PSA Group has recently revealed the new versions of the Vauxhall Combo, Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner small vans will all go on sale in the UK from November 2018. Here's what you can expect from these updated models.
After its purchase of the Vauxhall and Opel brands in 2017, PSA Group has been migrating the models previously owned by General Motors onto their own platforms. Unsurprisingly, the new Vauxhall Combo is built on the same platform as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.
These small vans will all be offered in three body styles: the standard short wheelbase ('M' on Berlingo), a long wheelbase ('XL' on Berlingo) and a crew cab which adds three extra seats, so you can transport up to six people. In the cab, the gearstick has been mounted higher on the dashboard so there is now three-abreast seating.
Each van is fitted with a system to alert the driver if the van is overloaded. First, you'll see a white light mounted on the dash which is activated when the van is at 80%. An orange warning light then comes on to indicate when it's over capacity. The payloads range from 650kg up to 1 tonne with load areas starting at 3.3m³ and reaching up to 4.4m³. There's even a load-through hatch behind the front seats which allows you to transport items up to 3.44m in length with the rear doors closed.
Vauxhall Combo
The interior design for the new Combo van is largely carried over from the Combo Life MPV which includes a multi-function steering wheel with optional heating and an 8" touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As part of a range of safety features offered on the new Combo, it uses two cameras to combat rear visibility issues experienced in any van. The first acts as a digital rear view mirror by projecting images from the rear view camera onto the 8" display. The second is activated when the left indicator is on. It faces backwards on the passenger side mirror displaying any potential hazards such as cyclists or pedestrians on the van's nearside.
Citroën Berlingo
One of the biggest changes on this model is the name tweak to Citroën Berlingo Van to distinguish it from the Berlingo Multispace MPV. In terms of design, it has clearly been inspired by the latest from the Citroën car range such as the C3 and C3 Aircross. The Citroën badge sits higher on the front grille and it also receives LED daytime running lights as standard.
It will be available with both petrol and diesel engines with power coming from Citroën's most recent 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder turbo petrol in 110 and 130 forms as well as the latest BlueHDi diesel in 75, 100 and 130 options. There's also the option of the EAT8 eight-speed auto gearboxes which come with adaptive cruise control.
Peugeot Partner
To separate it from the crowd, the all-new Partner shares technology and its new rugged looks with the new Rifter MPV model. The crossover style makeover adds a chunky high-set grille which has a similar shape to the 2008 SUV and 3008 SUV.
Much like its passenger car family, the all-new Partner features Peugeot's i-Cockpit dashboard layout. It receives a compact steering wheel with dials set high on the dashboard so you can see them above the wheel. There's also an 8" touchscreen and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.
A Partner 'Grip' model will be made available by Peugeot as well which adds switchable traction control plus mud and snow tyres enhancing the van's crossover credentials.
