Inside, we both know what’s going on Rick Astley (1987, Whenever You Need Someone)

The itching in the palm, Professor Thomas already explained to us, but it is really unpleasant. At least I can focus now. I’m sitting on a gray carpet in a hallway that looks more like an orange plastic tunnel. The noise of conversations mingles with announcements on the public address system. They issue a security announcement that flights will be grounded for an hour due to the arrival of the President. According to the plan, the corridor is empty. I carefully stand up, ignoring the itch, and slowly walk towards one of the tunnel exits. I peer down the walkway that leads to a set of escalators. I lean against the railing to watch the billboards announcing the delay. Here it is: 11:30. I’m always on time. I set my watch, I’m already in sync with this new goal. I look at the crowd. My light blue suit and my red tie do not conflict with the wardrobe of those who inhabit the airport. A sudden wave of panic washes over me. I left my briefcase in the tunnel. I hurry without running and watching my steps.

The narrow corridor lengthens and I see my briefcase next to a large ashtray and next to it a woman in a yellow Chanel suit with a cigarette case is smoking. Her bright red painted lips contrast with her pale skin. She is nervous, carrying a small briefcase that she grips so tightly that her knuckles are bloodless. I walk over and take a cigarette out of the cigarette case. She looks at me and smiles nervously, it took her a few seconds to do as she watched me approach. Even through the smell of tobacco, I can smell her perfume. I light a cigarette and secretly hold my briefcase with my left hand. She smiles at me again: “I don’t like flying” she tells me “me neither” I answer after a long drag. I look at the clock. I still have time, but I’d better go. I wave goodbye. When I hit the track, I think of all the times we were taught not to interfere with the events of the past. But as the professor would say, if the future can’t get any worse, there’s nothing to lose by messing with history. And that’s what I plan to do.

Comfort and space have always been two important elements in the automotive world when it comes to designing vehicles specifically designed to transport people. If this is the main goal, manufacturers resort to a van format to maximize comfort and space above other factors. As we have already seen with many brands, the advent of electric mobility has added another element to these vehicles, gaining agility and performance characteristics as well as emission reductions that make them even more interesting.

Within the Stellantis group there are several versions of these personal vans with different sizes. Opel is called Combo Life, which is a model that we had the opportunity to test, but which is now renamed Combo e-Life, because this series uses an electric motor that we have already seen in other representatives of the group. It’s still a small market, but it’s gradually getting bigger as the benefits of electrification are realized.

electrical supply

This version of the Opel Combo has a size of 4.40 meters and shapes that reflect that it is a modification of a cargo van for the transport of passengers. In the front part, two large optical groups flank a large grill, which in the case of this version has no role because it does not have an internal combustion engine. The brand logo accompanied by two stylized wings in silver dominates the grill, further down is a large bumper ending in an additional air intake and marker lights.

The side of the Opel Combo e-life has simple lines, with a short nose and a windshield tilted just enough to give some oxygen to the aerodynamics, while there are no concessions on the roof and the back, as they are drawn in straight lines without an angle, horizontally on the roof and vertically on the tailgate. On the side, as we saw with the version with a heat engine, sliding doors are chosen as with many similar models. This model had tinted glass on the rear windows.

The proportions of this electric model are unchanged compared to the fuel version and it retains the elements of a touring car, such as luggage racks. At the back, the tailgate takes up almost the entire back area and opens with a hinge at the top. On the sides, the position, reverse and brake lights are grouped into two vertical modules on the sides of the body in the style used on other vans.

large interior space

Interior space remains the protagonist of this e-Life variant, with good headroom and large windows, real and perceived livability are excellent. The driving position, as with this type of vehicle with a few exceptions, is elevated and upright to provide a good forward view. The seats are comfortable in shape and cushioning, if somewhat spartan in materials and finishes, though this may lead to more durability.

Inside, as we pointed out in another version we tested, the main characters are hard plastics that feel more like a van than a tourer. As we discussed with the seats, it is possible that this contributes to greater durability in use. There are many openings for objects in both the doors and the center console, as well as in the dashboard, even in its upper part. The front seats have two armrests that can be folded into the backrest itself.

Information System

As for the infotainment system, Opel has chosen to use the same system and screen as the petrol model, so it is not possible to access charging information or the operation of the electrical system through it. On the other hand, the screen has good visibility and is well placed on the dashboard, although the system generally feels rather simple compared to the most advanced Opel has.

As for the indicators behind the steering wheel, Opel opted for a digital display in contrast to the traditional dials present in the version we tested, and in this case we can see the current state of the drive system and battery. From all this data, it is possible to monitor whether the engine is consuming or charging, the power of the drive, the amount of remaining battery, as well as a visual indicator with a drawing of the car.

individual seats

At the back, the second row of seats is made up of individual elements, so three people travel comfortably, thanks to good height and legroom. Access to these squares by means of sliding doors is very good and leaves a comfortable space for entry. On the other hand, the seats are fixed and cannot be moved horizontally, and the backrests cannot be partially folded, although they can be folded down for more space in the trunk.

In the mentioned trunk we find another of the strengths, because it does not lose capacity compared to its companions using fossil fuels, and therefore has a volume of 597 liters with a very regular and accessible cargo space. The only drawback is the gate, which when fully opened makes it impossible to park near a wall or pillar. If we need maximum carrying capacity and fold down the seats of the second row, we can reach up to 2,126 liters of capacity.

Smooth and comfortable ride

As far as driving is concerned, this Opel Combo e-Life has the same concept as the electric versions of its teammates with a 136 hp engine, which despite the considerable weight of the car manages agility thanks to the peculiarities of the electric drive and a torque of 260 Nm. The battery has a capacity of 50 kWh, which gives it a range of 285 kilometers according to WLTP approval, although this is a figure that varies a lot for this type of model, as we will see.

Driving in the city wins hands-down with this electric version, both in terms of comfort thanks to the smooth and progressive running of the electric motor, and acoustic comfort, as the engine’s almost zero noise is combined with good sound insulation. Like the other electric cars in the group, we can choose between three operating modes: Eco (82 hp), Normal (109 hp) and Sport (136 hp), and we can use the first with peace of mind when driving in the city, because even if the power is limited, it is enough for urban performance.

This means that we can maximize the autonomy that is already good when driving in the city. In addition, if we step on the gas fully, the engine will deliver all the power when necessary. It’s still a comfortable vehicle on roads and highways, with a good suspension setup and the aforementioned sound insulation that make it very comfortable on the road. The problem, as with other similar models, is the consumption, because at medium and high speeds the weight and inefficient aerodynamics are felt, and the autonomy decreases significantly.

It’s a safe car on twisty roads, but shows the expected behavior of a car as tall and with soft suspension as this model. Curved routes can be handled without problems, but always with regard to what is at hand. The power of the electric motor is available all the time, so it’s no problem to get out of tight situations where you need recovery and a good dose of power.

conclusions

The Opel Combo e-life becomes part of the electric vehicle category that seems to be on the market. These are models that offer excellent habitability and comfort as well as good load capacity, especially aimed at transporting passengers or families looking for a mobility solution that adapts to these characteristics, especially for urban environments. The German is a model that does not disappoint in this sense and that provides very remarkable comfort in all directions and matches the characteristics of its engine very well.

On the other hand, it must be taken into account that both the engine and the battery do not have a large capacity, and although they are sufficient for the mentioned use in the city, they do not allow much joy, especially in terms of the range of use if we leave the cities. Choosing a resistance heater does not improve autonomy in these circumstances when the temperature drops. It is definitely a car that, although comfortable, is not suitable for long journeys.