Opel Combo-e Life Review

MPVs may have been steadily losing market share to the wide variety of three-row SUVs that are available here, but I think this Opel Combo-e Life may have arrived here in Singapore at an opportune moment.

To start, its commercial underpinnings (that is, the same EMP2 platform and setup that the Opel Combo-e van is based on) combined with its seven-seat practicality mean it should appeal to the increasing numbers who are looking to run their own home-based business and want to meet their businesses' needs with just one vehicle.

And then there's the fact that #vanLife, trending since the pandemic, has planted in many a romanticised image of the thrills and freedoms that come with living out of a commercial vehicle just like the one which this Opel is based on.

Touches including the addition of roof rails and a small spoiler at the rear visually differentiate this MPV from the Combo-e van

Family carrier

It may not be sensible to reside from a vehicle here in Singapore, but for those who want to live out this fantasy for an occasional weekend, possibly by camping out at some of our island's parks - this Opel Combo-e Life will happily assist.

All seven will be able to sit and find space aplenty within the Combo-e Life. And on the go, the MPV is remarkably quiet - insulation from tyre roar and general exterior noise here rivals vehicles that don't have workhorse underpinnings. 

The Opel Combo-e Life comes with plenty of storage compartments that any family with young children will find useful

The large windows all around the Opel Combo-e Life are furthermore sure to win hearts amongst those who will spend most of their time seated in the car's second or third rows, making it perfect if sightseeing trips are your family's idea of a pleasant family weekend activity.

Having said that, don't expect those with weak knees to appreciate being relegated to the last row: There's a significant step up from the ground to the raised floor at the rear of the van, and those in the last two rows here don't get their own air-conditioning vents either. Thankfully the car's air-conditioning system can blow plenty of frigid air out of the vents at the front.

Expect to be able to cover close to 290km between charges in this Opel Combo-e Life

Cargo mover

For those looking at moving more cargo instead of people, there's also plenty to like about the Opel Combo-e Life.

This Combo-e Life does not have the double barn doors of the Opel Combo-e at its rear, which delivery drivers will find more useful if space in loading bays is tight. But the fact that the two seats at the rear don't fold flat means that those who want to bring home flat-packed furniture or make deliveries of their own home-baked goodies will find an easier time loading up their vehicle by folding down the second row of seats and pushing their cargo into the MPV via the sliding doors at either side.

I've also heard that the #vanLife community prefers the single large tailgate as has been employed here as it can serve as an additional shelter from rain when your family is stopped at a campsite.

There's no air-conditioning vents aft of the first row, although second-row passengers get handy picnic tables. Access to the third row can be difficult as the floor is a significant step up from the ground

Capable driver

And when it comes time to pack up and go, the Opel Combo-e Life also marks itself out with its accomplished drive.

The MPV comes with an electric motor that delivers a total of 260Nm of torque, enough to make light work of its 1,801kg weight, even when burdened with the weight of nearly all the Editorial team.

The Opel Combo-e Life comes with a single rear door, although this comes with its own opening rear window

Drive with only one driver in the car and you can expect to match the our energy economy of 5.3km/kWh, which translates to the ability to cover close to 265km between charging sessions - not too far from the car's official range of 293km.

And despite the commercial underpinnings, the ride here is softly sprung and sufficiently settled so all will be able to take on even extended journeys with little discomfort and genuinely make use of those picnic tables attached to the backs of the front seats without having to risk food being thrown all over the car.

And those utilitarian underpinnings also mean that you get an outright lightweight steering wheel here, perfect for those who find parking a hassle.

Whether it's ferrying family or cargo, the Opel Combo-e Life is sure to please

Appealing combo

For those looking to mix a little work and leisure all in one vehicle, the Opel Combo-e Life will set you back a total of $191,500, although Auto Germany is currently offering a sizeable $27,000 discount off this price for the all-electric MPV. At this discounted price, the Opel Combo-e Life could be an all-electric and more spacious alternative to options such as the Honda Freed, which starts from $165,999, or the $178,988 Toyota Sienta Hybrid (all prices as of 22 March 2023).

For those who want added space for all that life and work demands, the Opel Combo-e Life could be the next trending thing.

Shopping for your next MPV? There's also these options to consider:

The Opel Zafira-e Life is big on space and comfort

The MG EV9 EV delivers on road presence and is effortless to drive

The Toyota Vellfire Hybrid, meanwhile, delivers refinement and luxury aplenty