During the period from 2001 to 2003, the Opel Combo C (F06) model offered its cargo and passenger versions, designated before the restyling. Buyers had a wide choice of powertrains, including one gasoline and two diesel options, all with front-wheel drive and only with manual transmission.
The gasoline engine was represented by a 1.6-liter Z16SE engine, delivering 87 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed F13 manual transmission.
Among the diesel options were two: the 1.7-liter Y17DTL with 65 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque, and the 1.7-liter Y17DT with 75 horsepower and 165 Nm of torque. Both diesel engines were also equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, with the Y17DT variant featuring the F17+ gearbox.
After the restyling, from 2003 to 2011, the Opel Combo C (F06) was presented with updated versions both in cargo and passenger configurations. At the beginning of this period, the same engines were installed, but in 2004, the engine lineup was completely updated.
Now the range included the following engines:
- A 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 90 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed F13 manual transmission.
- Diesel options included the 1.3-liter Z13DT engine with 70 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque, as well as two variants of the Z13DTJ with 75 horsepower and the same torque. Additionally, for driver convenience, one of the Z13DTJ engines was available with a 5-speed robotized Easytronic transmission. The most powerful variant was the 1.7-liter Z17DTH, producing 100 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, mated with a 5-speed F23 manual transmission.
Furthermore, on some markets, a gas version was offered with a 1.6-liter Z16YNG engine and a 5-speed F17+ manual transmission.
Weak sides
The Combo car undoubtedly has its advantages, but owners should be attentive to several potential issues. One of the main concerns is with the rear doors. Lift-up doors may experience problems with their shock absorbers, leading to difficulty in keeping the door open. Swing-out doors, on the other hand, may encounter issues with locks, resulting in unpleasant rattling on uneven roads. Although these problems may be temporarily solved by adjusting the locks, ultimately, they may require replacement.
Another aspect to consider is corrosion. While the Combo's body is fully galvanized, rust may appear in areas where the protective zinc layer is damaged. Additionally, regular maintenance of the mounting bolt for the spare wheel suspension is necessary to prevent rust issues after several years of use.
Furthermore, attention should be paid to some drawbacks in the interior finishing. Plastic trim materials may degrade and squeak over time, and door cards may detach. The base model lacks even standard options such as central locking and power windows. Therefore, it's worth considering purchasing a version that is better equipped and can offer more features and conveniences for both the driver and passengers.
