Opel Combo engines

Since its introduction in 1986, the Opel Combo has developed into one of the most versatile commercial vehicles, offering a sophisticated Opel Combo engine range over four generations. Each generation has brought new technologies and different strengths, with technological evolution ranging from simple naturally aspirated engines to modern turbodiesels.

Opel Combo engines: Generation I & II - Historical generations (1986-2011)

The first two Opel Combo generations (1986-1993 and 1993-2011) laid the foundations for the success of this model series and were characterized by robust but technically simple engines. Mileage varied greatly depending on engine type and maintenance: while the tried-and-tested 1.7 DTI diesel engines easily reached 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers with proper care, the petrol engines often required major repairs between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers. The absolute top engine of these historic generations was the 1.7 DTI with 75 hp from the second generation, which optimally combined reliability, economy and durability. The early models of the first generation (1986-1993) were still based on the Kadett platform and mainly offered 1.4- and 1.6-liter petrol engines as well as a 1.7-liter diesel. The second generation (1993-2011) added more modern injection systems and the legendary 1.7 DTI engine, which proved to be extremely durable.

Opel Combo gasoline engines: Historic generations (1986-2011)

In the first generation, the Opel Combo petrol engine range mainly comprised naturally aspirated engines: the 1.4i with 60 hp and the 1.6i with 75 hp formed the basic framework. More powerful variants were added in the second generation: the 1.4 16V with 90 hp, the 1.6 16V with 101 hp and later the 1.8 16V with 125 hp. These Opel Combo engines suffered from typical problems of the time: ignition coil defects, carburetor problems in early models and occasional head gasket damage in the 16V engines. The best gasoline engine of the historic generations was the 1.6 16V with 101 hp from the second generation - it offered a good balance between performance and reliability.

Opel Combo diesel engines: Historic generations (1986-2011)

The Opel Combo diesels were initially dominated by the 1.7 D with 57 hp in the first generation, but it was loud and sluggish. The breakthrough came with the second generation and the 1.7 DTI with 75 hp, which developed into the most reliable engine of all historical generations. Later, the 1.3 CDTI with 70 hp and the 1.7 CDTI with 100 hp were added. The Opel Combo 1.7 DTI proved to be virtually indestructible - especially the variants produced from 2001 onwards with common-rail injection and improved turbocharger technology regularly achieved mileages of over 500,000 kilometers. These Opel Combo diesel engines were regarded as the benchmark for reliability in the commercial vehicle sector.

Opel Combo engines: Generation III (2011-2018)

The third Opel Combo generation marked a completely new beginning and was based on the Fiat Doblo platform for the first time. This generation was characterized by modern, but sometimes problematic engines. Most engines reached 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, whereby the smaller diesel engines were considered particularly reliable. Major engine damage was rare, but turbocharger damage did occasionally occur in the powerful diesels. The absolute highlight was the 1.6 CDTI with 105 hp - a well-balanced engine with good performance and high reliability. For the first time, there was also a CNG natural gas engine as an environmentally friendly alternative. The maintenance intervals were extended to 30,000 kilometers, which significantly reduced operating costs.

Opel Combo petrol engines: Generation III (2011-2018)

The Opel Combo petrol engine range was greatly reduced in this generation and mainly comprised the 1.4 16V with 95 hp. This engine was based on proven Fiat technology and proved to be significantly more reliable than its predecessors. Problems occurred mainly with the ignition system and occasionally with the injection nozzles. The Opel Combo 1.4 16V developed into the most solid petrol engine in the series, even if it was somewhat underpowered for heavy payloads. For drivers with low annual mileage, it offered a cost-effective alternative to the diesels.

Opel Combo diesel engines: Generation III (2011-2018)

The Opel Combo offered a wide range of modern diesel engines: the 1.3 CDTI with 90 hp, the 1.6 CDTI in two power levels (90 and 105 hp) and the powerful 2.0 CDTI with 135 hp. All Opel Combo diesels had modern common-rail injection with turbocharging and met the Euro 5 standard. The Opel Combo 1.6 CDTI with 105 hp proved to be the most balanced engine of this generation - it offered sufficient power for all purposes while remaining economical and reliable. The small 1.3 CDTI was particularly economical, but too weak for heavy loads, while the 2.0 CDTI was powerful, but occasionally had problems with the turbocharger.

Opel Combo CNG engine: Generation III (2011-2018)

As a special feature, Opel also offered the Combo with a 1.4 CNG natural gas engine with 120 hp. This Opel Combo CNG engine was particularly environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate, but the filling station network was limited and the range reduced. The engine proved to be technically reliable, but suffered from the limited availability of the CNG infrastructure.

Opel Combo engines: Generation IV (2018-today)

The current Opel Combo generation is based on the PSA platform and represents the latest state of the art. All engines have state-of-the-art emission control in accordance with the Euro 6d-Temp standard and offer excellent efficiency. As the generation has only been on the market since 2018, there is no long-term experience yet, but the first few years show promising signs. The top-of-the-range engine is the 1.5 BlueHDi with 130 hp, which combines sporty driving performance with high efficiency and modern technology. The new Opel Combo engines promise a service life of over 300,000 kilometers as they are based on proven PSA technology. Maintenance intervals of up to 30,000 kilometers significantly reduce operating costs.

Opel Combo petrol engines: Generation IV (2018-today)

The basis of the Opel Combo engine range is the 1.2 Turbo with two power levels: 110 hp and 130 hp. Both Opel Combo engines feature modern turbocharging with direct injection and start-stop system. The Opel Combo 1.2 Turbo with 130 hp is considered particularly successful and is developing into the best gasoline engine in the series - it offers smooth power delivery and has so far been free of major series production problems. The three-cylinder technology ensures low fuel consumption and surprisingly smooth running.

Opel Combo diesel engines: Generation IV (2018-today)

Three Opel Combo diesel engines are available: The 1.5 BlueHDi with 75, 100 and 130 hp. All are based on proven PSA technology and feature modern SCR exhaust gas purification. The Opel Combo 1.5 BlueHDi with 100 hp offers the best balance between performance and consumption for most applications, while the 130 hp variant is ideal for heavy loads and trailer operation. These Opel Combo diesel engines continue the tradition of reliable diesels and are considered the best powertrains of the current generation.

Opel Combo electric drive: Generation IV (2018-today)

Since 2021, the Opel Combo has also been available as a fully electric variant "Combo-e" with 136 hp and 50 kWh battery capacity. The range is up to 280 kilometers, which is sufficient for most commercial applications. The Opel Combo-e engine proves to be low-maintenance and quiet, but the acquisition costs are significantly higher than for the combustion engine.

Conclusion: The best Opel Combo engines of all generations

The development of the Opel Combo engines shows a continuous improvement over four generations. While the historical generations still worked with simple technology, the modern drives offer maximum efficiency and reliability. The diesel engines have remained the first choice for commercial users across all generations, while the new petrol engines are an interesting alternative for private users.

• Best Opel Combo gasoline engine:

The Opel Combo 1.2 Turbo (130 hp, Generation IV) combines modern turbo technology with high efficiency and excellent reliability to date.

• Best Opel Combo diesel engine:

The Opel Combo 1.5 BlueHDi (100 hp, Generation IV) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and everyday usability for most purposes.

• Best Opel Combo electric drive:

The Opel Combo-e (136 hp, Generation IV) with its range of 280 kilometers is ideal for urban delivery traffic and low-maintenance operation.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Opel Combo generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery.

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