Decent level of utility, likeable design, and affordable price—those were the main characteristics of Holden Combo. For 17 years, Holden produced this small panel van for the Aussie market in two generations.
Over the years, the Combo enjoyed decent sales, but it wasn’t without issues. Most experts found Its reliability questionable and its performance barely average. All models were equipped with a small petrol engine, and to think that the small van belongs in a class where a proper diesel would be a much better choice.
Is this affordable commercial van a good choice in today’s used car market? Let’s look at some of its key strengths and weaknesses.
The First Generation of Holden Combo (1996-2002)
The first generation of Holden Combo van debuted in 1996, pretty much a rebranded version of Opel Combo, which Europe had been producing for a decade at the time. The original Opel Combo was based on the legendary Kadett, while the first version with the Holden badge was a part of the second generation, which came with a different design approach. The small van was based on a Corsa hatchback, and the two models shared most of the parts.
The two models were visually nearly identical at the front, with the same headlights, front fascia, and other parts. Of course, the key difference was in the body style, as the Combo was offered as a panel van. The Corsa-based Combo originally debuted in 1993, while the Australian version debuted three years later.
As we are talking about a commercial vehicle, you would expect the mechanics to be straight forward. It had a simple suspension setup, which makes it easy to maintain. The front end featured a typical MacPherson strut, an anti-roll bar and gas shock absorbers.
On the other end, the Combo featured a solid axle and old-school leaf springs. The front end featured disc brakes, while the rear wheels were equipped with drum brakes.
Dimensions
The Holden Combo van was a compact vehicle, making it a perfect commercial vehicle in an urban environment. It has a wheelbase of 2,480mm, total length of 4,237mm, 1,686mm width, and 1,840mm height. The short wheelbase and 10-m turning circle make it manoeuvrable. Its compact dimensions also mean that this is a lightweight vehicle (1,025 kg) yet pretty capable, with a payload capacity of around 500 kg and a max towing capacity of 750 kg (approx.).
Holden Combo Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2480mm
- Height: 1840mm
- Length: 4237mm
- Width: 1686mm
- Turning circle: 9.65m
- Rear track: 1427mm
- Front track: 1387mm
- Kerb weight: 1025kg
- Towing capacity: 750kg
- Payload Capacity: 500kg
Engines
As mentioned, this small compact panel van debuted in 1996, with the first model year featuring an older-generation C14NZ petrol engine (44kW, 103Nm).
An engine upgrade came with the 1997 model year when the company introduced the new version of a 1.4-litre engine, codenamed C14SE. Instead of the previous single-point fuel injection, the new engine featured multi-point injection. Along with other modifications, this increased the max output to 60kW and 114Nm of torque.
Both units used the same 5-speed manual transmission.
Holden Combo Engine Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1389cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel System: Single-point fuel injection (1996); Multi-point fuel injection (1997-2002)
- Forced induction: -
- Maximum torque: 103Nm (1996); 114Nm (1997-2002)
- Maximum power: 44kW (1996); 60kW (1997-2002)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 50L
The Second Generation of Holden Combo (2002-2013)
The Holden Combo was redesigned in 2001, and the Australian version debuted a year later. While most rivals switched to a bigger platform, Opel/Holden decided to carry on with a Corsa-based design. Still, we saw a lot of changes and upgrades, as the new model was based on the third generation of Opel's popular small hatchback.
There were many changes, starting with the styling. Once again, the front end looked the same as Corsa’s, but things behind the A-pillar were notably different. The new model was bigger, with a more spacious storage. Also, we saw a better-equipped vehicle that included convenience features, such as power steering, radio CD player, a 4-speaker audio system, to name a few.
Mechanical upgrades were noticeable, too. While the front end kept a similar suspension setup that included a MacPherson strut, gas dampers and lower wishbones, things at the rear end improved significantly.
Instead of good-old leaf springs and solid axle, the new model came with a torsion bar and coil springs, resulting in improved ride quality without sacrificing utility. Moreover, both payload and towing capacity were increased.
Dimensions
Compared to the first generation, the new Combo was notably bigger—with a wheelbase of 2,716mm and a total length of 4,322mm. The width remained pretty much the same, while the overall height decreased to 1,800mm.
The new model was notably heavier (1,200kg), but the overall capabilities were also significantly better, with a max payload capacity of 750kg and max towing capacity of 1,000kg.
Holden Combo Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 2716mm
- Length: 4322mm
- Height: 1801mm
- Width: 1684mm
- Turning circle: 10.65m
- Rear track: 1440mm
- Front track: 1417mm
- Kerb weight: 1200kg
- Payload Capacity: 750kg
- Towing Capacity: 1000kg
Engines
Upgrades came under the hood as well. The new generation was powered by a 1.6-litre inline-four, with a version codenamed Z16SE (64kW, 133Nm). The Holden Combo engine upgrade came just a few years later, in the form of a more modern 1.4-litre inline-four. This DOHC 16V engine featured a slightly higher max power, though the torque was slightly lower. The main benefit was a smoother ride and slightly improved fuel economy.
Holden Combo 1.6 Specs (2002-2004):
- Engine Capacity: 1598cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel System: Multi-point injection
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 133Nm
- Maximum power: 64kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 6.5L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 52L
Holden Combo 1.4 16V Specs (2005-2013):
- Engine Capacity: 1364cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel system: Sequential multi-point injection
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 125Nm
- Maximum power: 66kW
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 6.3L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 52L
Holden Combo Common Issues
A used Combo could be a pretty good investment for anyone looking for an affordable commercial vehicle. However, there are a few Holden Combo problems to keep in mind when considering this model.
While there isn't enough data about the first generation, several issues were recorded in the case of the second generation. Earlier versions may have problems with certain engine faults, but the old 1.6-litre unit is generally pretty reliable and cheap to maintain.
On the other hand, the newer 1.4-litre unit may lose power after a few years. The reason behind these issues is the compression ratio, which can fall slightly after some time. Other common problems with this van are steering column issues and in-car electronics. Also, the transmission feels somewhat unrefined, even for a commercial vehicle, though it's generally durable.
Do you want to sell your Holden Combo? Advertise on our website and find more interested buyers.
By Nebojsa Grmusa