Opel Combo Cargo vs Fiat Doblo vs Volkswagen Caddy: here’s our winner

The Opel Combo Cargo

One of the latest contestants in the segment is the Opel Combo Cargo. While visual attractiveness might not be high on the list of priorities when it comes to a panel van, this rather attractive little van does offers a sculptured front end and a large rear section. The version that we will be focusing on in this article is the short-wheelbase (SWB) derivative, with a length of 4.4 metres.  

Practicality comes in the form of a sliding door on the left-hand side and barn-style doors at the rear. This helps improve load and unload times and allows for an increase in work efficiency. Carrying capacity is rated at 650kg and the cargo area volume is 3.3 / 3.8 cubic metres. Practicality is further enhanced thanks to the addition of tie-down loops which can be used to strap down freight and minimal wheel arch intrusion. The vehicle also offers an alarm system for added security.

Under the bonnet of the Combo, you will find a 1 560cc turbo diesel engine that develops 68kW and 230Nm of torque at just 1 700rpm. Opel claims fuel consumption of 5.4l/100km in urban driving, 4.6l/100km on the open road and 4.8l/100km for a mix of urban and long-distance driving.

The Combo Cargo, while a business asset does offer a spacious and comfortable cabin. There are two separate seats, two airbags and a host of other safety items such as EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), ESP (electronic stability program) and ABS (anti-lock braking system). Luxuries come in the form of a Bluetooth, USB and MP3 compatible radio, air-conditioning and the steering wheel adjusts for height and depth, and the headlights switch on automatically.

 

Related: The Opel Combo Cargo is job satisfaction in motion

 

Competitors

While not much attention is always given to this specific segment, manufacturers have identified the need for these vehicles and thus we find ourselves with a few worthy competitors to consider when the need for a vehicle in this category is needed.

 

Fiat Doblo Cargo

Much like the Opel, the Fiat alternative is not going to win any beauty competitions but it does serve a purpose and that is what it was designed to do. The Fiat also features a side sliding door as well as barn-door like rear doors which improves practicality. Load capacity is rated at 3.8 cubic meters and it will carry around 750kg including the driver. The Fiat is powered by a 1.3-litre turbodiesel which develops 66kW / 200Nm. The Italian automaker claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.2 l/100km.

 

Volkswagen Caddy 1.6 Panel Van

If it is good looks that you are after then the Germans know a thing or two about building attractive panel vans. The Volkswagen Caddy is considered the benchmark within the segment and rightfully so. It has been available for a while longer than the other two ensuring a proven track record that said, the Caddy is slightly more expensive yet doesn’t seem to offer more in terms of specification so are you paying for a badge? The Volkswagen features a 1.6-litre petrol engine that develops 81kW / 155Nm – less than the other two. It will also consume around 7.3l/100km. The Caddy features a load capacity of 762kgs.

 

A closer look at the figures will help clarify things?

	Opel Combo Cargo	Fiat Doblo Cargo	Volkswagen Caddy
Engine performance	1.6-litre turbodiesel 68 kW / 230 Nm	1.3-litre turbodiesel 66 kW / 200 Nm	1.6-litre petrol 81 kW / 155 Nm
Fuel consumption	4.8 l/100km	5.2 l/100km	7.3 l/100km
Estimated fuel range	1083 km	1154 km	753 km
EBD	Yes	Yes	No
Traction control	No	No	Yes
Airbags	2	1 (2 optional)	2 (4 optional)
Load capacity in litres	3300-3800	3400	3200
Warranty  Service plan	3-year / 100 000 km   3-year / 60 000 km	3-year / 100 000 km   3-year / 100 000 km	2-year / Unlimited km   3-year / 60 000 km
Price	R319 000	R311 000	R329 300

 

Verdict

It is important to note that while the Volkswagen mentioned above might seem out of sorts with the other two diesel options Volkswagen does offer a 2.0TDI alternative but that specific model carries a price tag of R382 400 which places it well above the price of the other two competitors.

When comparing the facts and the figures, the point of these vehicles is to make your business money and although the Opel features a more feature-packed interior with decent engine performance, the Fiat wins this comparison due to its price, fuel range and warranty/service plan offer. It also offers a middle of the road load capacity between the Opel and the Volkswagen. Browse Fiat Doblo offerings here

 

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