The Opel Combo Life E 1.5d (102 hp) Start/Stop is a compact minivan produced from September 2018 to January 2022. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering within the Combo Life E generation, it catered to buyers seeking a practical and fuel-efficient family vehicle. The Combo Life E, built on the EMP2 platform shared with Peugeot and Citroën, represented Opel’s entry into a more modern and versatile small van segment, offering a blend of passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. This particular diesel variant aimed to balance affordability with reasonable performance and economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Combo |
| Generation | Combo Life E |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5d (102 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Start of production | September, 2018 |
| End of production | January, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.5-4.9 l/100 km (52.3 – 48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.0-4.3 l/100 km (58.8 – 54.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2-4.5 l/100 km (56 – 52.3 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 110-118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 172 km/h (106.88 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D15DT, F15DT |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 597 l (21.08 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2126 l (75.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 17 l (4.49 US gal | 3.74 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4403 mm (173.35 in.) |
| Width | 1848 mm (72.76 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1921 mm (75.63 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2107 mm (82.95 in.) |
| Height | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm (109.65 in.) |
| Front track | 1553 mm (61.14 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Front overhang | 892 mm (35.12 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 726 mm (28.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8-11.0 m (35.43 – 36.09 ft.) |
| Wading depth | 584 mm (22.99 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 205/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Combo Life E 1.5d (102 hp) utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, specifically the D15DT or F15DT engine code depending on the specific production run. This engine is part of Opel’s (and subsequently Stellantis’) modular engine family. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. The engine employs a common rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for optimized combustion. The valvetrain consists of four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and overall engine performance. The 102 horsepower and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque are relatively modest figures, but sufficient for everyday driving and load-carrying duties. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this variant. While an automatic transmission was available on other Combo Life E models, it was not offered with this specific engine and power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5d (102 hp) Combo Life E offers a practical, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration is adequate for urban and highway driving, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12.1 seconds. The 5-speed manual transmission provides a reasonable spread of gears, but the engine can feel strained when fully loaded or climbing hills. The torque curve is relatively flat, providing usable power across a wide rev range, but it lacks the punch of higher-output diesel variants. Compared to the more powerful 1.6-liter diesel options, this version prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, resulting in a comfortable cruising speed on the highway. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it’s not designed for sporty driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Combo Life E 1.5d (102 hp) typically came with a base level of equipment, focusing on practicality and functionality. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a durable and easy-to-clean finish. Optional extras included features like a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded interior trim. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally offered incremental upgrades in terms of comfort and convenience features.
Chassis & Braking
The Combo Life E utilizes a conventional front-wheel-drive chassis with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, particularly on smoother roads. The suspension is tuned for practicality rather than sporty handling. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering is electrically assisted, offering light and easy steering feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Combo Life E 1.5d (102 hp) was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable family vehicle. Its fuel economy was a major selling point, with combined fuel consumption figures ranging from 4.2 to 4.5 l/100 km (56-52.3 US mpg). Compared to the higher-output diesel variants, this version offered a lower purchase price but sacrificed some performance. The 1.6-liter diesel engines provided more power and torque, but at a higher cost and with slightly lower fuel economy. The 1.2-liter petrol engine offered a smoother and quieter driving experience, but it was less fuel-efficient and lacked the low-end torque of the diesel. The Combo Life E competed with other compact minivans such as the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, and Renault Kangoo.
Legacy
The 1.5-liter diesel engine used in the Combo Life E has proven to be relatively reliable, although like all diesel engines, it requires regular maintenance and the use of high-quality diesel fuel. The Start/Stop system can sometimes experience issues with the dual-mass flywheel, but this is not a widespread problem. On the used car market, the Combo Life E 1.5d (102 hp) represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and fuel-efficient family vehicle. Its relatively low running costs and spacious interior make it a popular choice for families and small businesses. The availability of spare parts is good, and the engine is relatively easy to maintain. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), particularly if the vehicle has been primarily used for short journeys.
