The Opel Combo Life XL E 1.5d (102 hp) Start/Stop is a compact minivan produced by Opel from September 2018 to January 2022. Part of the Combo Life (XL) range, this variant occupied a key position as an efficient and practical family vehicle, particularly in European markets. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile, seven-seat option with lower running costs, thanks to its diesel engine and Start/Stop technology. The Combo Life XL E is based on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform, shared with the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter, offering a spacious interior and a focus on practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Combo |
| Generation | Combo Life XL 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 | 7 |
| 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 | 850 l (30.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2693 l (95.1 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 | 4753 mm (187.13 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 | 1880 mm (74.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2977 mm (117.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1554 mm (61.18 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5-11.8 m (37.73 – 38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Combo Life XL E 1.5d (102 hp) utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, identified by engine codes D15DT or F15DT. This engine is part of PSA/Opel’s DV5 family, known for its relatively compact size and efficiency. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and a common rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produces 102 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, further improving fuel economy. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and usability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter diesel engine, paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, delivers adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 12.7 seconds, and top speed is rated at 172 km/h (106.88 mph). While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides sufficient torque for comfortable cruising and carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel somewhat strained when accelerating quickly or climbing hills. Compared to higher-powered versions of the Combo Life, this variant prioritizes economy over outright speed. The manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience than an automatic, but requires more driver involvement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Combo Life XL E 1.5d (102 hp) typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, electric front windows, and central locking. Safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered additional features like rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, and upgraded upholstery. The interior generally featured durable, practical materials designed for family use. The seven-seat configuration provided flexibility for larger families or those needing extra passenger capacity.
Chassis & Braking
The Combo Life XL E utilizes a conventional front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, suitable for everyday use. The braking system consists of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort and practicality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars are included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Combo Life XL E 1.5d (102 hp) was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable family vehicle. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and seven-seat configuration were highlighted as key strengths. Compared to the more powerful petrol versions, the diesel variant offered significantly better fuel economy, making it an attractive option for high-mileage drivers. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo, the Combo Life offered a competitive price point and a generous amount of space.
Legacy
The 1.5-liter diesel engine in the Combo Life XL E has proven to be relatively reliable, although, like all diesel engines, it requires regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements. The Start/Stop system can sometimes experience issues with the starter motor or battery, but these are generally not major concerns. In the used car market, the Combo Life XL E 1.5d (102 hp) represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and economical family vehicle. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and affordability make it a popular choice for those needing a versatile minivan.
