Opel Celebrates 40 Years of the Combo: From Kadett-Based Derivative to Modern MPV

Four decades after its debut, the Combo remains one of Opel’s most versatile and iconic vehicles.

From the Kadett Combo to the Birth of a Functional Icon

The first Opel Kadett Combo made its debut at the 1985 Frankfurt IAA, an event that would mark the beginning of a saga now celebrating 40 years of history. At that time, the Combo was not the compact van we know today, but rather a direct derivative of the fifth-generation Kadett, from which the Kadett Van and Kadett Combo emerged. Later renamed Combo A, this model was produced between 1986 and 1993, even outliving the Kadett E itself. It featured a rigid rear axle with leaf springs to increase payload capacity–a simple yet highly effective solution.

The Evolution Toward a True Light Commercial Vehicle

The second major leap came with the Combo B in 1993, once again unveiled at the IAA. Built on the Opel Corsa B platform, this generation abandoned the concept of a windowless estate and embraced a more professional identity, becoming a true light van and one of the most distinctive variants within Opel’s lineup. The introduction of the Combo Tour in 1995, with a second bench seat and rear side windows, strengthened its appeal among families and self-employed drivers seeking a practical vehicle with a versatile character.

Smarter, More Aerodynamic Design for the 21st Century

The third generation, the Combo C presented in 2001, marked another significant step forward. Based on the Corsa C, it competed in a growing segment of compact commercial vehicles and tall-roof five-seat MPVs. Manufactured in Azambuja (Portugal) and offered with petrol, diesel, and natural gas engines, this model stood out for its distinctive styling. The forward-set windscreen flowing into the convex roof created a smoother profile, a shape its marketing chief described as inspired by a “dolphin’s head,” designed to improve aerodynamics without compromising interior space.

The Age of Global Platforms and the Leap to XXL Space

Ten years later came the Combo D, once again presented in Frankfurt, this time with a very close technical relationship to the second-generation Fiat Doblò. Built on its platform and produced by Fiat Professional, it offered a significantly larger body and an interior focused on modularity, making it an ideal solution for users requiring maximum cargo capacity or passenger space.

The Combo E: Electrification, Awards, and Segment Leadership

The current generation, the Combo E, debuted in 2018 at the Hannover fair and marked a turning point. Based on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform–shared with the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter–it arrived in two wheelbase options and introduced, for the first time, a fully electric version. It quickly made headlines: the Combo E Cargo won the 2019 International Van of the Year award, cementing four decades of continuous evolution and proving that the model has not only adapted, but has become a leader in one of Europe’s most competitive segments.