Opel has debuted its new Combo and Combo Electric vans, which get key upgrades to offer increased practicality to van fleets.

Sales of the new Opel Combo and Combo Electric are scheduled to start by the end of this year

The diesel-engined Combo now gets the brand’s distinctive Vizor front-end, already seen on its passenger cars including the Mokka and the new Corsa, plus an enhanced interior and upgraded lighting tech. It’s the first Opel LCV to come with the brand’s adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Light – which also marks a first for the vehicle segment.

Meanwhile, the Combo Electric now offers a WLTP range of up to 330km (205 miles) – an 18% increase from the former 280km (175 miles). The increased electric range is due to next-generation battery technology and the addition of a heat pump that helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures. The Combo Electric also gets paddle-selectable brake regeneration with a choice of three levels to optimise range.

The all-electric compact van is powered by a 136hp electric motor, enabling a top speed of 130km/hr (81mph). It comes with a 7.4kW on-board charger as standard (a 11kW charger is optional), and the battery can be recharged from 0-80% in less than 30 minutes at a 100kW public charging station.

As with its predecessor, the Combo Electric offers up to 4.4m3 of storage space (the same as its combustion engine siblings), while the 780kg payload and the 750kg towing capacity are said to be best-in-class.

Interior upgrades include an upgraded infotainment system with Vauxhall’s latest-generation user interface and with upgraded 10-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, powered by the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies and with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Combo also gets up to 18 advanced driver assistance systems, including intelligent speed assistance, lane keeping assist, advanced emergency braking and driver attention alert, while adaptive cruise control is also available as an option.

The new arrivals form part of the revamped van line-up from parent group Stellantis as it takes the fight to Ford.

The Combo and Combo Electric are available in two lengths, with a choice of two or three front seats. The new Combo is also offered as a five-seat crew cab.

Full specification and pricing details for the line-up will be announced close to the start of ordering.