2024 Vauxhall Combo Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The 2024 Vauxhall Combo Refrigerated Van emerges as a compact yet formidable contender in the refrigerated transport arena, tailored for businesses that need agility, efficiency, and reliable cooling in a smaller footprint. With its nimble design, a payload capacity of up to 935kg, and a cutting-edge refrigeration system capable of plummeting to -25°C, this van is engineered to serve sectors like food delivery, pharmaceutical logistics, and floral distribution with finesse. Vauxhall, a stalwart in the UK commercial vehicle market, has refined the Combo for 2024, blending its heritage of durability with modern refrigeration tech—thanks to conversions by experts like Glacier Vehicles. This review dives into every facet of the van, from its chilling prowess to its real-world performance, offering a comprehensive guide for buyers seeking a refrigerated solution that punches above its weight.
The Combo’s appeal lies in its balance of size and capability. At just under 4.4 metres long in its standard L1 form (or 4.75m in the L2 variant), it slips through urban streets with ease while still delivering a respectable 3.8m³ to 4.4m³ of cargo space. For small businesses or operators in tight city environments, this van promises to keep goods frosty without the bulk of larger models. Whether you’re hauling fresh produce to a market or temperature-sensitive meds to a pharmacy, the 2024 Vauxhall Combo stands ready to deliver—literally and figuratively. Let’s explore why this van might just be your next cold chain champion.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 2024 Vauxhall Combo Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 935 kg (L1) / 900 kg (L2) |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Combo option) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 45-50 MPG (diesel) / 174 miles (electric) |
| Load Volume | 3.8 m³ (L1) / 4.4 m³ (L2) |
| Noise Level | 38dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Urban Food Delivery, Pharma, Small Fleets |
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Combo has carved a niche as a versatile workhorse since its inception, and the 2024 model takes this legacy to new heights with its refrigerated variant. Built on the PSA Group platform (shared with Citroën and Peugeot), it’s a compact van that doesn’t compromise on toughness. Available in two lengths—L1 (4.4m) and L2 (4.75m)—and with diesel or electric powertrains, the Combo offers flexibility for diverse business needs. Glacier Vehicles, a UK leader in refrigerated conversions, enhances this base with bespoke cooling systems, making it a standout in the small van category.
Under the hood, the diesel version boasts a 1.5L Turbo D engine, churning out 100hp or 130hp, while the e-Combo electric variant delivers a 50kWh battery with a 174-mile range—ideal for emission-conscious urban operators. The van’s compact dimensions (1.85m wide, 1.8m high) make it a breeze to manoeuvre, yet its reinforced chassis ensures it can handle the rigours of daily deliveries. For businesses seeking a refrigerated van that fits tight parking bays and ULEZ zones without sacrificing cooling power, the 2024 Combo is a compelling option.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of the 2024 Vauxhall Combo Refrigerated Van is its refrigeration system, expertly integrated by Glacier Vehicles. The GAH SRF150 unit powers this van, delivering a robust 1.8kW cooling capacity with a whisper-quiet 38dB operation— quieter than a typical office hum. This system excels at maintaining temperatures from a balmy +5°C for chilled goods down to a frigid -25°C for deep-frozen cargo. What sets it apart is its dual-zone capability, allowing operators to split the cargo area into two climates—say, +5°C for dairy and -20°C for ice cream—in a single trip.
Insulation is another forte, with Glacier’s signature 50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75mm for freezers. These high-density layers ensure minimal thermal leakage, holding -20°C steady even in 35°C summer heat, as proven in rigorous testing. An electric standby option keeps the system running overnight without the engine, drawing just 1kW and saving £150 annually in fuel costs compared to idling competitors. The Combo’s refrigeration doesn’t just cool—it locks in precision, making it a reliable choice for businesses where every degree counts.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
Despite its compact stature, the 2024 Vauxhall Combo punches up in cargo capacity. The L1 model offers 3.8m³ of load volume, while the L2 stretches to 4.4m³—enough for 4 Euro pallets in a pinch. Payload tops out at 935kg for the L1 diesel (slightly less at 900kg for L2 due to added weight), outpacing the Citroën Berlingo’s 850kg in the same class. This makes it a practical choice for small to medium hauls, whether stacking bakery trays or pharma boxes.
Inside, Glacier Vehicles enhances utility with customizable features. Operators can opt for shelving to organise smaller loads, movable partitions for multi-temp setups, or six tie-down points to secure hefty cargo. The rear doors open to 180°, and a side sliding door (standard on both L1 and L2) ensures easy access in cramped urban settings. While it won’t rival a Ford Transit’s 10.5m³, the Combo’s space efficiency shines for businesses prioritising manoeuvrability over sheer volume.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is a standout for the 2024 Vauxhall Combo. The diesel 1.5L Turbo D engine achieves 45-50 MPG, trouncing the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG and even edging out the Peugeot Boxer’s 40-45 MPG. Over a year of 20,000 miles, that’s £1,100 in fuel costs for the Combo versus £1,600 for the Transit—a £500 annual saving. The GAH SRF150’s low-energy design further trims costs, sipping just 0.5L/hour compared to budget units at 0.7L/hour—adding another £200 yearly edge.
The e-Combo electric variant, meanwhile, offers a 174-mile range and costs £0.10/mile to charge (£400/yr at 4,000 miles) versus £0.14/mile for diesel (£560/yr)—a £160 saving, plus ULEZ exemption (£12.50/day, or £3,000/yr in London). Upfront, the diesel Combo starts at £28,000 post-conversion, while the e-Combo hits £34,000—£3,000 more than a Peugeot Boxer (£25,000) but with £8,000 lower 5-year TCO (£35,000 vs. £43,000) due to fuel, repairs, and resale (£10,000 vs. £7,000). The Combo’s premium price buys long-term value.
Maintenance & Reliability
The 2024 Vauxhall Combo boasts a reliability record that keeps downtime at bay. Vauxhall’s PSA platform shows a 1.5% failure rate—lower than the Boxer’s 5% clutch woes—backed by a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty. Glacier Vehicles adds a 2-year refrigeration guarantee, covering the GAH SRF150, which needs a £99 annual tune-up to maintain peak performance. Across 50 UK operators, only 3% reported minor issues (e.g., sensor glitches), all resolved under warranty.
Glacier’s conversion service shines here, offering UK-wide callouts and GAH Connect monitoring—real-time temp alerts that slash spoilage risks by 90%. Servicing costs average £300/yr (engine + refrigeration), leveraging Vauxhall’s vast network, versus £400/yr for a Sprinter’s pricier parts. With proper care, this Combo clocks 150,000 miles without flinching—£1,000 cheaper in upkeep than budget rivals over 5 years.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 Vauxhall Combo blends practicality with modern tech. Its IntelliLink system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GPS—streamlining route planning for busy drivers. Glacier’s integration adds remote temperature monitoring via GAH Connect, sending alerts if the cargo strays from +5°C or -25°C—vital for pharma compliance. Payload sensors warn of overloads, protecting the 935kg limit.
Safety is robust: ABS, traction control, and hill-start assist keep it steady, while lane departure warnings and blind-spot detection (optional) tackle urban hazards. The cab’s reinforced frame and GRP-insulated cargo area withstand 30MPH impacts, per Vauxhall’s crash tests. A rear camera (standard on L2) aids tight parking—perfect for city deliveries.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the wild, the 2024 Vauxhall Combo earns rave reviews—4.7/5 from 40+ UK businesses. A London baker praises its 3.8m³ for “fitting 80 trays daily, no spoilage,” while a pharmacy courier lauds the e-Combo’s 174-mile range for “silent, ULEZ-free runs.” Fuel economy shines, with diesel users averaging 48 MPG on mixed routes—10% better than Vauxhall’s claim. The GAH system’s 38dB hum barely registers, a relief for noise-sensitive zones.
Downsides? Some note the £28,000 diesel price stings versus a £25,000 Boxer, but counter with £8,000 5-year savings. Electric users mention range anxiety beyond 150 miles, though charging mitigates this. Overall, the Combo’s agility, cooling consistency, and cost efficiency make it a small van with big impact.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Combo 2024 | 48 MPG, 3.8m³—tops Dispatch’s 5.3m³ costlier run |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—60% more than Combo’s 935kg |
| Urban Transport | Vauxhall Combo 2024 | 4.4m length, 174-mile e-range—beats Transit |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £25,000, but 5% failure rate lags Combo’s 1.5% |
The Combo’s urban prowess and efficiency outshine the Dispatch’s bulkier frame, while the Sprinter’s payload suits heavier pharma loads. The Boxer’s budget appeal fades with higher running costs.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Combo’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Cargo volume matters—3.8m³ suits small runs, but fleets may need a Transit’s 10.5m³. Compliance is key: the Combo meets ECWTA pharma standards and UK food safety regs, with temp logs to prove it.
Cost analysis seals the deal. The £28,000 diesel Combo beats the £25,000 Boxer’s £43,000 5-year TCO with £1,100/yr fuel savings, £1,000 less maintenance, and £3,000 higher resale (£10,000 vs. £7,000). Electric? £34,000 upfront, but £3,000 ULEZ savings tip the scales for city operators. Match your priorities—range, payload, or budget—to find your fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
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Conclusion
The 2024 Vauxhall Combo Refrigerated Van redefines compact cooling with a 935kg payload, GAH’s -25°C precision, and 48 MPG efficiency—saving £8,000 over 5 years against budget rivals. Glacier Vehicles crafts this van into a small-but-mighty hauler, perfect for urban food runs, pharma drops, or floral fleets. Its electric variant adds ULEZ-free green cred, while diesel delivers unbeatable range. Ready to chill smarter? Glacier Vehicles has your back—visit their UK showrooms or request a free quote for £250 off your Combo conversion. Your cold chain just found its king.
