Vauxhall Combo 2025 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Vauxhall Combo 2025 Refrigerated Van emerges as a formidable contender in the small van segment, blending practicality, modern technology, and Glacier Vehicles’ expert refrigeration conversions into a package tailored for businesses that thrive on precision cooling. Whether you’re transporting fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or delicate florals, this van promises reliability and efficiency in a compact, city-friendly footprint. Built on the Stellantis platform alongside siblings like the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, the 2025 Combo gets a refreshed design with Vauxhall’s signature “Vizor” grille and a host of upgrades that elevate its refrigerated game. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every facet—performance, refrigeration prowess, load capacity, running costs, and real-world utility—to determine if this is the ultimate refrigerated van for your operation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Vauxhall Combo 2025 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 980 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric |
| Transmission | Manual (6-speed) / Auto (8-speed) |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 44-48 MPG (Diesel) |
| Load Volume | 3.8 m³ (L1) / 4.4 m³ (L2) |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharma, Small Fleets |
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Combo has evolved significantly since its car-derived roots, and the 2025 model marks a pinnacle of refinement under the Stellantis umbrella. Available in two lengths—L1 (short wheelbase) and L2 (long wheelbase)—this van balances agility with capacity, making it a versatile choice for urban deliveries and beyond. The exterior sports a sleek, modern look with the “Vizor” front grille and slim LED headlights, signalling Vauxhall’s intent to blend style with utility. Glacier Vehicles takes this robust base and transforms it into a refrigerated powerhouse, integrating cutting-edge cooling systems that cater to a range of industries. With a diesel option for traditionalists and an electric variant for eco-conscious fleets, the Combo 2025 is poised to meet diverse business needs with a nod to sustainability.
The interior reflects a car-like experience, a hallmark of Stellantis small vans, with a refreshed dashboard featuring a 10-inch infotainment screen and digital instrumentation. It’s practical too—ample storage cubbies, a comfy driver’s seat, and a layout that prioritises ease of use during long shifts. Glacier’s conversion expertise ensures the cargo area is optimised for temperature control without compromising the van’s inherent strengths, making this a compelling option for small businesses and fleet operators alike.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of any refrigerated van lies in its cooling capabilities, and the Vauxhall Combo 2025, as converted by Glacier Vehicles, delivers with precision. The GAH SRF250 system powers the refrigeration, offering 2.2kW of cooling capacity and a dual-zone option that can maintain +5°C for chilled goods and -25°C for frozen items within the same load space. This flexibility is a game-changer for businesses juggling mixed deliveries—think dairy and ice cream in one trip. Operating at a quiet 40dB, it’s discreet enough for urban routes without disturbing the peace.
Glacier’s insulation is equally impressive: 50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups keeps energy use low, while 75mm high-density foam ensures freezer-grade performance, holding -20°C even in 40°C ambient heat, as proven in rigorous testing. An electric standby feature lets the system run off a single-phase power supply overnight, maintaining an 8-hour hold with zero engine idling—saving £250 annually in fuel costs compared to rivals without this perk. Real-world trials show zero temperature drift over 12 hours, outpacing budget units by 20% in efficiency, making this van a reliable choice for perishables under any condition.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling, the Vauxhall Combo 2025 doesn’t disappoint. The L1 model offers 3.8m³ of load volume, while the L2 stretches to 4.4m³—enough for two Euro pallets side by side. With a payload of 980kg, it edges out the Citroën Dispatch’s 800kg, though it trails the Mercedes Sprinter’s 1,500kg for heavier loads. Glacier’s conversion preserves this capacity, integrating refrigeration without slashing space, thanks to lightweight insulation that adds minimal bulk.
The cargo area is thoughtfully designed—1.8m long in L1 (2.2m in L2), 1.6m wide (1.2m between arches), and 1.2m high—offering practical dimensions for stacking crates or shelving units. Optional features like movable partitions and six tie-down points allow customisation, whether you’re organising pharmaceutical batches or floral arrangements. Compared to the Peugeot Boxer’s 10m³, the Combo’s smaller footprint suits tighter streets, yet it still punches above its weight for small to mid-size operations.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency is a cornerstone of the Combo 2025’s appeal. The diesel variant, powered by a 1.5L Turbo D engine (100PS or 130PS), achieves 44-48 MPG—stellar for a refrigerated van. The GAH system’s low energy draw shaves 10% off fuel consumption, translating to £1,100 annually versus the Sprinter’s £1,400 (28 MPG). For context, a £32k Transit saves £300/yr over a £27k Boxer, whose 40 MPG can’t offset its £12k 5-yr repair costs—Combo’s total cost of ownership (TCO) lands at £36k over 5 years, £4k less than Boxer’s £40k.
The electric Combo Electric, with a 52kWh battery, offers 180-200 miles of range, dropping to 160 miles loaded in winter—still competitive. Charging at 100kW nets 0-80% in 30 minutes, costing £15 at public stations, or £7 overnight on an EV tariff—£1,000/yr vs. diesel’s £1,100. Resale holds strong at £14k after 3 years, beating Boxer’s £10k, making the Combo a financial win whether you go diesel or electric.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is key for any working van, and the Combo 2025 shines here. Vauxhall reports a 2% failure rate—half the Boxer’s 5% (clutch issues)—backed by a 3-yr/100k-mile warranty, plus Glacier’s 2-yr refrigeration coverage. The GAH system needs a £99 annual tune-up via Glacier’s UK-wide network, keeping downtime under 1%—saving £600/yr over rivals with spotty service. Common issues? Rare—mostly minor wear on sliding doors after 50k miles, easily fixed at £150.
Glacier’s GAH Connect monitoring tracks temp and performance remotely, catching issues early—think £200 savings per avoided breakdown. With parts widely available through Stellantis, servicing costs stay low—£250 vs. Sprinter’s £350 annually. This combo of durability and support makes the van a low-stress investment.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2025 Combo’s cabin is a tech haven. A 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Vauxhall Connect services keeps you linked, while remote temp alerts via Glacier’s integration ensure cargo safety. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, paired with a 6-way seat—comfort for long hauls. Safety-wise, it’s loaded: ABS, lane assist, 360° cameras, and Dynamic Surround Vision (rear camera feed to a dash screen) reduce risks, crash-tested to 40 MPH with reinforced GRP panels.
Compared to the Boxer’s basic setup, the Combo’s tech feels premium—Flank Guard blind-spot alerts and Intellilux headlights outshine budget rivals. It’s practical and protective, ideal for busy drivers.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the field, the Combo 2025 earns raves—4.7/5 from 60 UK operators. Drivers love the 44 MPG and quiet GAH hum, with one caterer noting, “My L2 Combo’s 4.4m³ cut my trips by 20%—£4k saved yearly.” A pharma courier adds, “+2°C held for 12 hours—no spoilage, ever.” The downside? At £33k, it’s £5k pricier than Boxer’s £28k—but £9k 5-yr savings (fuel, repairs) offset that, per Glacier’s data.
Handling is car-like—light steering, smooth ride, even loaded with 500kg. The diesel’s 100PS pulls strong to 60 MPH in 12 seconds, while the electric’s 136PS feels zippier at 11.7 seconds. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t feel like one.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Combo 2025 | 4.4m³ + 48 MPG—tops Sprinter’s 28 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—50% more than Combo |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, tighter turn—30% nimbler than Combo |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £28k, but 10m³ lags in reliability |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing the right refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods? The Combo’s dual-zone GAH excels. Volume matters—4.4m³ suits mid-size loads, but Sprinter’s 13m³ fits bulk. Compliance is non-negotiable—Combo meets ECWTA and food safety standards, verified by Glacier. Cost-wise, £33k upfront saves £9k over 5 yrs vs. Boxer’s £12k TCO hit—factor fuel (£1,100/yr), maintenance (£250/yr), and resale (£14k).
Electric or diesel? Diesel’s range suits rural hauls; electric’s £1,000/yr running cost wins in ULEZ zones. Test drive both—Glacier’s conversions shine in real conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2025 Vauxhall Combo maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy diesel or electric for the Vauxhall Combo refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Vauxhall Combo in its category?
Conclusion
The Vauxhall Combo 2025 Refrigerated Van is a small van with big ambitions—and it delivers. Glacier Vehicles’ expert conversion—GAH’s -25°C precision, 75mm insulation, and 980kg payload—makes it a standout for food, pharma, and floral hauls. At 48 MPG or 180 electric miles, it slashes running costs (£1,100/yr diesel, £1,000/yr electric), while £9k 5-yr savings over budget rivals like Boxer prove its premium value. Reliable, tech-savvy, and versatile, it’s the refrigerated king for small to mid-size fleets. Glacier Vehicles crafts these in the UK—buy yours and chill smarter.
