Opel/Vauxhall Combo
Tested model: Citroën ë-Berlingo + Safety Pack
Applies to: all Combos, 3rd generation, K9, from 2018
The van tested was the electric version of the Citroën Berlingo, a twin of the Opel/Vauxhall Combo. The Opel/Vauxhall Combo comes with a variety of powertrains and the rating applies to all.
The safety systems show limited performance compared with competitors in this segment and the Combo offers a four-star level of safety. The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system uses camera-based technology to detect other vehicles and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Performance is good when approaching a stationary or slower-moving car at lower speeds, but deteriorates as test speeds increase. However, performance is symmetrical, reacting equally well to a target vehicle is straight in front of it or offset to one side or the other. Unlike some of its competitors, the Combo does not react to a vehicle which turns across its path. With a pedestrian target, the systems performs well or adequately in the simpler scenarios, with some drop-off when tested in night-time conditions, but does not intervene if a pedestrian is behind the van as it reverses or when the van turns into the path of a crossing pedestrian. In Euro NCAP's tests, the Combo showed very little reaction to a cyclist.
The lane support system includes lane departure warning, which signals to the driver when the van is drifting out of lane, and emergency lane keeping, which intervenes more aggressively in certain critical situations to prevent the van from leaving the road. The system performed well in all tests, but does not include blind spot monitoring.
The Combo uses a camera to identify the local speed limit and provides the information to the driver, allowing the limiter to be set accordingly. The limiter is able to maintain the set speed to within 5 km/h.
A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver and front passenger seat, and the Combo recognises steering behaviour which is characteristic of fatigued driving, alerting the driver to the need for a break.