This is a subscriber-only article
Families with four or more children are forced to look at the people carrier option or at least a seven-seat vehicle in order to comply with the law. If the children are at baby/child seat stage, there are fewer choices and costs can rise significantly. However, there are now some more cost-effective and stylish MPV choices, such as people carriers based on compact vans.
Despite their practicality, few enough families take this option; bigger and more expensive SUVs tend to be the cars of choice. However, modern van-based MPVs are more comfortable, more stylish, more practical and better equipped than in the past.
The choice of an MPV based on a modified and enhanced van structure is well worth considering for families faced by the burden of child seats, buggies and excessive baggage. It makes sense in terms of buying price and ownership costs.
That’s why a comparison between the new Peugeot Rifter and Opel’s Combo Life is worthwhile. Now that Opel is part of the PSA Peugeot Citroen family, there are style differences and specification details that separate the brands.
I’ve had the new Peugeot Rifter, based on the Partner van and the new Opel Combo Life, based on the Opel Combo van, both seven-seat MPVs, on test in recent weeks. They are more closely related than in the past, while styling differences will sometimes dictate how you feel about the choices.
The Peugeot Rifter has been re-modelled and the change is significant. The front end exterior styling is not too different to that of the 3008 and 5008 models, while the side-on view shows its van heritage.
On the inside, the Rifter is well equipped in terms of specification and comfort. Peugeot uses a version of its iCockpit design that I prefer to what it offers in its cars. It gives greater visibility in the Rifter and is so much easier to read.
The Rifter that I had on test came with a new design dial-operated eight-speed automatic gearbox and that added to the attractiveness of the car. The gearbox was a match for the 130bhp diesel engine that returned an impressive fuel economy figure for me. I had a range of almost 800km from the 50-litre tank which meant I was achieving close to the rated figure of 17km/l (5.9l/100km or 48mpg).
The Opel Combo Life I drove was fitted with a similar engine designed to produce a lower 100bhp and matched to five-speed manual gearbox. The less powerful engine seemed to unconsciously force me to more leisurely driving and I achieved a range of 870km from a similar tank size to that of the Rifter.
The Opel Combo Life rated economy figure is 18km/l (5.6l/100 or 50mpg) and I came very close to achieving that. But the performance was more sluggish and the driving experience suffered a little compared with the Rifter.
Compared with an equivalent SUV, these fuel economy figures are significantly more attractive. That means lower running costs, while the buying prices for either option are more competitive than their seven-seat SUV equivalent within both the Opel and Peugeot ranges.
These MPVs are more popular across Europe than in Ireland. While they don’t offer the same seat height driving position as an SUV, they are higher and more comfortable to drive than some cars. Seat comfort levels are better than equivalent vans, with more adjustment to the suspension, seat position and steering wheel.
There is no feeling that you are driving a van. So once you can cope with how you look behind the wheel rather than what you see, you’ll easily come to terms with the motoring value. The auto option in the Peugeot is well worthwhile, while the manual gearbox in the Opel Combo Life comes with a light clutch for easy operation.
The sliding doors on each side make for easier child loading, especially in tight car park spaces. All seats fold easily for those extra-long loads. With all five rear seats folded there is real van load-carrying capacity.
These MPVs come with full safety certification and were Euro NCAP tested in 2018 where they achieved a four-star rating. There are three Isofix set couplings in the rear seats while I doubt if there is space for three full-size child seats.
The boot space can be a little compromised with all seven seats in use, while there is still more space than in equivalent seven-seat SUVs. That feature alone makes either the Peugeot Rifter or Opel Combo Life a more practical choice. And both also come with better towing ratings than their van counterparts.
Entry prices start at €27,280 or £25,075 in Northern Ireland for the Peugeot Rifter and the Opel Combo Life prices start at a slightly higher Republic of Ireland price of €26,960, while NI entry prices are marginally lower at £23,330. Given that there is little to separate them in terms of price, in appearance and specification terms the Peugeot Rifter would be my overall choice.
The automatic version, which adds about €1,200 to the price, makes driving a pleasure, while a reversing camera is a bonus also worth paying for on either model. A reversing camera is a good option to include, but it can be incorporated into a ‘pack’ that pushes the prices higher than you have expected.
SHARING OPTIONS: