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If you’re in the market for a versatile and practical van, you won’t find many better options than a combi. For many years, combi vans have been a mainstay of the transportation sector, serving various needs. But what is a combi van, and what are the defining characteristics of this vehicle?
Combis are multipurpose vehicles designed to transport both people and cargo. Their unique design and flexibility make them suitable for both commercial and casual use. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning about combis and how they differ from the more popular panel vans.
A combi van is a mix between a panel van and a minibus, making it suitable for carrying passengers and cargo. Combi vans are great for businesses in which you have to transport both staff and equipment between worksites. Like double cab vans, they’re also suitable for casual use when you need to transport more people than can fit in a standard car.
Most combi vans are adaptable to various situations. They often come with seats you can fold or completely remove to create more cargo space. There are different types of combi vans, but the most popular options include the Citroen Berlingo, Ford Custom and Citroen Dispatch vans.
Combi Or Kombi?
There is a slight difference between ‘combi’ and ‘Kombi’ even though they are both used interchangeably. Combi van is short for ‘combination van’, and this term is used to refer to vehicles capable of carrying goods and passengers. On the other hand, ‘Kombi’ refers to particular models of combination vans manufactured by Volkswagen. This particular model is fully known as the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi.
Combi Vs Panel: The Differences
Combi and panel vans serve different purposes. You can distinguish panel vans by the absence of rear and side windows on the vehicle. These vans have no rear seats and are often used for transporting goods over short distances. Panel vans usually have a dedicated load area and a similar load capacity to pickup trucks.
Unlike panel vans, combi vans can carry people as well as load. Instead of only large cargo compartments, combi vans have passenger areas where people can sit. In general, a Panel van mostly serves as a commercial vehicle for goods transportation, while a combi van is a multipurpose vehicle. Read more about what a panel van is.
Combi: Pros & Cons
Like all vehicles, combis have their pros and cons. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of these vans can help you determine if they’re great for you.
Pros
Some of the benefits of using a combi van are:
- Versatility: One great thing about using a combi van is its flexibility and practicality. Because this vehicle can carry both people and cargo, it is suitable for various purposes, including goods transportation and camping. In some countries, combis are even used as school buses and prison vans.
- Customisability: Combi vans give room for customisation. You can tweak the interior of the vehicle to suit your personal preference. The best combi vans have enough room for amenities like beds and kitchens or if you want to add tool racks to your van.
- Superb handling: Combis offer car-like handling and performance, making it easy for you to drive them.
- Affordability: Combi vans are small vans, so they are less expensive than other large vehicles. They also offer better fuel economy due to their compact design. Furthermore, companies can reclaim input VAT on the purchase of combis and other commercial vans.
Learn about all the types of vans.
Cons
Some of the major drawbacks of using combi vans include:
- Limited space: Even though combi vans are highly customisable, their interior space is quite limited when compared to certain vehicles like larger RVs. Most combi vans can carry up to one tonne.
- Aesthetic appeal: Combi vans prioritise practicality. Therefore, they are usually not as visually appealing as modern car-derived vans.
Click here to learn about crew vans.
What To Know Before Hiring Or Buying A Combi?
The most important thing to consider when buying or hiring a combi van is what you intend to use it for. Unlike regular cargo vans that can accommodate the driver and only one person, combis give room for multiple passengers. These vans are great for companies that often have to transport people and goods simultaneously. Most combi vans have a second row of seats, making them suitable for carrying up to five or six passengers.
A combi van or a Volkswagen Transporter Kombi is also a great option for anyone going on a road trip. This vehicle offers features such as Bluetooth, AC and phone connectivity to keep you convenient and entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Combi And A Van?
There is no difference between a combi and a van. A combi is a type of van that combines the features of both passenger and cargo vans since it’s designed to transport both people and cargo. It has two rows of seats for passengers, while the rear space is for cargo. ‘Van’ refers to vehicles that are larger than standard cars.
Why Is It Called A Kombi?
It is called a Kombi because this is the term that Volkswagen uses to describe its Type 2 van, a model of vehicle that can transport both people and cargo. The term ‘Kombi’ comes from the German word ‘Kombinationskraftwagen’, which means ‘combination motor vehicle’. Volkswagen launched the Kombi in 1950 and has released more recent models. Keep in mind that a ‘Kombi’ is a model series of ‘combi vans’.
What Are The Advantages Of A Kombi?
The advantages of a Kombi are versatility, proper handling and affordability. Kombi vans have both seating and cargo spaces, making them suitable for a whole range of uses. Despite being large, they have car-like handling. They are also affordable when compared to other larger vans. Furthermore, it’s quite easy to customise Kombi vans and add other features and equipment.
Why Are Kombi Vans So Expensive?
Kombi vans are not always very expensive. They generally range between £6300 and £12,500 for the most recent models. However, vintage VW Kombis cost much more due to their rarity and historical significance. Some 23-window Kombis from the 1950s have their list price set for more than £120,000 at auctions.
How Many Seaters Is A Combi?
How many seaters a combi is depends on the model, body type and specific purpose of the vehicle. Most combis have five or six seats, but there are also eight and nine-seater combis. However, in eight and nine-seater combis, the additional row of seats in the vehicle can be removed to create more space for goods.
Conclusion
If you’ve read the article to this point, you should have a clear answer to the question, ‘What is a combi van?’ Combi vans offer the perfect blend of comfort and practicality, allowing you to transport people, goods and equipment effectively. These vehicles are suitable for use in a wide range of industries, and they can also be used casually by campers and adventurers.
