First look: Cool combo van may become a Holden

IT MIGHT not look like a van, but it is. Hot on the heels of the new Corsa three- and five-door hatchback in Europe, General Motors’ European arm Opel has launched a two-door Corsavan concept for Paris.

Based on the three-door hatch variant, the van gives some clues to the forthcoming replacement for the Combo van sold in Australia.

The current (previous-generation) Corsa/Barina-based Combo is a popular seller for Holden, and if the Corsavan concept went into production it could form the basis of a replacement for the Combo.

The Euro-built Combo "fits a niche in the market", according to Holden spokesman Jason Laird. "We’d obviously look at what was available to replace the Combo when its current lifecycle runs out," he said.

Finished in the same glossy glamour red colour scheme as the Opel GT Concept shown in Geneva earlier this year, the Corsavan features black-coloured side panels to replace the three-door Corsa’s windows without detracting from the car’s coupe-like lines. Distinctive features include red front brake callipers, smart 17-inch alloy wheels and a VXR styling pack, comprising a new front bumper, side sills and a rear spoiler.

Black leather sports seats and piano-black surfaces reminiscent of the Corsa hatchback complete the sporty two-seater’s interior.

The car has a fully lined load bay with a half-height bulkhead that contributes to a versatile load area. The concept car is powered by 67kW 1.3-litre CDTi engine with a six-speed gearbox.

Holden’s product planning department is also known to be studying the just-launched Corsa as a possible addition to, or replacement for, the current Korean-sourced Barina (nee Daewoo Kalos). Mr Laird confirmed Holden was looking at options concerning its current Korean-sourced Barina, and while stressing that sourcing any replacement from Europe was a low priority, said that Holden would look at all options. "You’d be mad not to," he said.

Before the current Barina went on sale late last year Holden sourced the small hatch from Europe, where it was assembled in Spain. Until 1994 the Barina was sourced from Japan and shared much with the Suzuki Swift, also part of the GM empire.