Vauxhall has launched a four-wheel drive variant of its Combo Cargo van, offering up to 205mm of ground clearance, with stronger underbody protection.

The manufacturer says this is the only small 4x4 van on the market, and gives it an excellent opportunity to grow in sectors including agriculture, construction and telecoms/communications.

The four-wheel drive conversion is carried out by Dangel, and drivers can use a rotary switch on the instrument panel to choose between two drive modes: Auto 4wd and Eco 2wd.

In Auto 4wd, the 4x4 is engaged shifting part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip.

In Eco 2wd mode, the 4x4 system is disengaged and the Combo Cargo switches to front-wheel drive only.

An ‘R’ Lock mode can also be used to lock the rear axle in more demanding conditions. A limited slip rear differential for maintaining traction in the severest driving conditions is optional.

The 4x4 Combo Cargo comes with ESP, engine and gearbox protection, and 90mm higher ground clearance as standard.

Additional protection for the fuel tank and rear axle, as well as 20mm higher ground clearance (for a total of up to 205mm) are optionally available with 4x4 Plus Pack.

With approach and departure angles of 26.6 and 38.3 degrees respectively, and a break-over angle of 26 degrees, the Combo Cargo 4x4 can climb 41-degree gradients.

The Combo L1 Edition 4x4 is priced at £34,660 (exc VAT), L2 Edition 4x4 at £35,860 (exc VAT) and the L1 Sportive 4x4 at £36,010 (exc VAT).

The Vauxhall Combo was named small van of the year at the 2019 Commercial Fleet Awards.

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