This material was planned as a duel of two cars that complement each other at the same time. After a detailed review of the updated Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo vans, another relative of theirs remained behind the scenes - the Peugeot Rifter, also updated. I will note right away that there are similar cars from Toyota and FIAT; however, this time we are talking about a French-German trio of models, which are often also sold by neighboring dealers. So what is better to choose? So: let's get acquainted with the updated Peugeot Rifter, using the Opel Combo as a basis.
Round one: design and dimensions
I hope I won’t surprise anyone with the fact that the Peugeot Rifter and Opel Combo (and the other cars mentioned above) have exactly the same body – after all, they are technically related cars-relatives. However, the update of each of the cars was carried out in such a way as to emphasize the characteristic features of the design of a particular brand. For Opel cars , of course, we are talking about the Opel Vizor : a flat insert-panel of black color, combining almost rectangular headlights with triple LED -stripes. If it were not for the main black body color, this solution would look very impressive. On the other hand, the black body color gave the car more solidity.
The updated Peugeot Rifter van also embodies the new style of the “lions” and also emphasizes changes to the front of the body. A new bumper and a flat radiator grille, a shield logo with a lion, headlights with triple eyebrow elements. The Peugeot logo has disappeared at the back ; instead, a large brand name inscription and the model name are indicated. Both cars can offer a trunk lid with an additional folding glass, which is very convenient for loading small items. And both cars are offered with a standard L 1 body (length 4.4 meters and a wheelbase of 2.785 meters) or an enlarged L 2 body (length 4.75 meters and a wheelbase of 2.975 meters); in this comparison, the Peugeot Rifter is presented with an L 1 body, while the Opel Combo is presented with an L 2 body.
A feature of the Peugeot Rifter from the very beginning of its career was a certain affinity with the world of SUV crossovers thanks to additional protective linings that cover the entire lower perimeter of the body, as well as increased ground clearance. So, if for the Opel Combo (and also Citroen Berlingo ) the ground clearance is about 160 mm, then for the Peugeot Rifter we already have about 180 mm. And pay attention to the tires: the Peugeot Rifter has 215/65 R 16 tires against 205/60 R 16 tires on a pair of Opel Combo and Citroen Berlingo - thanks to this, it is possible to win about +17 mm of ground clearance.
If you don't need increased ground clearance and crossover hints, then in general you can record a 1:1 score between the cars: they have identical bodies, they just differ slightly in the design of the front end - each in its own way embodies the design style of its own brand. However, it is still impossible not to note the SUV - the features of the Peugeot Rifter : this does not attract a separate score, but you can write down an "additional plus in your head".
Round two: interior and trim
At first glance, everything is familiar: a massive front panel made of hard plastic, a separately installed 10-inch display, an additional 10-inch display used to display "virtual" instruments, a horizontally extended climate control unit, a voluminous central console with sliding blinds and hidden niches. Plus, the Opel Combo is remembered for its large steering wheel (heated, by the way) with very wide spokes - it is this steering wheel that gives the impression that you are driving an even larger van.
There are three separate seats in the back, folding tables and a ventilation system are provided. And even further back – in the case of the Opel Combo – we have the third row of seats in the form of a pair of separate folding chairs that can be folded or completely removed. The trunk volume for a car with a standard body L 1 is 983/2126 liters (minimum/maximum); the trunk volume for a car with an enlarged body L 2 is 1538/2693 liters (minimum/maximum). And it is the latter, the largest indicator at 2693 liters that we can see on the example of the Opel Combo with a body L 2 and removed third-row seats.
Now let's take a closer look at another car - the interior seems very similar; but not identical! After all, the Peugeot Rifter has an interior with the Peugeot i - Cockpit concept , which means a small steering wheel and an instrument panel placed above it. This small steering wheel creates the impression of sharper control of the car - not because of technical differences, but simply because of the smaller ranges of movement of the driver's hands. Next: the digital instrument panel itself has original graphics - different from the Opel Combo and closer to Peugeot cars.
Want more differences? Here, for example: the front panel of the Peugeot Rifter is covered with a rough gray material (resembling a stone surface) in contrast to the usual black plastic in the Opel Combo cabin. Finally, I will again note the massive center console with niches in front and ventilation deflectors behind. The bottom line is that for the Opel Combo this console is an option even for the maximum configuration among those available in Ukraine; however, for the Peugeot Rifter this console is already included in the list of standard equipment of the car in the maximum configuration ALLURE; a similar situation occurs with the digital color 10-inch instrument panel.
The round ends with a score of 1:0 and the victory of the Peugeot Rifter - thanks to small but numerous "pluses" in the cabin, this van gives a greater feeling of a passenger car. As for the space and trunk, it is only a matter of providing a Peugeot Rifter test car in the version with a standard L 1 body - on its example you can see what a trunk with a volume of 983/2126 liters looks like. By the way: a car with an enlarged L 2 body has a roll-up trunk curtain; a car with an L 1 body has a trunk shelf-lid; the latter option personally seems more convenient to me. And let me emphasize once again: for both cars there are two body options (L 1 or L 2), two cabin options by the number of seats (5- or 7-seater); the question is only in choosing the desired one. Perhaps a few interesting measurements of the cabin and trunk will help you choose?
Round three: convenience and practicality
Since the cars are technically as similar as possible, one could expect the same interior dimensions; at least in the front part of the body. I suggest taking the Opel Combo as a basis and starting point. So, the length of its driver's seat cushion is 47 cm; the distance to the accelerator pedal is 51-65 cm (depending on the settings of the driver's seat position forward-backward), the space from the seat to the ceiling is 111 cm (the driver's seat is lowered as low as possible, the backrest is tilted at an angle of about 110 degrees).
Now let's look back. So, the gap from the back of the second row of seats to the back of the front seat is 64-88 cm (depending on the adjustments of the front seat); the headroom in the second row of seats is 106 cm. Then a few words about the third row of seats. The gap from the back of the third row of seats to the back of the second row of seats is 68-76 cm (the third row seats can move back and forth); the headroom in the third row of seats is 95 cm. A brief summary: in the third row of seats, unexpectedly, but quite a normal amount of space - thanks to the high ceiling and the ability to move back.
Finally, a few words about the trunk. The width of the Opel Combo trunk is almost 120 cm and it is unchanged thanks to the flat side plastic linings. The length of the trunk to the base of the third row seats is about 43 cm - this is enough to place only small bags. If you remove the third row of seats, the length to the back of the second row of seats is already 126 cm (if you rest against the plastic lining of the seat base), or even 135 cm (if you measure on top of this plastic lining). Finally, if you fold the second row seats, the maximum length of the trunk is 210 cm (along the length of the folded back of the second row seats) or even 220 cm (up to the back of the front seat).
Let me remind you that the Peugeot Rifter was provided with an L 1 body - it is inferior not only in overall length, but also in wheelbase. And this means that...
One would expect a difference in space for second-row passengers, but this did not happen: the Peugeot Rifter van offers a similar space in the back. It is especially interesting that the gap between the back of the second row of seats and the back of the front seat is 64-88 cm (depending on the front seat adjustments). Why is this the case, why doesn’t the Opel Combo with an increased wheelbase win? I think this is due to the fixed attachment points of the second-row seat; and I will also note the small sliding side doors – for a standard L 1 body, they look proportional and normal, but for an extended L 2 body, you already want to increase them.
Finally, a few words about the trunk. First, we have a similar width at almost 120 cm. But we have a slightly different depth for placing long items. So, with the second row seats installed, the maximum space reserve is 91 cm; and with the second row seats folded, the maximum for loading long items is 175 cm.
In this round, I will count a 1:1 draw between the two cars. Why is that? After all, the Opel Combo is bigger, it wins! But let me remind you once again: these are the features of the L 2 body – which is also available for the Peugeot Rifter. Much more interesting was the fact that by ordering the L 2 body, you get a gain in space only in the rear (larger trunk, the possibility of installing a third row of seats, etc.), but not for the second row of seats.
Round four: Suspension and Engine
The cars are built on the same EMP2 platform, have an independent MacPherson front suspension and a semi-independent rear suspension based on a transverse beam, under the hood is the same type of 1.5 BlueHDi turbodiesel with a capacity of 100 hp (250 Nm) or 130 hp (300 Nm), and the engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
But – stop! – from the moment the first Opel Combo review was published and as of now, the situation has changed somewhat: today, Opel Combo 2025 cars are offered exclusively with “mechanics” and a less powerful engine. Although further changes in the price list and the return of the “automatic” version for the Opel Combo are not excluded ; but for today – it is as written above. Instead, the Peugeot Rifter still allows you to choose the engine and gearbox. Although the impressions of the engine/transmission combination are generally identical for the two cars: not record-breaking, but sufficient acceleration; good traction at medium revs; soft and imperceptible gear changes; at the same time – a rather noticeable rumble of the diesel engine in the cabin. And I will also note good economy. Yes, even the larger and heavier Opel Combo can drive around the city with a fuel consumption of 7-7.5 liters and be content on the highway (at a speed of 100 km/h) with only 5-5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km. I will also note: on the highway there is noticeable aerodynamic noise - this is the result of a high body, which is typical for any van.
But the impression of the suspension is somewhat different: the Peugeot Rifter feels more collected when driving. There are some shaking and vibrations, but they are quite moderate for such a high body. At the same time, the elastic suspension still does not allow painful shocks on bumps. In contrast, the Opel Combo is perceived as more comfortable and softer when driving. Yes, this often leads to body rolls in corners, sometimes it leads to rocking and unpleasant rebound of the rear suspension. But if you like comfortable leisurely trips, then the Opel Combo will be a good partner in this. By the way, here I will also mention the Citroen Berlingo , which was also given a very soft suspension. But the impression is that they overdid it: it leans too much in corners, rocks when driving, bounces with the rear part of the unloaded body. And in this comparison, the impression of the behavior of the Opel Combo is better: a comfortable, but still pleasant car for the driver.
We could talk more about the length of the wheelbase and its impact on the driving experience. But in the past I had experience driving a Peugeot Rifter with a long wheelbase - and I still noted the most elastic suspension and collected handling against the background of a couple of Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo, which were available in versions with standard bodies and wheelbases.
We fix the score 1:0 in favor of the Peugeot Rifter . Similarly, as with the interior, thanks to small (but numerous) nuances, it approaches the feeling of a passenger car. And also - it gives a choice between "mechanics" and "automatic" and engines with different power. But how much does it all cost?
Round five: cost and equipment
The Opel Combo pricing situation was discussed in a detailed review, so here I will only mention important details; instead, it is better to pay attention to the comparison with the Peugeot Rifter. In the following text, prices will be indicated for cars of 2025 release.
Firstly: the Opel Combo price tag starts at UAH 998,000 or $24,000 – this is a car with a standard L 1 body, a 100 hp turbodiesel and a manual transmission; the EDITION package already includes front airbags, air conditioning, a multimedia system with a 10-inch display, right and left sliding side doors, rear parking sensors, etc. Secondly: the maximum version is the Opel Combo L 2 EDITION + for UAH 1.114 million or $26,800 – all also diesel and 100 hp and a manual transmission, the package includes side airbags, height adjustment of the driver's seat and folding tables for rear passengers, LED matrix headlights, etc. Thirdly: as mentioned above, there is currently no version with an automatic transmission and a more powerful engine in the Opel Combo price list.
Now let's look at the price list of the Peugeot Rifter. The Peugeot Rifter ACTIVE Pack with a standard L 1 body and a 100 - horsepower turbodiesel paired with a manual transmission starts with a price of UAH 1.028 million or $24.8 thousand. The equipment is approximately the same as the Opel Combo, but only the right side door and minus the parking sensors, but there are EcoLED headlights instead of the usual halogen ones. As you can see, the Peugeot is more expensive from the start.
The ALLURE trim level is one level higher, which additionally offers side airbags, a digital color 10-inch instrument panel, a high extended center console, etc. The price of the Peugeot Rifter ALLURE L 1 BlueHDi 100 manual starts at UAH 1.066 million or $25.7 thousand; the surcharge for the extended body is UAH 50-60 thousand (depending on the exact configuration of the car). Thus, the price of the Peugeot Rifter ALLURE L 2 starts at UAH 1.115 million or $26.9 thousand – and this is almost comparable to the price of the Opel Combo.
In addition, we note the offer of a more powerful 130-horsepower diesel engine and an “automatic” for the Peugeot Rifter – the surcharge for this pair is 133-157 thousand hryvnias (depending on the exact configuration of the car). Thus, the maximum version of the Peugeot Rifter ALLURE BlueHDi 130 automatic transmission L 2 will cost from 1.27 million hryvnias or $30.6 thousand.
Still not lost in the numbers? Then I will tell you briefly. The Opel Combo car is profitable in the initial and middle trim levels – it is cheaper by 30 thousand UAH, while it wins somewhat in the configuration. On the other hand, the Peugeot Rifter car looks more interesting when it comes to high-level configurations for more money: a better level of equipment, there is an opportunity to take an “automatic” and in general – a wider choice of various combinations (six in the Peugeot Rifter versus four for the Opel Combo). By the way, below I will give another additional example of the Peugeot Rifter: an elongated body, but a 5-seater interior (two additional third-row seats are an additional option for any of the cars, it costs 51 UAH and is available only for the L 2 body); the maximum configuration ALLURE, but a manual transmission. That is – assemble the option as you want!
Let's write down the score 1:1 between the two cars. It seems that the Peugeot Rifter wins: a wider choice of versions, there are options with automatic transmission, a digital instrument panel and an extended center console with ventilation for rear passengers are already included in the package. But it wins with its advantages, provided that you are willing to pay! In contrast, the Opel Combo in maximum trim levels can boast only one advantage over the Peugeot Rifter - these are matrix headlights; however, it is more profitable in the initial and middle trim levels.
Results: 5:3 in favor of Peugeot Rifter
In the end, the Peugeot Rifter wins – thanks to numerous small (but so important!) details: ground clearance and practical linings on the outside, original inside, more interesting to drive, more complete maximum equipment. If you need such a passenger van and if you can afford more from a financial point of view, then you should start your acquaintance with this class of cars with the Peugeot Rifter. In contrast, the Opel Combo remains an excellent choice for rational buyers: it offers everything you need at a more attractive price, it gives an economical turbodiesel and driving comfort; it is simply ready to work and help its owner, and not try to impress every time. This is how the duel between two cars turned out – which both compete with each other and complement each other.