Peugeot Expert: big van, but car-like to drive

Peugeot Expert 120 test Review: Mark Bursa

Peugeot Expert 120 L2 H1

What is it?

Long-bodied version of Peugeot’s ‘midi’ van, which slots into its range between the Partner and Boxer. It’s a bit smaller and more car-like than the Boxer, and its main rivals such as the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro. It’s part of the joint venture between Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat, so it’s essentially the same van as the Citroen Dispatch and the Fiat Scudo.

What’s hot?

• The size is a very useful compromise – bigger than a Ford Transit Connect, but smaller than a Ford Transit
• Second-generation Peugeot Expert is bigger than the original, and long-body version has substantially more loadspace
• Load bed is more than 2.5m long, and access is excellent via asymmetric rear doors and two sliding side doors
• Metal bulkhead reduces cab noise, and we like the separately lockable load area
• Very stable, predictable handling on the road. Solid on the cruise…
• ….and manoeuvrable around town. It’s probably the biggest van that genuinely drives like a car
• Our test van had an excellent sat-nav system, one of the best we’ve seen on a van…
• …with big screen and 3D views, plus it’s well sited in the driver’s eye line
• Plenty of deep storage pockets in the cab, though it could do with a few mobile phone-sized pockets
• Six-speed manual gearbox is long-legged, giving good fuel economy, especially on a long run
• We achieved 35.8mpg over mixed roads, with an average speed of 36mph – close to quoted 38.2mpg
• On a run, you should get 44.1mpg, Peugeot claims – not bad for a 6cu m load lugger
• The Peugeot Expert’s 80-litre fuel tank gives a hefty range of more than 700 miles

What’s not?

• The 120PS engine is tuned for economy, not for speed, so the Peugeot Expert is perhaps a little sluggish away from the lights when laden…
• …but hefty torque of 300Nm peaks at 2,000rpm, so mid-range overtaking performance is excellent
• Gearshift is a little closely spaced – it’s easy to find fourth when you’re after sixth
• Interior finish is heavy on the grey plastic
• Cab is a three-seater, though it’s a tight squeeze for three hefty blokes!
• The nose of the van is long – so take care in restricted car parks!

What you need to Know

*Monthly contract hire rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

** Trade value of van if purchased after three years and 60,000 miles. (Powered by Deltapoint)

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

The Peugeot Expert – along with its Fiat Scudo and Citroen Dispatch siblings, occupies a niche in the market between the compact vans and the full-sized panel vans such as the Ford Transit. And that means it could be just right for your business. It’s a good compromise between car-like driveability and panel van practicality – it’s manoeuvrable round town and stable on a motorway run. We like the added practicality of the long-body version too, with wide side doors and a well-finished load liner.

Also Consider: Fiat Scudo; Citroen Dispatch; Toyota Hiace; Hyundai iLoad