Is this dashing and capable Peugeot the perfect Partner for your business?

Peugeot Partner SE e-HDi 92

Road Test Review by COLIN DAWSON

What is it?

THE PEUGEOT Partner is the highly versatile business van based on the same underpinnings as the Peugeot 308. It’s available in four payloads (625kg, 719kg, 750kg and 850kg), two body lengths, and three engine options (1.4 8v Petrol, Euro 4 HDi 70 and Euro 5 HDi 75). Load lengths are from 1.8m to 3.25m, load volumes range from 3.3sq m to 4.1sq m,  and there are three model variants – S, SE and Professional. It’s a good-looking van with a stylish rake to the front end, asymmetrically split double rear doors and – standard on the L2 (long) test model – sliding side doors both nearside and offside. Our vehicle looked resplendent in aluminium silver-grey metallic paint, an optional extra at £320. Expensive? Possibly, but we’re given to understand that you’ll more than recoup that at re-sale. The test model cab has the usual two seats, but if it suits your business, there’s a three-seat configuration as well. In the two seat version we tried the seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of seat adjustment. Visibility is good and there are generously sized, heated door mirrors.

Instrumentation is pleasingly plain and logical and the controls are well laid out. Optional extras include Peugeot Connect USB port and Bluetooth (£180). There’s also a practical amount of stowage space for documentation, as well as for the usual driver-and-passenger bits and pieces. The SE e-HDi 92 test model had the 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel, which develops 92hp, and a five-speed manual gearbox. With 158Nm of maximum torque, the Partner is no sluggard, especially when using the gearing to best effect. Even with a load on, the engine will pull willingly, allowing the Partner to keep up with the ins-and-outs of around-town traffic or maintain a comfortable pace on longer trunk-road trips. Combined fuel consumption is 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions at 133g/kg. The Peugeot 308 platform means there’s little to complain about when it comes to the van’s handling. The ride seems slightly soft when unladen, but settles down with a load on board. The Peugoet Partner is equipped as standard with ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). And with disc brakes all round the Partner scrubs off speed confidently. Access to the loadspace is easy, especially with the port-and-starboard sliding side doors. The asymmetrically split rear doors open to 180 degrees, and can accommodate a load with a maximum width of 1,250mm and a height of 1,200mm.

The L2 version can lug 750kg, with a load capacity of 3.7cu m. Maximum load width is 1.62m and load height 1.25m. The test model was fitted with a half-steel bulkhead with mesh grille and useful access door (an option at £90). And the ingenious Multi-Flex passenger seat folds to allow long loads to extend into the cab, increasing the overall load length to 3.25m in the L2 model. Trades people carrying ladders, piping or planks, for example, will find this tremendously useful. The inside walls are fully lined under the bodyline and a synthetic covering protects the load floor on SE versions. The load area floor is equipped with six locating rings to hold the payload securely. Partner vans carry a two-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty plus a free optional one-year warranty provided by the UK Peugeot dealer network. This additional warranty carries a mileage limit of 60,000 miles from first registration. Service intervals are two years or 20,000 miles for petrol models, and two years or 12,500 miles for diesels.  

What’s hot?

• Versatile model line-up
• Good drivability
• Practical and comfortable cab
• Easy access to loadspace

What’s not?

• There’s room for improvement ride-wise

Business Vans verdict

A highly capable van that is both easy to drive and easy to live with. The Partner offers good performance and practicality with a dash of stylishness thrown in.

   

What you need to know

On the road price ex VAT (as tested):	£17,673
Load length:	2,050mm
Load width (max):	1,220mm
Load height:	1,250mm
Load capacity:	3.7cu m
Payload:	750kg
GVW:	2,130kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked:	1,000kg/750kg
Engine:	1,560cc 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque:	92hp/158Nm
Economy (combined):	55.4mpg
CO2 emissions:	133g/km