Peugeot’s Partner is a versatile and capable city van promising versatility, value for money and a new best load capacity in the small panel van segment. It’s built alongside the Citroen Berlingo and the two siblings rival each other at the top of the class. The trusty companion ticks all the right boxes, with some clever tricks, a hugely versatile model line-up and competitive list prices. As a result, Partner is one of the most tempting small vans on sale in the UK. Under the bonnet there is a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6 HDi diesel offers 75bhpP or 90bhp, while returning over 45mpg on the combined cycle, the 1.6-litre petrol offers 90bhp, returning 34mpg on the combined cycle. Both the diesel and petrol engines are mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox.The new van is 4.38m long and in standard format offers a load volume of 3.3 cubic metres (against the old model’s 3.0 cu m) and payloads of between 625kg and 850kg. Later in the year an extended model will be launched with the same wheelbase that will increase load volume further to 3.7 cubic metres. Access to the cargo area is excellent, with the rear doors opening up 180 degrees to give owners a wide load space. The load area is wide enough to contain a standard Europallet while six load-lashing eyes will help keep cargo in place. Partner can also be specified with one or two sliding side doors for quick access. The innovative Multi-Flex dual passenger seat offers unrivalled modularity and enables the vehicle to carry two passengers. The middle seat can be folded down which reveals a handy desk, while the outer passenger seat also folds to reveal extra cargo space, which allows for loads of up to 3m long to be carried.
As a vehicle designed with the understanding that its users may need to spend many hours in it, the door openings are wide and the controls ergonomically designed. With a height adjustable driver’s seat and a height and depth adjustable steering wheel it is very easy to find a comfortable driving position. Inside the passenger compartment there are many different storage areas: around the fascia panel, above the driver’s head, in the doors and under the seats. Comfort features include self-regulating air-conditioning, automatic headlight activation and rain sensors, while safety features include ABS and front airbags as standard equipment and head curtain airbags, ESP and cruise control as options. All new Partners are covered by a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty, plus one year breakdown cover.
