The improved version of Peugeot third generation Partner is a compact van with high aspirations. Jonathan Crouch sees how it measures up.

Ten Second Review

Peugeot's Partner van is a compact LCV that builds on two decades of ruggedness and practicality with the much improved version of this third generation model. The interior now gets extra screen technology, there's a sharper exterior look and the EV version now goes further. As before, there's a unique 'i-Cockpit' cabin design to set this Peugeot apart from the rival models that share its engineering.

Background

Peugeot knows a thing or two about vans, the brand having built well over 2 million LCVs since 1950. This Partner is the company's biggest seller and as we'll see, the updated version of this third generation model has been revitalised. These days, this compact LCV is the entry point to the brand's strong selling van range, a nameplate that first arrived in the segment in 1996, with a second generation version introduced in 2008 and the original take on this third generation model launched in 2018, before getting the updates we looking at here five years further on. This model used to only share its design and engineering with Citroen's Berlingo. Now, it also shares it with Fiat's Doblo, Vauxhall's Combo and Toyota's Proace City too. All rivals that additionally offer the full-electric variant that of course this Partner offers as well. Greater driving range for that E-Partner derivative (now built in the UK at Ellesmere Port) is a key part of this mid-term update. But all Partners get smarter styling and upgraded cabin screen tech. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

As before, the engine range is made up of Peugeot's trusty BlueHDi diesel units. These 1.5-litre diesels are offered in 100hp or 130hp forms, the latter with the option of EAT8 auto transmission. This MK3 model Partner's EMP2 platform enables short overhangs and a small turning circle for easy manoeuvring: the kerb to kerb turning radius is only 10.82m for the Standard version and 11.43m for the Long version. The neat 'i-Cockpit' dashboard design makes this Peugeot feel quite fun to drive too, with its grippy little wheel allowing for wrist-flick turns. The key change made to the engineering of this updated model lies with changes made to the E-Partner EV version, which gains a new 52kWh battery providing for an increased range between charges of 205 miles. As before, the battery pack energises a 136hp front-mounted motor with 270Nm of torque. And there's a regenerative braking system that can now be activated at three different levels using steering wheel paddles. Whatever powertrain you decide upon, there's very little about the handling dynamics of this van that encourage you to push it on in any way at all. Instead, development priority has been given to the creation of a supple quality of ride - something daily drivers will probably appreciate rather more.

Design and Build

Peugeot's aim here was to make this updated Partner's exterior styling as memorable as its cabin design. Well, it's certainly now a little more noticeable thanks to an updated front end with a revised radiator grille featuring the latest brand shield at its centre. Smarter headlamps feature the company's usual 3-claw light signature and are upgraded with LED beams on plusher variants. As before, there's a choice of two wheelbase lengths (but just a single roof height). And it all sits on the usual Stellantis Group EMP2 platform. If you happen to be familiar with this third generation Partner, the main change you'll notice once inside plusher variants is the addition of a larger 10-inch central screen, accompanied by a digital instrument cluster of the same size. As before, the cabin sets itself apart from similarly designed rivals with an unusual 'i-Cockpit' design that sees you looking at the little instrument cluster above the wheel rather than more conventionally through its spokes. As previously, you can have your Partner fitted out with a load-through bulkhead and a dual passenger bench with under-seat storage. The 'Multiflex' adaptable version of that bench seat allows three people to sit in the front and lets you push longer items through from the load bay. That means 400-litres more load capacity and an effective loading length of up to 3m for the Standard version and 3.35m for the Long variant. A writing table is integrated in the fold-down central seat back to convert the vehicle into a mobile office, and this layout features a padlocked storage area underneath the central seat. As you'd expect in this class, a Crew van' body style is also available with a fold-out second row bench.

Market and Model

There are two main trim levels, 'Professional' and 'Asphalt' and from the launch of this revised model, prices started from around £20,000 for the base BlueHDi 100 manual L1 model. You'll need around £1,000 more for the longer wheelbase L2 version. The BlueHdi 130 variant only comes with EAT8 auto transmission and in L1 form costs from just under £23,000. From launch, the EV E-Partner model was priced from around £25,500 after deduction of the available £2,500 government Plug-in Van Grant. Plusher 'Asphalt; trim costs £2,100 more across the range, but if you stick to base 'Professional' spec, you'll be offered the option of a Crew Van variant with fold-out rear seats offered in BlueHdi 100 manual or E-Partner forms. You have to stretch to 'Asphalt' trim to get this updated model's new 10-inch centre and digital instrument screens. You'll also need this plusher spec to get the useful load-through bulkhead and dual passenger seat with under-floor storage. Other 'Asphalt' features include LED headlights, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, along with 16-inch wheel trims. 'Asphalt' trim also includes a 'Dynamic Surround View' set-up. This system includes two cameras providing a clear digital view of the rear and passenger side of the vehicle, which would otherwise be difficult to see on a panel van. 'Dynamic Surround View' also includes blind spot alert, flankguard detection and a panoramic reversing camera.

Practicalities and Costs

The dimensions are perfectly in line with the segment, with a length of 4.40m for the L1 standard version ensuring an optimum effective usable length of 1.81m. With a capacity ranging from 3.30m3 to 3.80m3 depending on body style, this is sufficient to accommodate two Euro pallets. The longer L2 variant, which is 4,75m long (an increase of 35cm), provides even greater load capacity. The effective length of this version is 2.16m, providing for a load capacity ranging from 3.90m3 to 4.40m3. Opt for the Multiflex seat with its hatch through to the cargo bay and you can increase those figures using some cab space. Out back, the asymmetric side-hinged rear doors with 180-degree opening make loading particularly easy. The payload is one of the best in the segment, with values of 650kg and up to 1000kg for certain versions. The most frugal versions have a 600kg payload. Fleet Managers can choose from three different telematics packages from the brand's Free2Move Connect Fleet system, providing efficiency and optimisation of fleet management. These use true vehicle CAN bus data to provide accurate information to suit a fleet manager's needs - whether that's mileage tracking, hours of use, fuel consumption or real-time monitoring of service intervals and mechanical alerts. Running costs remain competitive. The popular 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel model manages up to 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 148g/km of CO2. We gave you the E-Partner model's improved range figure - 205 miles - in our 'Driving' section: bear in mind that with any extended high-speed driving, you'll see that figure plummet very quickly. You can charge the 52kWh battery from a 100kW public rapid charger from 0-80% in 30 minutes. When connected to a 7.4kW garage wallbox, you'll need seven and a half hours to fully replenish the battery; or five hours with an 11kW onboard charger. In all its forms, this Peugeot can't match the 10 year warranty cover you get on a comparable Toyota Proace City but there's the usual 3 year/60,000 mile warranty and with the E-Partner, the battery gets separate cover up that promises to retain up to 70% of its capacity over 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Summary

Peugeot's MK3 model Partner van has become cleverer and more sophisticated, whilst still retaining the practicality that has made it an LCV favorite. The French brand has obviously put plenty of thought into the design of this enhanced Partner and it's backed up the hi-tech stuff with slick features intended to make the working day that little bit straightforward, many of which are packaged up in the Multi-flex modular seating system - a must-have feature on this LCV. You also get very class-competitive payload and carriage capacity figures, along with a comfortable ride and a wide choice of factory-built models. It all adds up to a strong business proposition. Overall then, what are we looking at? A sensible business Partner? Well that's one way of putting it. You might though, prefer to simply see this model in the way that many owners do: as their right hand van.