Some would say the Expert Peugeot commercial was what we should have had the first time around rather than the little metro-van Partner – New Zealand’s first introduction to Peugeot commercials.
You see, the Expert is a medium-sized van and would probably have put the marque in good stead had it arrived before the Partner.
In fairness to the current distributor, the decision to ‘Partner’ with tradies rather than showcase ‘Expert’ ability, was that of the previous distributor.
Peugeot’s new representatives here have gone clean slate, having spent three years refining the Expert’s specification, engine transmission, pricing and features to suit the New Zealand market.
What then, has the French marque delivered? Let’s start with the muscle.
Peugeot’s Expert has a 1,300kg payload, which means the Expert has the greatest load-carrying ability in the medium-size van segment.
Partner that with a braked trailer capacity of over two tonnes and you have le
carrieur
formidable.
Under the bonnet is a two-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine which produces 110kW of power and 370Nm of torque – more than enough to handle the cargo considerations of the Expert.
This – and some judicious pedal-work – returns a stated fuel consumption figure of 6.3-litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions a low 165g/100km.
Peugeot does have a reputation for producing quality cars, giving the brand an advantage when it comes to making a van drive like a car.
A good example of the car-like qualities exhibited by the Expert is one of the vehicle’s class-leading innovations – an eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses a rotary dial for gear selection.
This is a first for a commercial vehicle and – while giving the third seat occupant a little more legroom – affords a significant level of refinement which is a step above commonly used commercial vehicle transmissions.
The Expert is comprehensively equipped with adaptive cruise control, video autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring, driver, passenger, and front side curtain airbags with front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera.
It’s not all about carlike safety however, there is comfort to be considered too, and the Peugeot Expert’s cabin with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, mirror screen, voice recognition, folding centre seat back for a workstation, under-seat stowage, big door pockets and a seven-inch colour touchscreen is divided from the cargo area via bulkhead, all of which contributes to making the ‘in-it-all-day cabin’ a very pleasant, comfortable and efficient place to be.
Personalisation options include a ‘Look Pack’ (as seen here) incorporating body coloured front and rear bumpers, side rubbing strips and exterior door handles. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels are also included, as are LED daytime running lights.
Interior detail items include an attractively styled wooden floor, wall panel and wheel arch box inserts, as well as a rubber mat for added grip and protection in the 5.3 to 5.8 (Medium body) cubic metre or 6.1/6.6 cubic metre (Long body) cargo compartments.
The greater figures indicate the optional Moduwork package, increasing the load length capability via a through-loading hatch to the occupant cabin.
Dual barn side rear doors with 180 degree opening ability are standard, as are the dual side sliders.
Priced from $54,990 for the ‘Medium’ version with a $4,000 premium for the 350mm lengthened ‘Long’ van version, the Peugeot Expert vans have a comprehensive five-year/100,000km warranty and five-year/100,000km Roadside Assistance package for peace of mind.
