| Small vans are making a comeback into the New Zealand fleet thanks to their compact size and versatility. Recognising this trend, Peugeot importer, Sime Darby Automobiles New Zealand brought in two Partner Vans for market evaluation just prior to Christmas. We managed to borrow the longer L2 model for our Cover Story, because we felt this vehicle will meet the needs of many of our readers. There are two models available, the standard length Van (L1) of 4380mm and the long length Van (L2) of 4628mm. Under the bonnet both versions share a lusty yet quiet 66 kilowatt 1.6 litre HDi turbo diesel engine mated to a slick shifting five speed gear box. The Partner L1 offers up to 3.3 cubic metres of load space and 850 kg of payload while the Partner L2 as pictured offers 3.7 cubic metres of load space but a lesser payload of 750kg. With Peugeots new Multi Flex front seats fitted the L1 has up to 3.7 cubic metres of load space and the L2 a whopping 4.1 cubic metres. The L2 gets two side opening doors as a standard fit and our vehicle also came equipped with rear electronic parking assistance, air conditioning, remote audio controls, cruise control and dual airbags. The cargo doors lock automatically once the vehicle is in motion so you must remember to unlock them when stopping at your next destination. The key fob will also lock and unlock the front and cargo doors separately, which is a very good security feature for tradesmen with valuable tools or couriers with valuable cargo. A great deal of clever design has gone into the interior of this van to make it a user friendly companion. There is seating for three people up front, and despite the dash mounted gear stick, a second passenger will fit quite comfortably by simply moving their legs slightly to the left. This however could get a bit tricky if a carrier bag is hung on the “curry” hook attached to the centre console. Should the second passenger seat not be occupied, then the seat back can be flipped down to create a flat surface for the driver to use as a writing pad. |
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