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Cubist theory
Page 16
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Citroen and Peugeot are aiming to again reap the rewards of innovation with the launch of the Memo and Bipper respectively. We take a first drive in the Bipper to assess the chances of success.
Words / Images: Cohn Barnett
WHEN THE original Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner were launched, they were the first compact vans not to consist of a box grafted on to the back of a car, and they effectively created a new market sector. Now the PSA twins are attempting to repeat the trick — but one size down.
Peugeot's Bipper and Citroen's Nemo have two-box van styling in the mould of their larger siblings, but on the footprint of the smaller hatchvans. We managed to get our hands on one of the first UK examples of the Bipper the day before it went on sale.
The range is simple, with a single 2.5rn, 610kg gross payload body size, two trim levels and two 1.4-litre engines, 73hp petrol and 68hp diesel. With van CO,
figures about to be made public for the first time, the Bipper HDI puts out just 119g/km. Come September, the line-up will be joined by a clutchless automated manual transmission.
Prices start at £7,995 for the petrol, with the 1.4HDI Sat £8,795.
The cabin accommodation is at least a match for the new, larger Partner, with comfortable chairs and plenty of space.
The standard S spec includes ABS, driver's air bag, radio/CD with MP3, power steering and ladder-frame bulkhead. The £360 Plus Pack consists of remote dual-zone central deadlocking with auto-locking, heated mirrors and electric windows.
There's plenty of cab storage space, including the pop-up clipboard from the big Sevel vans. Access to the loadspace is through asymmetrical 180 rear doors. Single or twin sliding side doors are included in the options list — but with a 1,520mm load space length, the whole area is easily reached from the rear.
Although the example we drove was unladen apart from 200kg of occupants, its performance was enough to suggest it wouldn't struggle at its full GVW With it's short, wide stance, it handled well, but the shortness was probably its main stumbling block, a lively ride on all but the very smoothest surfaces. •