TESTERS CHOICE
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Peugeot Partner
1996 WAS THE YEAR when traditional car-derived high-cubes found themselves up against some serious competition. This came in the form of purpose-designed mini-panel vans developed by the PSA
partnership of Peugeot and Citroen. Given a "clean sheet" approach, the designers came up with a spacious cab, a payload of up to 800kg, and a highly competitive load volume of 3.0m3.
Of the three vehicles in this range, we tested the 1.8D 600 in Citroen Berlingo guise and the 1.9D 800 Peugeot Partner. As a first look at the new generation, the Berlingo impressed us. It's well put together and the ergonomics are excellent, especially the passenger seat which can shift to give extra load length, conceals a large storage compartment and can convert to a desktop. It drove well and was only really let down by its thirst.
The Peugeot Partner has all the above qualities while its fuel consumption is far more reasonable. The net payload of 725kg almost qualifies it for the panel van section. Even better news is the value for money. The Partner is only 2800 more than the Ford Courier which, considering its higher specification, has certainly raised some eyebrows.
After the introduction of Nissan's small panel van, the Vanette Cargo, Seat's Inca did a good job of demonstrating that high-cubes still have a healthy future. Again, it's sturdily put together, drives well and hos a useable load space. Slight niggles are its asymmetric doors— the wrong way round for RHD--and the fuel consumption, although this is better than the Berlinges.
Before the advent of the Partner, the Ford Courier was certainly a front runner. Since its update, based on the new Fiesta, it has become a refined vehicle that handles well, has a very comfortable ride and exceptional fuel figures.
There are certainly no weak links in this category and the cliche-minded might say there are no losers. But we've chosen the Partner because it offers that bit more. A strong payload and load volume for the price wouldn't be enough to swing it. But when you appreciate the design features and how well it drives, there's really no argument.