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Peugeot's prizefighter
Page 45
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You don't see many Boxers on the road at the moment, and even fewer that boast the larger 3.0-litre engine (compared with the 2.2-litre unit of choice).
However, due to these less-than-regular sightings, its arrival on the CM long-term test fleet was more significant than usual, allowing us to assess if the buying public were right to give this big van the swerve.
What you should know first is that the Boxer comes off the same production line as the Citroen Relay and the Fiat Ducat°, so, therefore, it is pretty much identical apart from the latter's use of its own engine range.
However, the Citroen and the Fiat fare better in the sales charts, which, as far as we can tell, is solely down to better marketing. But no matter, time would tell.
The cabin is easy to get acquainted with. Controls are clearly labelled, while the driving position gives you a commanding view of the road, but it also conspires to give you the impression that you are navigating a big van, something that certain rivals seem to avoid when on the move.
And while the Peugeot steers. handles and brakes with confidence, it's still affected by a harsh ride that has you crashing into less-than-serious potholes and bumps.
But these driving experience infringements are mere niggles compared with the dominating nature of the 3.0-litre engine, which pumps out I57hp and a rather hefty 400Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive.
It's the latter that makes this van a bit of a chore to live with on a day-to-day basis, unless, that is, you're carrying a serious payload on a regular basis, or operating on faster roads.
The inherent eagerness is also its downfall thanks to a less-than-seamless linking with the clutch, which has you feathering the transfer to avoid lurching.
Get past these, though, and the Boxer does a competent impression of a heavy work van, but it lacks a certain shine to have us forming an emotional bond just yet. •
THE VERDICT Peugeot's Boxer has been a welcome addition to the CM fleet; a big van always is, thanks to its inherent practicality.
However, on closer analysis, since we've been running it largely unladen or with just the contents of a shopping trip to B&O onboard, there's been a growing resistance towards the 3.0-litre engine.
We're aware of its specific application, although the overeager nature, along with the firm unladen ride, has conspired to reduce its appeal on the CM lot