Peugeot Partner Panel Van (2024 - ) review

I’ve long held that the Stellantis small vans are among the most practical (against price) currently available, and the latest Peugeot Partner is no different - have a read of my recent review of the Citroen Berlingo to see how another Stellantis small van stacks up. While there are no roof height options (really, this is less of an issue now than when the vehicles first launched in 2019/2020 when it felt like a big deal), the vehicle is available in Standard and Long lengths, with the Standard length models capable of carrying payloads of just over 1000kg and the Long models just over 950kg - these are class-leading figures - and most models available will be able to tow just over 1000kg extra weight behind them. Load length is extended by a load-through section of the bulkhead that provides 3m in the Standard models and 3.4m in the Long - load volumes are 3.3 cubic metres in Standard models and 3.9 cubic metres in Longs. The wheel arches don’t impose very far into the cargo bay meaning load volumes are relatively unaffected. The cargo space is accessible through 180-degree-opening, 60-40 split rear doors and a single side sliding door on the passenger side. The model I was loaned had no ply lining (something most leased versions of this vehicle would come with), but the metal work looks strong and is protected in some places by black plastic panelling. Overall, the Partner will make a lot of sense to a lot of trades looking for a compact high weight carrier.

Let’s start with the most obvious difference in the Peugeot Partner when compared to its Stellantis bedfellows - the iCockpit layout. It’s essentially a combination of a small flat top and bottom steering wheel with a digital display behind it instead of dials. The steering wheel is pretty low and for a strapping six-footer, such as myself, finding a comfortable position where the seat, wheel and display actually align can be tricky - it sometimes makes my neck ache, but being over 40 that happens more than I’d be keen to share. At Professional level you get a simple interior with no big screens or too much tech - you do get a smartphone holder, however - but Asphalt trim adds the 10-inch displays and infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and navigation. Professional offers a driver seat and single passenger seat, while Asphalt adds a bench seat so three people can sit in the front. There’s a lot of plastic and hard-wearing fabrics, storage in the doors, some cup holders and… well, it all feels quite functional. The bench seat also leaves the middle passenger with little leg room because of the imposing lump of console jutting out for the drive selector or gear stick. It’s a real case of when it works, it works. But aside from the iCockpit additions it’s a standard cabin with few surprises.

Running costs won’t vary much between models, with the 100bhp or 125bhp 1.5-litre diesel engines offering just over 50mpg. Partner vans are seen as good value for money and the efficiency of the engines play a big part in that. Acquisition prices are very reasonable, starting at just over £20,000 on the diesel versions, and they can be made even more competitive on finance or on a lease deal. There is an electric version of the Peugeot Partner available, and this section will be updated with a link to that when the Auto Trader review is completed.

All diesel-powered Peugeot commercial vehicles are covered by a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, a very standard warranty length and one you’ll find on most new Stellantis vans. The fact it’s a 100,000-mile warranty rather than a 60,000-mile shows confidence in the components. Add that to the fact that it’s a Stellantis vehicle and that means badged and rebadged parts are everywhere, with ample after sales care options and franchise outlets. Peugeot also has a good reputation for responding to customer issues promptly and are well-regarded as a reliable manufacturer when it comes to sorting warranty work.

The Partner performs in line with small car-like vans when loaded with my usual dummy load of 250kg. There’s no noticeable increase in cabin noise from the engine, and I had obviously done a good job with my strapping because I heard no sliding in the back. I experienced an mpg readout on the dashboard of around 44-52mpg as I drove my 30-mile loop of country, town and dual carriageway roads. I tend to slip into higher gears as early as possible to maximise efficiency of the engine at speed, so that may be why I was getting similar readings to the quoted figures. The single roof height is also multi-storey car park friendly. All very solid in this category.

When loaded with weight, the Partner is a far better drive than when it’s unladen. Its steering is more accurate and the van feels more planted to the road, which inspires confidence. Its diminutive size also allows it to negotiate roads of all types with relative ease. I never once felt unsafe while driving the van, that’s got to count for something.

At time of writing, the Peugeot Partner has a gold NCAP safety rating, meaning it’s a very safe van to drive. Depending on what trim level you choose, safety equipment includes the reverse camera, auto wipers, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, speed limiter, attention warnings, traffic alerts, airbags and more. For the price points, the Partner is a safe van (perhaps more safe than many would expect) with a high rating I found to be fully justified.

There’s enough equipment at the standard Professional trim to keep you feeling like you’re getting your money’s worth with air-con, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a control-covered steering wheel. I’d opt for the Asphalt trim to add the touchscreens, auto LED headlights, auto wipers, the cool surround view top-down view, the fold-out desk and the pretend rear-view mirror fed from a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle. It’s simple stuff, but keeps costs down and makes the van feel functional without being too over the top like other vans on the market. There’s little wasted here in an age where some vans feel packed with ‘innovations’ that a modern commercial vehicle doesn’t need.

This is the easiest question to answer - because for a competitive price you can get a safe small van with plenty of equipment. If it was more expensive, it might not get as much praise, but I would still recommend it. Peugeot has taken the Stellantis small van platform and continues to make good use of it. Opt for the Asphalt trim - it gives you the full Partner experience with digital screens and the top level of equipment for just a few thousand pounds more than the standard version, which still keeps it at a decent sweet spot between £20-30k. The fact that this van is a common sight in some of the UK’s biggest fleets should speak volumes about its reliability, efficiency and economy.