Peugeot Expert (07 on) - Review

The cargo area is large and versatile, with the capacity varying from five to seven cubic metres and the payload from 1000kg to 1200kg, depending on the chosen engine, wheelbase and roof height. Eight lashing points keep loads secure and the enclosed storage tunnel, which runs through the top of the cab, allows longer items such as planks of wood and copper pipes to be transported safely. Access to the loading space is good, too. The large rear doors can open up 180 degrees and Expert’s two sliding side doors are very useful for accessing the cargo area from the pavement. The rear wheel arches are 1.25-metre apart – wide enough for a Euro pallet.

Expert feels tough and should provide decent passenger protection in the event of an accident. Standard equipment includes a driver’s airbag, ABS and a ladder-frame bulkhead for driver protection. To keep loads safe, the cabin and cargo area doors can be individually locked using either the key fob or controls on the centre console.

From new, Expert competes pound for pound with the Citroen Dispatch, but an equivalent Fiat Scudo undercuts it by £500 (though options will be more expensive). All three enjoy low insurance group ratings and the 1.6 HDi is particularly cheap to run, returning almost 40mpg.

Both diesel engines tend to be mechanically reliable and shouldn’t let owners down. The robust interior should also endure wear-and-tear well. Service intervals are every 20,000 miles or two years.