Peugeot Partner (08 on) - Review

Peugeot’s Partner is a versatile and capable city van, aimed at small businesses in need of something dependable and easy to live with. It’s built alongside the Citroen Berlingo and the two siblings rival each other at the top of the class. The trusty companion ticks all the right boxes, with some clever tricks, a hugely versatile model line-up (buyers have the pick of three engines, three payloads and two body lengths) and competitive list prices. As a result, Partner is one of the most tempting small vans on sale in the UK.

It’s easy to get comfortable, as the seat elevates and the steering wheel can be raised and moved closer to the driver. Visibility is decent and aided by Partner’s huge door mirrors. The option of the ‘Multi-Flex’ seat means that Partner can legally carry two front passengers plus the driver – a rare feature for a van of this size. It’s a neat idea, but the extra seat reduces passenger room severely and the slim middle seat is only suitable for very small passengers. The upright dashboard is odd-looking but compensates in functionality for what it lacks in style. Basic interior plastics feel robust to touch.

Buyers are spoilt for choice, with three engines, three payloads and two body lengths available. A 90bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine kicks off the range and is only available on lower-spec S models. The two 1.6-litre diesel units are likely to be more popular. 75bhp and 90bhp power outputs are available and both are nippier and much easier on the fuel than the petrol. The 90bhp version is the quickest off the mark and frugal, but there’s plenty of low-down pulling power in first and second gear – great for city driving. Partner has similar underpinnings to the Peugeot 308, so it corners well and the light steering is better suited to lower speeds, though the turning circle isn't as tight as you may expect. Top-spec models benefit from ESP and traction control. Engine noise is muffled and the cabin is quiet on the move.