Peugeot has announced a modest 2019 overhaul of its Expert medium van range.
There are no changes to the way it looks, but from May 2019 production, the Expert will be fitted with engines that meet the latest Euro 6D Temp emissions regulations – also known as Euro 6.2.
At the same time, Peugeot is introducing a pair of new trim levels, and upgrading the standard equipment across the range.
What are the new Peugeot Expert trim levels for 2019?
The new trims are called the Expert Grip and the Expert Asphalt – following the formula set by the new Peugeot Partner small van, which went on sale in the UK in January 2019.
These are additions to the Expert range, rather than replacements, meaning the full line-up is now S, Professional, Grip and Expert.
What do you get on the Peugeot Expert Grip?
The clue is in the name – this model is designed to handle tricky sites and inclement weather, and comes fitted with the Grip Control enhanced traction control system as standard.
This includes a set of mud and snow tyres, mounted on 17-inch steel wheels, plus a 20mm increase in ground clearances and 20mm-thick sump guard to protect the bottom of the engine from particularly nasty surfaces.
This model is rated to carry up to 1,400kg of payload (depending on exact spec), and also comes with the Moduwork load-through bulkhead for carrying longer items. Helping with this, the standard-fit dual passenger seat features a fold flat outer seat and a middle seat that transforms into a desk.
Prices for the Peugeot Expert Grip are expected to start at £24,410 (excluding VAT).
What do you get on the Peugeot Expert Asphalt?
Again, the name is a big clue to the purpose of this Expert variant – which is intended to improve life for owners and operators who spend extended periods driving.
As such, it’s fitted with improved noise and temperature insulation, and comes with the Safety Pack and the Driver Assistance Pack fitted as standard. This means you get autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display all included – among other items.
The Expert Asphalt also gets 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior trim, DAB digital radio and Peugeot Connected 3D sat-nav included in the price. Not to mention blind spot monitors, front and rear parking sensors and a 180-degree rear parking camera.
Prices for the Peugeot Expert Asphalt are expected to start at £27,615 (excluding VAT), and it becomes the range-topping trim choice.
Does the rest of the Peugeot Expert range get any new kit?
All versions of the Expert from May 2019 production will be fitted with the Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance system.
This automatically alerts the emergency services in the event of an accident – and there’s a manual SOS button as well – while also giving you an instant in-van connection to Peugeot’s own assistance services.
It also means that anyone who buys an Expert with sat-nav can have three years of free connectivity services, including traffic updates, fuel pricing and weather info. Previously this was only available via a tethered smartphone.
What’s new for the 2019 Peugeot Expert’s engines?
September 2019 sees a new set of emissions regulations come into force – but the entire Peugeot Expert engine range meets these requirements as of May, and now comes with stop-start technology as standard.
The 2.0-litre BlueHDi models are otherwise largely the same as before; available with a choice of 120hp, 150hp or 180hp, the only other major difference is that the 180hp version now comes with an EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, rather than the six-speed auto it was previously fitted with.
This should improve performance and efficiency. The 120hp and 150hp stick with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
However, there is a new 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine for the entry-level Expert. This replaces the old 1.6-litre BlueHDi, and provides 100hp. It’s an engine that may be familiar from the Peugeot car range, where it’s been in use for some time.
As part of the Euro 6D Temp emissions regs changes, fuel economy figures are now measure by what’s known as the WLTP testing procedure. This is supposed to be more realistic, and is likely to see the on-paper mpg figures for the Expert fall.
Once every medium van on the market complies with these latest requirements, we still expect the Expert to be right at the top of the class for claimed fuel economy.
What price is the 2019 Peugeot Expert, and when does it go on sale?
The new models aren’t in the official pricelist at the time of writing (April 2019), but you should be able to order one very soon, as production switches over to the revised version next month.
Sadly, this isn’t soon enough for the 2019 Expert to appear at this year’s CV Show. But since it doesn’t look any different that’s hardly a major issue.
As before, the Expert comes in three body lengths – Compact, Standard and Long – and a single roof height, and is available as a regular panel van and Crew Van with a second row of seats.
Prices for the upgraded 2019 Peugeot Expert start at £21,320 for the Compact S panel van, rising to £34,035 for an Asphalt Crew Van in the Standard body length.
