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Launched in Australia late last year, the new Peugeot Partner offers a range of technological advances that small van users can benefit from every day.
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any Australians may not be aware of Peugeot’s long history in the light commercial vehicle business, yet in Europe the company is a leader in the fields of technology, safety and performance for buyers of small and medium vans. If the Partner looks somewhat familiar, it’s because it’s the twin of the latest generation Citroen Berlingo which is not being offered in Australia in 2020. Nevertheless, the good news is that behind the badge, the Peugeot Partner is exactly as potentially disappointed Berlingo customers would hope. Just as friendly to drive, cheap to run, it’s also just as practical to use only now with the added benefits of a new generation chassis, new generation safety systems and a new generation of in-car technology. 58
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“Peugeot re-entered the Australian light commercial vehicle market last year with the highly lauded and awarded Expert medium-sized van, and the addition of the compact Partner significantly broadens our range,” says Peugeot Commercial Vehicles Manager Lyndon Healey. “The ‘twinning’ of the Partner and Berlingo products in design and build means that the Partner will be ideal as a Berlingo replacement for Australian customers.” Driver-friendly, the Peugeot Partner is a practical size, comfortable and easy to park. Importantly, the Partner is also equipped with the latest safety systems and technology including six airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. In short, it delivers the workplace safety requirements for fleet and government operators. The Peugeot Partner currently offers two
body lengths, three engines and two transmissions. Powered by a three-cylinder turbo PureTech 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces up to 96kW and 230Nm of torque coupled with an eight speed automatic transmission, this combination returns a fuel economy result of 6.3-litres per 100km thanks, in part, to the stop-start system. The PureTech is also available in an 81 kW specification. Four-time World Engine of the Year Award-winners, the PureTech engines provide power and torque that belie their small capacity. The automatic transmission is sporty, and even comes with F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Long wheelbase versions of the Partner are powered by a 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine mated to
