First Drive Written by Richard Gooding

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FIRST DRIVE

Peugeot Expert What is it? Peugeot has a long and rich history when it comes to light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The first light commercial from the French company, the Type 13, arrived in 1895. French light commercial stars such as the D4A of 1955, the J7 of 1965 and the J9 of 1980 followed and laid the foundations for the popular J5/Talbot Express of 1981 as well as the well-known Partner and Boxer nameplates which still play a part in the company’s LCV range today. The first-generation Expert arrived in 1995 as part of a joint PSA Peugeot Citroën and Fiat collaboration, which produced the Expert/ Dispatch and Scudo models respectively. The latest Expert is launched alongside and has been developed with the Citroën Dispatch (GreenFleet, issue 96), and this is the first time the two French firms have launched a product both jointly and internationally. The new Peugeot Expert and Citroën Dispatch had their world debuts at the 2016 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK (GreenFleet, issue 94: http://bit.ly/2dB4ZXM) earlier in the year. This time around, the third project partner is Toyota, whose Proace is built in the same factory as the French pair. Just as with the new Citroën Dispatch, a total of nine body configurations are available, including panel and crew vans, as well as

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platform cab versions. Lengths start with the new 4.6m ‘Compact’ model and rise through ‘Standard’ 4.95m variants to the longest 5.3m ‘Long’ version. The Compact model offers maximum load capacities of 1,000-1,400kg and aims to uniquely capture business users who don’t quite find enough room in smaller vans such as the Partner. Standard and Long models enjoy load capacities of 5.8m3 and 6.6m3 respectively, while the new Compact Expert manages 4.6m3. The smallest version in the new Expert range can carry two Euro pallets, while the pair of larger models swallow one more. All versions have a standard height of 1.9m to enable them to enjoy maximum manoeuvrability through often height‑restricted urban environments. Maximum load capacity is 1,400kg for all three models, while a passenger-carrying, MPV-style version – the Traveller – is also available. As with the Dispatch, the new Expert is a long way removed in terms of looks from its predecessors, and takes styling flourishes from Peugeot’s rejuvenated 2008 and

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3008 models. Distinctive features include an upright grille with prominent ‘lion’ badge as well as ‘claw’‑shaped headlights. Neat surfacing, pronounced wheel arches and items such as LED daytime running lights lift the visual appeal and make for even more car-related comparisons. How practical is it? The length of the loading area on the Peugeot Expert ranges from 2,162mm on Compact models to 2862mm on Long versions. Add in PSA Peugeot Citroën’s ‘Moduwork’ load‑through bulkhead system and this increases to 3,324mm 2 (Compact), 3,674mm (Standard) and 4,024mm (Long). The width of the side door aperture is 745mm on Compact models and 935mm on Standard and Long versions, with a height of around 1,200mm. The standard 50/50 rear doors swing out to 250 degrees, while a tailgate is optional. Floor and/or side loading area coverings can be specified in either durable non‑slip coated or wood finishes, and crew vans offer both folding or fixed partitions. For

The t cleanes the of version ugeot new Pe its just em Expert m of CO 133g/k claimed with a mpg 55.3