YOUR RIGHT HAND VAN? (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_peugeotexpert_2016

By Jonathan Crouch

With style and size on its side, the third generation Peugeot Expert is ready to do battle with the small panel van sector's big hitters. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 39

With style, size and technology now on its side, the improved version of Peugeot's third generation Expert has much to offer if you're looking for a versatile medium range mid-sized van. There are diesel and full-EV versions on offer.

Backgroundword count: 197

Want a job done properly? Then call in an Expert. In this case, we're talking LCVs, medium-sized ones to be exact. This is Peugeot's entry in the volume medium-range van sector, where VW Transporters, Vauxhall Vivaros, Mercedes Vitos, Renault Trafics and Ford Transit Custom models rule the roost. Taking on this lot isn't something you'd want to do single-handed, so the French brand has chosen to share this design not only with its partner Citroen's Dispatch model, but also with Vauxhall's Vivaro, Toyota's Proace and Fiat's Scudo: all these vans share the same platform. Earlier generation versions of this vehicle didn't significantly trouble the main players in this segment. This MK3 'K0'-series model though, launched back in 2016, got itself sorted out, with more sophisticated design and larger load volumes that still rival anything in the class. A full-EV version, the E-Expert, arrived in 2020 and the whole range was usefully updated in early 2024 to create the LCV we're going to look at here. You get clever design, proven powertrains and low running costs in a package that certainly works on paper. Whether it'll cut the mustard day-in-day-out though is what we're here to find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 291

Engine choice in an Expert is pretty straightforward, provided you've a clear idea of the kind of work you want it to do. Sensibly, all the combustion engines on offer are diesels and if your needs are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 120hp 1.5-litre BlueHDi unit may well be quite sufficient. Otherwise, you'll probably be looking at the 145hp 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel, either in manual or EAT8 auto forms. There's additionally a full-electric version, the E-Expert, which now comes only with a 75kWh battery and offers a 217 miles range (6 miles more than before). Previous generation Experts have usually been compact and wieldy in the manner of smaller, more car-like vans from the class below. This model's bigger of course, but it retains much of that same usability around town and rides well thanks to well-judged damping and a stiff EMP2 platform. Special wishbone filtering dampens the impacts of our country's terrible tarmac and the variable stiffness springs and shock absorbers deliver surprising levels of comfort whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Refinement is also impressive for an LCV - and of course even better in the E-Expert. With this full-EV, there's a drive-mode selector that allows you to switch between 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' modes. The 'Normal' setting restricts you to 109hp and will feel a bit like driving a lower capacity diesel. 'Eco' mode restricts you further to 81.5hp and reduces the power consumption of the air conditioning and other accessories. If you want the full 136hp of the electric motor, selecting 'Sport' mode unlocks it. There's also a gearshift selector 'B' option that ploughs extra regenerated energy back into the battery, offering more resistance while you're slowing down.

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