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Peugeot's Partner van is a compact LCV that builds on two decades of ruggedness and practicality with the much improved version of this third generation model. The interior now gets extra screen technology, there's a sharper exterior look and the EV version now goes further. As before, there's a unique 'i-Cockpit' cabin design to set this Peugeot apart from the rival models that share its engineering.
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Background
Peugeot knows a thing or two about vans, the brand having built well over 2 million LCVs since 1950. This Partner is the company's biggest seller and as we'll see, the updated version of this third generation model has been revitalised. These days, this compact LCV is the entry point to the brand's strong selling van range, a nameplate that first arrived in the segment in 1996, with a second generation version introduced in 2008 and the original take on this third generation model launched in 2018, before getting the updates we looking at here five years further on.
This model used to only share its design and engineering with Citroen's Berlingo. Now, it also shares it with Fiat's Doblo, Vauxhall's Combo and Toyota's Proace City too. All rivals that additionally offer the full-electric variant that of course this Partner offers as well. Greater driving range for that E-Partner derivative (now built in the UK at Ellesmere Port) is a key part of this mid-term update. But all Partners get smarter styling and upgraded cabin screen tech. Let's take a closer look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 20255 | 31005 |
| Length (mm) | 4400 | 4400 |
| Min | Max |
| Width (mm) | 2100 | 2100 |
| Height (mm) | 1800 | 1900 |
| Power (ps) | 100 | 136 |
Driving experience
As before, the engine range is made up of Peugeot's trusty BlueHDi diesel units. These 1.5-litre diesels are offered in 100hp or 130hp forms, the latter with the option of EAT8 auto transmission. This MK3 model Partner's EMP2 platform enables short overhangs and a small turning circle for easy manoeuvring: the kerb to kerb turning radius is only 10.82m for the Standard version and 11.43m for the Long version. The neat 'i-Cockpit' dashboard design makes this Peugeot feel quite fun to drive too, with its grippy little wheel allowing for wrist-flick turns.
The key change made to the engineering of this updated model lies with changes made to the E-Partner EV version, which gains a new 52kWh battery providing for an increased range between charges of 205 miles. As before, the battery pack energises a 136hp front-mounted motor with 270Nm of torque. And there's a regenerative braking system that can now be activated at three different levels using steering wheel paddles. Whatever powertrain you decide upon, there's very little about the handling dynamics of this van that encourage you to push it on in any way at all. Instead, development priority has been given to the creation of a supple quality of ride - something daily drivers will probably appreciate rather more.
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Design and build
Peugeot's aim here was to make this updated Partner's exterior styling as memorable as its cabin design. Well, it's certainly now a little more noticeable thanks to an updated front end with a revised radiator grille featuring the latest brand shield at its centre. Smarter headlamps feature the company's usual 3-claw light signature and are upgraded with LED beams on plusher variants. As before, there's a choice of two wheelbase lengths (but just a single roof height). And it all sits on the usual Stellantis Group EMP2 platform.
If you happen to be familiar with this third generation Partner, the main change you'll notice once inside plusher variants is the addition of a larger 10-inch central screen, accompanied by a digital instrument cluster of the same size. As before, the cabin sets itself apart from similarly designed rivals with an unusual 'i-Cockpit' design that sees you looking at the little instrument cluster above the wheel rather than more conventionally through its spokes. As previously, you can have your Partner fitted out with a load-through bulkhead and a dual passenger bench with under-seat storage.
The 'Multiflex' adaptable version of that bench seat allows three people to sit in the front and lets you push longer items through from the load bay. That means 400-litres more load capacity and an effective loading length of up to 3m for the Standard version and 3.35m for the Long variant. A writing table is integrated in the fold-down central seat back to convert the vehicle into a mobile office, and this layout features a padlocked storage area underneath the central seat. As you'd expect in this class, a Crew van' body style is also available with a fold-out second row bench.
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Market and model
There are two main trim levels, 'Professional' and 'Asphalt' and from the launch of this revised model, prices started from around £20,000 for the base BlueHDi 100 manual L1 model. You'll need around £1,000 more for the longer wheelbase L2 version. The BlueHdi 130 variant only comes with EAT8 auto transmission and in L1 form costs from just under £23,000. From launch, the EV E-Partner model was priced from around £25,500 after deduction of the available £2,500 government Plug-in Van Grant. Plusher 'Asphalt; trim costs £2,100 more across the range, but if you stick to base 'Professional' spec, you'll be offered the option of a Crew Van variant with fold-out rear seats offered in BlueHdi 100 manual or E-Partner forms.
You have to stretch to 'Asphalt' trim to get this updated model's new 10-inch centre and digital instrument screens. You'll also need this plusher spec to get the useful load-through bulkhead and dual passenger seat with under-floor storage. Other 'Asphalt' features include LED headlights, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, along with 16-inch wheel trims. 'Asphalt' trim also includes a 'Dynamic Surround View' set-up. This system includes two cameras providing a clear digital view of the rear and passenger side of the vehicle, which would otherwise be difficult to see on a panel van. 'Dynamic Surround View' also includes blind spot alert, flankguard detection and a panoramic reversing camera.
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Summary
Peugeot's MK3 model Partner van has become cleverer and more sophisticated, whilst still retaining the practicality that has made it an LCV favorite. The French brand has obviously put plenty of thought into the design of this enhanced Partner and it's backed up the hi-tech stuff with slick features intended to make the working day that little bit straightforward, many of which are packaged up in the Multi-flex modular seating system - a must-have feature on this LCV. You also get very class-competitive payload and carriage capacity figures, along with a comfortable ride and a wide choice of factory-built models. It all adds up to a strong business proposition.
Overall then, what are we looking at? A sensible business Partner? Well that's one way of putting it. You might though, prefer to simply see this model in the way that many owners do: as their right hand van.
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