Peugeot Partner 2023 review: Premium - GVM test

With a 2785mm wheelbase and 4403mm overall length, this compact front wheel-driver rides on MacPherson strut front suspension, coil-spring trailing-arm rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Turning circle is 10.8 metres and with a height of 1880mm it will easily access underground or multi-storey carparks.

The cabin has a spacious feel, with a fabric-trimmed driver’s seat and a bench seat that can accommodate two passengers. (image: Mark Oastler)

The cabin is separated from the cargo bay by a steel bulkhead which doubles as a cargo barrier. The cabin has a spacious feel, with a fabric-trimmed driver’s seat offering six-way manual adjustment including lumbar support alongside a bench seat that can accommodate two passengers. The central contour of the dashboard which houses the gear selector dial protrudes into the cabin space, but there’s still adequate kneeroom in the centre seat even for tall passengers.

Although the top of the oval-shaped steering wheel sits below the instrument display to provide a clear view, the cruise control and light stalks on the steering column are completely hidden behind the wheel and must be operated purely by feel. Combined with the paddle-shifters, these controls look rather cluttered and would be easier to see and use with better positioning.

Peugeot claims a combined figure of 5.9L/100km and the dash display was showing 8.1 at the end of our 351km test, of which about one third was carrying its maximum payload. When we stopped to top up, our figure calculated from fuel bowser and tripmeter readings came in at 6.8L/100km or about halfway between the official and dash display figures.

We only used the performance-dulling Eco mode once for a short time (who needs Eco with this economy?) and the stop/start function was always switched off. So, based on our figure, you could expect an excellent real world driving range of just under 900km from its 60-litre tank.

With its 1320kg kerb weight and 2320kg GVM, the Partner Premium has a robust 1000kg payload rating and up to 120kg of that can be carried on the roof using Peugeot genuine accessory racks. Even though most buyers would probably never need to carry such heavy loads, it’s nice to know this little van is a genuine one-tonner if need be.

It’s also rated to tow up to 900kg of braked trailer but as Peugeot does not publish a GCM (Gross Combination Mass) rating for this vehicle class, we can’t tell you how much it can legally carry when towing 900kg. Again, probably not a big issue given typical small van use.

The cargo bay has no windows in the walls or doors which are all lined to mid-height. The cargo bay is accessed through sliding doors on each side and rear barn-doors with 180-degrees opening for forklift access. It allows for loads of up to 1817mm in length, 1527mm width and 1243mm height and with 1229mm between the rear wheel housings, it can carry either one standard 1165mm-square Aussie pallet or two 1200 x 800mm Euro pallets. There are six floor-mounted load anchorage points and a single light.

Part of the load floor length can be extended to 3090mm thanks to a large flap in the lower left of the cabin bulkhead, which when opened (and with the outer passenger seat folded forward) allows items more than 3.0 metres long to be slid through and safely transported. This handy feature expands the cargo bay’s load volume from 3.3 (flap closed) to 3.8 cubic metres.

The cargo bay is accessed through sliding doors on each side and rear barn-doors with 180-degrees opening. (image: Mark Oastler)

There’s also thoughtful design evident in cabin storage and ease of use, starting with surprisingly large bins in the base of each door which can each hold up to three large bottles. There’s also a cup-holder at each end of the dash-pad, full-width overhead shelves and numerous places in the dash to store small items even though there’s no glovebox.

The centre seat backrest folds forward to reveal a handy work desk that can slide forward and pivot left or right to an angle of about 45 degrees for optimum working comfort. Lifting the centre seat’s base cushion also reveals a deep storage bin beneath it, so there’s clever use of space here.

There are six floor-mounted load anchorage points and a single light in the cargo bay. (image: Mark Oastler)

We strapped 890kg into the cargo bay which with driver equalled a payload just under its 1000kg limit. The coil-spring rear suspension compressed 60mm, which was enough to engage the second stage of load support provided by long rubber cones mounted inside the coils.

Although firmer, there was not a significant change in ride quality. It maintained good acceleration and handling in city and suburban traffic and was equally impressive on the highway. It also performed with astounding ease on our 13 per cent gradient, 2.0km-long set climb, self-shifting down to fourth gear and 2500rpm to easily haul this one-tonne payload to the summit with minimal pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Even with 890kg in the cargo bay, there was not a significant change in ride quality. (image: Mark Oastler)

The Partner is covered by a five year/200,000km warranty, plus three years paintwork and 12 years corrosion warranties. Servicing every 12 months/15,000km. Capped-price for the first five scheduled services totals $2746, or a pricey average of just under $550 per service.