Versatile new Peugeot Partner uncovered

Peugeot’s new Partner van range will go on sale in the UK alongside the existing model, and will introduce a number of innovative features not seen before in this market segment. Originally launched in 1996, the Peugeot Partner has been extremely successful with over 60,000 sold in the UK, since its launch. Due to this success the original vehicle will still remain on sale alongside the new model, and will be renamed the Partner Origin.

The new Peugeot Partner van will be manufactured in Vigo (Spain) on Peugeot’s No 2 platform and will be available in two lengths, and as a platform cab version. It will be launched in the UK in June 2008, with the platform cab version following later in the autumn of 2008.

The greater load capacity of the new Partner van will position it as the market leader in its segment.

Multi-Flex Front Bench Seat…
A new and unique feature, the innovative Multi-Flex dual passenger seat offers unrivalled modularity and enables the vehicle to carry two passengers. The innovative ‘folding’ mechanism also allows it to increase the overall load length of the vehicle. The new Partner van will be available with either two individual front seats or the Multi-Flex dual passenger seat. This new seat arrangement and the ability to carry two passengers is a first in the small van market segment.

Access and Load Area Storage…
The new Partner van is available with either panelled or glazed hinged rear doors, two sliding side doors and a rear tailgate with an opening rear tailgate glass. The problem of transporting long objects inside a small van has been made much easier in the new Partner van, with the availability of an ingenious interior “roof rack”. This special rack runs the entire length of the roof and is ideal for carrying items such as planks of wood or PVC tubing.

Safety…
The new Partner van provides optimal protection for all occupants in a high speed front impact due to its three front impact absorption structures (lower, middle and upper). The lower impact structure also enhances pedestrian impact protection and helps to reduce repair costs in low speed impacts. In the event of a side impact, occupants are protected by a reinforced B/C post, the doors and the seat structure. At the rear, a rear impact beam and the specially designed rear structure deform in a controlled manner, thereby providing optimal protection and limiting repair costs.

The load floor is equipped with six robust and practical payload locating rings and a five bar driver’s seat ladder frame protector, on all models. An optional bulkhead is also available with a removable lower section, allowing the load length to be increased in conjunction with the Multi-Flex dual passenger seat.

The new Partner van is available with up to six airbags and all seats are fitted with three point inertia reel seat belts. A fasten seatbelt warning system is also fitted. Three primary safety systems are also available: a “tyre under-inflation detection” system (a first in the small van segment), speed limiter/cruise control and ESP (Electronic Stability Program), combined with a traction control system (ASR) and a hill-start assistance function.

Engine Options…
A range consisting of one petrol engine and three HDi diesel engines is available.

Suspension, Steering and Braking …
The new Partner has a pseudo MacPherson type front suspension and a rear torsion beam with an anti-roll bar. To reduce the size of the rear wheel arches the rear dampers are inclined, to enable a Euro pallet (1.20 m x 0.80 m) to be easily loaded onboard. Regardless of engine type, variable power steering and 195/65 R15 tyres are fitted to all models.

The new Partner van is equipped with four disc brakes and ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking.

Interior…
As a vehicle designed with the understanding that its users may need to spend many hours in it, the door openings are wide and the controls ergonomically designed. With a height adjustable driver’s seat and a height and depth adjustable steering wheel it is very easy for the driver to find a comfortable driving position. Inside the passenger compartment there are many different storage areas: around the fascia panel, above the driver’s head, in the doors and under the seats. For enhanced comfort, regardless of the outside temperature, optional manual and automatic dual zone air conditioning are available. The new Partner van is fitted with a radio/single CD player which can be combined with an optional five disc CD auto-changer and a “hands-free” Bluetooth kit. To make daily driving easier, the new Partner van offers a range of optional equipment: rear parking assistance, automatic windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of the headlamps and folding electric mirrors.

Optional Site Pack…
For professional users wishing to improve driving efficiency on relatively difficult terrain, such as construction sites, it is possible to choose an optional Site Pack which includes a protective “sump guard” under the engine, special 195/70 R15 tyres, and increased ground clearance, raised by 10 mm.

Running Costs…
Vehicle running costs are an important factor to businesses and self employed people. To help lower running costs, the new Partner van benefits from extended service intervals of 12,500 miles or 2 years for diesel engines and 20,000 miles or 2 years for petrol engines.

Model Range…
The new Partner van range will be available in six exterior body colours and with two trim levels, more details including pricing will be available nearer the launch date in June.