PEUGEOT completed its light commercial vehicle strategy last year with the launch of the Bipper, based on its latest car technology.
And as soon as Bipper hit the streets the market loved it, proven by the fact that Bipper became International Van of the Year 2009 and What Van? 'Van of the Year',
The Bipper, which features two engine options, a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4-litre HDi diesel, has a mission and that is to make life easier for the driver and operator.
For the driver who has to get in and out of these vehicles probably many times in a day, the seat is at the perfect height. There is no heaving yourself up a step or drag yourself out of a low slung seat - Bipper is designed to take away the strain.
Subject of this week's test is the HDi diesel version which has a combined mpg figure of 62.7mpg which is the good news for the operator.
Take into account a generous load volume of 2.5 square metres plus a payload of 610kg and the Bipper starts to make a lot of sense.
It tops the renaissance of the Peugeot LCV range which started with the launch in the UK of the Boxer van in November 2006.
Thanks to the asymmetric hinged rear doors and sliding side doors, the Bipper is also very easy to load and unload, even in the narrowest of spaces.
The diesel engine develops 68bhp, emitting only 119g/km of CO2. My test version was equipped with the standard five-speed gearbox but can be specified with an an optional electronically controlled manual gearbox (2-Tronic) - the first time this type of gearbox has been available on a Peugeot light commercial vehicle.
With a length of 3.864m, the Bipper is characterised above all by its compact size. Built to make easy work of trips around busy urban areas, its exterior width does not exceed 2.019m.
Even when equipped with roof bars its height is only 1.78m , enabling it to use underground car parks without any problems. Fitted with roof bars and a roof rack, the Bipper can also carry a load of up to 100kg on its roof.
Inside, the cube-like load area has been designed to offer a generous usable space. The effective floor load length is 1.523m, with a maximum interior load height of 1.178m. The width between the wheel arches is 1.046m, giving a total usable volume of 2.5 square metres.
Access to the load is made easy by means of two asymmetric hinged rear doors (60/40) which ensure all-round access to the rear load space, both height wise and width wise. The two doors can open to an angle of 90° or even 180° if required, thanks to an innovative check strap design.
Side sliding doors are optional for even more versatility.
To protect any carried loads the cab area can be unlocked separately from the load space. Loads are also securely restrained via the six securing rings attached to the load floor and the driver is protected from the load by a driver's ladder frame protector. A number of different bulkhead options are also available.
The interior has been designed to be easy to use. It is robust and comprehensive with a four dial instrument panel, a multifunction display, warning lights and a centre console.
To ensure good road holding regardless of the load being transported, the Bipper benefits from an optimised design of its suspension and wheels. The front suspension is independent with McPherson type front struts and coil springs.
The rear suspension consists of a torsion beam with hydraulic dampers and coil springs. Thanks to the design of the rear suspension, the Bipper can carry a payload of up to 610kg with minimal impact on the ride height.
Ride comfort is adequate but unladen it was just bit too lively for comfort.
All Peugeot Bipper vans first registered in the UK and purchased from a UK Peugeot Dealer benefit from a Peugeot Two-Year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty and a free optional One-Year of warranty provided by the Peugeot Dealer Network in the UK.
This additional warranty carries a mileage limit of 60,000 miles from first registration and is dependent upon the manufacturer's recommended servicing being carried out at the specified time or distance intervals.
A six-year anti-perforation warranty, a two-year paint warranty, and one year Peugeot Assistance cover (operated by the AA) are also provided.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot Bipper van 1.4 HDI
Price: £7,995
Mechanical: 68bhp, 1,398cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Combined mpg: 62.7
CO2 emissions: 111 g/km
Payload: 610kg
Warranty: 2yrs/ unlimited mileage