IT is astonishing how the multi-purpose vehicle has made such gains in recent years.
In addition to the mainstream large MPVs there is now a whole new strain of other options, such as Peugeot's Partner Tepee which tick all the boxes when it comes to family and recreational transport.
Many like the Tepee are spawned by current light commercial vehicle technology. But although the Tepee is based on the Peugeot Partner commercial, make no mistake, this is no ordinary van derivative but a well-planned and comfortable option that has 'can do' stamped all over it.
Such vehicles are not new. Hillman was producing something similar, but with much restricted access, called the Husky in the 1950s based on the Minx van.
The concept of multi-purpose vehicle technology is now in the fast lane with massive economical and environmental pressure to reduce the number of vehicles on the drive and the keep their size down to the optimum.
And here is where models like the Partner Tepee win. It features a classy modular design and although being very capacious it is nevertheless stylish with tremendous appeal to both the younger buyer and the young at heart.
The three Partner Tepee versions, Urban, S and Outdoor are pitched at a wide spectrum of the market, but the Outdoor is out to attract customers who enjoy exploring locations off the beaten track.
Sharing the same length as a typical family hatchback, but with a great deal more interior space, adaptability and greater rear accessibility thanks to the two sliding side doors, the Partner Tepee offers a great deal as a family car.
Maybe we have been getting it wrong all these years and van thinking offers the better family transport solution. The Partner Tepee certainly states a convincing case for it
Driving qualities are extremely good, and from Tepee's commanding driving position it certainly does not lead you to believe that you are driving a van.
All Partner Tepee models share a comprehensive standard specification which includes: 15' steel wheels, remote central door locking and deadlocks, one touch electric front windows, ABS and emergency braking assistance, retractable and removable parcel shelf luggage cover, sliding side doors, full width front overhead storage shelf, radio/ MP3 compatible CD player with remote controls, rev counter, driver's airbag, passenger airbag with deactivation switch, power steering and driver's and passenger's seat armrests.
The Outdoor, model includes manual air-conditioning, silver trim around air intake, black side protection mouldings, silver lower rear panel trim, side and curtain airbags, cruise control with speed limiter, roof bars, under engine protection tray, uprated 215/55 R16 tyres on 16' Arenal alloy wheels and raised suspension.
It is available with a choice of two HDi diesel engine options including the range topping 1.6-litre HDi 110bhp with a diesel particulate filter.
This Tepee Outdoor was full of interesting features but the keyword with this model is storage.
There's hidey holes and handy space include a glove box that can be cooled; an open area in the passenger-side of the lower centre console; a central storage area in the centre fascia panel; two storage areas under the air vents in the central fascia panel; an optional 13 litre centre storage console; a 12.5-litre overhead storage area above the passenger and driver's head enabling the storage of all kinds of objects or documents; front door storage pockets which can hold bottles of up to 1.5-litres; handbrake area storage with cup holder; drawers under the front seats and hidden storage space under the floor in the rear - that's hard to match.
The Tepee Outdoor has to be one of the most capable family transport solutions in a highly competitive market.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot Partner Tepee Outdoor 1.6 HDi 110 FAP 5dr
Price: £15,745
Mechanical: 107bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via five speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 107mph
0-62mph: 12.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles