PEUGEOT'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Peugeot's improved Boxer van is a more confident contender in the large LCV segment, thanks to the addition of more efficient 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engines and a strong EV offering. Jonathan Crouch looks at what's on offer.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 52

Peugeot's Boxer is a large LCV that has forensically focused on the things that make a real difference to fleet operators in order to give its heavyweight the best chance of a unanimous decision. Let's check out this revised model with its more frugal choice of 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel or full-EV powertrains.

Backgroundword count: 183

When choosing a van that can punch above its weight, Peugeot might not be the first name that springs to mind. In fact, you might well associate the brand with smaller commercials like the Partner and Expert. If you need something very big and tough, chances are that you might have looked at the Ford Transit, the Mercedes Sprinter or maybe the Volkswagen Crafter. Overlooking Peugeot's Boxer is easy to do but could well bring on an acute case of buyer's remorse. The Boxer (the same Stellantis Group design as rival Vauxhall Movano and Citroen Relay models) has quietly edged itself into position to challenge the very best in this market and the current model, a beneficiary of more than two million miles of testing in extreme conditions, brings the sort of quality, robustness and durability that commercial operators demand. Couple that with what's now promised to be the best diesel fuel economy in the market, a full-EV option if you want it and a wide range of bodies and load capacities and you have a vehicle that's capable of doing the business.

Driving Experienceword count: 221

This Boxer now offers a strong line up of three 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engines, all fitted with diesel particulate filters. At the foot of the range, there's a 120hp unit with 310Nm of pulling power. The next BlueHDi unit up is the 140hp variant, which delivers 340Nm of torque, 20Nm up on before. There's also a 165hp version. Big brakes, strong suspension mountings and a rigid body all improve the driving characteristics. BlueHDi technology has enhanced performance too. If running costs are everything and your business is urban-based, there's also a full-electric model too, with a 75kWh battery and a 154 mile electric driving range. The ESP stability control system is particularly refined on this van, with a Load Adaptive Control function which adapts the point at which the ESP intervenes, according to the load in the vehicle and its distribution. There's also Hill Start Assist, built into the ESP software. This system is activated when the vehicle is stationary, engine running, foot on the brake pedal, on a slope steeper than 5 per cent, in forward gear going up or reverse gear going down. Under these conditions, braking pressure is maintained for around two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal, offering assurance and ease in moving off without the vehicle dropping back, whatever the load in the vehicle.

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