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. Jonathan Crouch looks at what's on offer.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 54

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 smarter look, updated cabin, tougher diesel auto gearbox and bigger-battery EV drivetrain.

Backgroundword count: 211

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 contender, the Boxer, is easy to do but could well bring on an acute case of buyer's remorse. The Boxer's been with us since 2007 but here we look at the updated version of the third generation design. Peugeot launched this improved model here in Spring 2024. This is basically the same Stellantis Group design as rival Vauxhall Movano, Citroen Relay, Fiat Ducato and Toyota Proace Max models. And the updated design we look at here is a beneficiary of more than two million miles of testing in extreme conditions, bringing the sort of quality, robustness and durability that commercial operators demand. Couple that with what's promised to be the best diesel fuel economy in the market, a much-improved 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: 349

This Boxer now offers a couple of 2.2-litre BlueHDi diesel engine options. Most will choose the 140hp variant, which delivers 340Nm of torque. There's also a 180hp model. Both can be ordered with manual transmission or the brand's latest EAT8 automatic 8-speed gearbox. This auto transmission is distinguished by its new design of clutch which optimises the passage of the eight gears thanks to efficient management of the engine torque, which can reach 450Nm with the BlueHDi 180 engine. That is 80Nm more than the previous manual transmission, achieving best-in-class torque within the segment. Another innovation of this EAT8 automatic is a hydraulic accumulator, which makes it possible to leverage the most from the engine's power by reducing the gearbox response time and promoting the smoother operation of the Start & Stop system. Big brakes, strong suspension mountings and a rigid body all help with the Boxer's driving characteristics. Peugeot has listened to feedback from existing users who expressed a concern that road noise in the cabin was higher than the class benchmark and this Boxer features shock absorber mountings designed specifically to reduce the amount of suspension bump and thump entering the cabin. If running costs are everything and your business is urban-based, there's also a full-electric model too, now improved with a larger 110kWh battery, a gutsier 270hp electric motor (with 410Nm of torque) and a 261 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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