Peugeot Partner 1.9 HDi 2008 Long Term Van Review - Part 1

 The 2008 Peugeot Partner 1.9 HDi is the next model to join our long term test fleet and in our review, we talk first impressions.

For the past month or so we've been running a Peugeot Partner Origin on our long-term test fleet - that's the old model that will still continue alongside the new one which went on sale in the UK last month. But just two weeks ago, we finally got our hands on the brand new Partner, which we'll be testing for the next four months - and boy what a difference there is between the two. We're not talking facelifts here, oh no.

The new Partner is a completely fresh vehicle, based on the Peugeot 308 platform, and has levels of drivability that the older model could never hope to achieve. But there's more to the new van than drivability. It's bigger, carries heavier loads and is now available in two formats - short and long load lengths (although both have the same wheelbase).

Our test model is the top-of-the-range SE and arrived at Fleet Towers in a  smart metallic paint coat. And before you start scoffing at the expense, (£250 ex-VAT as at Aug 2008), the experts reckon that at selling time a van with such an extra will be worth around £500 more than one without, so shiny paintwork is actually an investment rather than a cost. We've also got twin side loading doors and the handy passenger seat which folds either upwards to allow tall loads to be carried, or downwards into the floor, extending the load length to an amazing three metres. It's quite fun driving a brand new model. It only went on sale in July so there are hardly any other examples on the roads yet.

I've had quite a few admiring glances, especially from drivers of the older model. So how's life with our new fleet friend? Very comfortable indeed. I always felt the seats in the old Partner let it down a bit. They were pretty soft and squishy and didn't offer any lumbar support. The ones in the new Partner, however, are right up to scratch, with plenty of support all round. I suppose that's one of the benefits of having a van that started off as a car. Mention must also be made of the third seat in the middle.

The Partner is the first van of this size to offer a third seat but to be honest I can't see myself ever using it, unless I offer my toddler a lift one day. The legroom on offer is so restricted that an adult would never fit in. If I was buying a Partner for myself, I'd go for the dual-seat option, which allows for a nice big storage bin to be fitted between the seats. And talking of legroom, I've noticed a small problem that didn't manifest itself when I first tested left-hand drive models in France. There isn't a lot of space for the left leg when it isn't engaged in using the clutch. There's a 'dead pedal' to be sure but it's positioned too high for a comfortable position for me. I usually end up tucking my left foot under the brake and clutch pedals which isn't ideal. To be fair though, having made that complaint I am 6ft 3in and with long legs so probably shorter drivers wouldn't find it a problem.

In the back there's a handy wipe clean floor and a curious plastic roller blind behind the driver's seat, which will stop prying eyes from seeing into the load area. Those twin sliding rear doors at first seemed a tad OTT but you'd be surprised how many times they get used. Underway the pleasant driving experience continues. The cab is eerily quiet compared to in the old model and the lively 90bhp 1.6HDi diesel unit packs plenty of punch.

We haven't had time to carry out a proper mpg test yet but will be reporting on that in future issues.