Peugeot has unveiled a revised Boxer van range, promising lower fuel consumption and emissions, improved specifications including standard ESP and a more durable body structure with more robust wear components. Boxer represents around 25% of Peugeot’s rapidly growing UK van sales and retains its four load lengths, three roof heights and eight load volumes of 8-17m3.
Peugeot says its Professional trim level, which accounts for 40% of UK sales and adds a £1,000 premium, will offer the
highest specification on the market. The Professional kit list includes integrated touchscreen navigation, a DAB radio and Bluetooth, cruise control and a rear parking aid. Even the base specification comes with a full steel bulkhead, ESP, DAB, Bluetooth and electric heated door mirrors.
The familiar 2.2-litre HDI engine retains its choice of 110hp, 130hp and 150hp outputs, plus there is a 3.0-litre motor from van partner Fiat that delivers a range-topping 180hp and 400Nm of torque. Of more interest to fleets is a new version of the 130hp engine with Stop/Start, offering up to 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of just 189g/km.
The fuel injection system has been redesigned and the 2.2-litre engines use a new timing chain for longer component life. All Boxer vans have extended 30,000 mile/two year service intervals.
There are larger brake components, while a strengthened body structure with new sliding side door runners and rear door hinges promises increased durability and longevity.
Cosmetic changes are limited to a new grille, bonnet and lights, with LED daytime running lights and the option of LED headlights. In the cab there is a redesigned steering wheel and new seat cloth, plus the 5” screen in Professional models.
The 130hp engine is the most popular option, with the 110hp a close second. We didn’t get a chance to try the Stop/Start version of the 130hp, but at just £200 more it offers a saving of 1mpg and 6g/km, so could prove popular with urban users.
On the road, both the 110hp and 130hp models had plenty of performance, though the engines were fairly vocal while cold. Boxer’s front drive chassis still delivers secure handling and the van’s high-riding driving position ensures that you get a good view of the road ahead.
At 5” the integral touchscreen sat-nav isn’t huge, but it was easy to operate with clear instructions and the directions on screen. A standard full steel bulkhead keeps the noise down in the cab and Boxer offers a comfortable working environment for the driver and for passengers.
At the rear the new robust hinges provide up to 270 degrees opening for easy access. The sliding side door boasts a huge opening that could easily cope with a Euro pallet.
Peugeot recorded a 52.9% rise in LCV sales in the first quarter of this year and the firm is hoping to capitalise on this performance. It is introducing 88 Business Centre dealers around the UK, around 40% of the UK dealer network, to focus on the SME market, with each dealer having specialists dedicated to small business sales of both vans and cars.
New Boxer provides them with an increasingly strong sales proposition.
What we think
The Boxer update is very much evolutionary, but it covers most of the bases for fleet customers, offering improved fuel consumption, lower running costs and greater cab comfort.
Specification
MODEL Peugeot Boxer HDi 130 L3H2
BASIC PRICE £26,155
ENGINE 4-cylinder/2,198cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 130hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE 320Nm @ 1,750rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW 3,500
KERB WEIGHT 1,925
PAYLOAD 1,575
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,300
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,705
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,870
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,932
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 565
LOAD VOLUME 13.0m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 90 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2 38.2mpg/195g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/30,000 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles