Peugeot Expert (2007 – 2016) Review

The Peugeot Expert is a van that offers users all sorts of combinations to make it as useful as possible. Launched in 2007 to replace the one size fits all original Expert, the latest model is an altogether more complete machine.

It comes in standard form with a short wheelbase and low roof, though still able to swallow 5.0 cubic metres of cargo. From here, you can order the Expert with a longer wheelbase and with a high roof, freeing up to a maximum of 7.0 cubic metres of space. A new pneumatic rear suspension, available as an option, allows enables the rear load sill – and the overall height of the vehicle - to be lowered.

The load area of the Expert is much more cube-shaped than the previous model and it does everything expected of a modern commercial vehicle. It also provides a high level of protection for its payload, with well-designed lighting and robust, practical anchorage points. The loading area is also protected by side protectors fitted halfway up the side of the van.

There are three engine choices - a 1.6 HDi and two versions of the 2.0 HDi with either 120PS or 136PS. Both engines are refined, strong and have been designed for economy and durability. Service intervals are 20,000 miles and the Expert has also been designed to be easier and cheaper to repair in the event of an accident. For example, the headlamps are now equipped with special brackets which snap off in a collision at less than 10mph, protecting the headlamp and avoiding the need for a full replacement.

Anyone considering the Peugeot Expert as their next van is not short on choice when it comes to engines and transmissions. The entry point 90PS 1.6-litre HDi comes with a five-speed manual gearbox as its only option. Move up to the 130PS 2.0-litre HDi and you get a six-speed manual in place of the smaller engine’s five-speeder.

You also have the option to choose the ATV model that comes with Grip Control. This is a limited slip differential that gives the Expert more traction on slippery ground and makes it a sound choice for users who need to venture further than up a roadside kerb. It also comes with four driving modes for mud, sand, snow and ESP. The suspension of the ATV model is raised by 10mm and is fitted with mud and snow tyres to cope with difficult conditions.

There is a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes with the 163PS 2.0-litre HDi. The manual is the better bet for economy and emissions, turning in 44.1mpg and 168g/km compared to the auto’s 39.2mpg and 189g/km. However, if you spend a lot of time in slow moving urban traffic, the automatic gearbox is a boon and helps keep fatigue at bay over the course of a long working day. Choose the manual and the Expert is a swift way to travel between cities on the motorway and it’s not unduly affected by making full use of the Expert’s maximum payload capacity.

At higher speeds, the 1.6 HDi feels short on power and needs to be worked hard to get up to the national limit and remain there. It’s not too rowdy when pushed, but this sort of driving takes it toll on economy when you spend more of the time in the upper reaches of the rev band.

Regardless of which engine is in the Expert, this van handles well and makes light work of town driving. The hydraulically assisted power steering helps out to just the right degree and has plenty of feel, which makes it far more preferable and fun to use than some of the Peugeot’s rivals with electrically assisted power steering.

Peugeot has also endowed the Expert with reasonable cornering grip, but body lean is quite pronounced, so be prepared to slow down for corners when you have a full load on board. Strong brakes with ABS fitted mean this is not a concern and the supple suspension deals efficiently with most types of crusty tarmac to be found on UK roads. The 2.0-litre models can be ordered with optional air suspension to give an improved ride with less body roll.

The soft-set suspension also helps to isolate a lot of noise from the Expert’s cab, which further helps this to be one of the least stressful and strained vans to spend your working day at the wheel of.

Peugeot really has put a lot of thought into how the Expert will be used and who will be using it. As many users will need to get in and out of the van on a very frequent basis for delivery work, Peugeot has designed the Expert with a low floor and entry sill, so you simply step into the driver’s seat rather than having to haul yourself upwards to swing into the van. It’s a small point but one that makes a difference when you do this day in, day out.

The driver’s seat is also at just the right height to help with getting in and out easily. This isn’t to say you don’t get a commanding view of the road ahead. It’s simple to spot the nose of the van for parking in tight squeezes, while the large and electrically adjusted door mirrors make it a cinch to back the Expert into those hard to get at loading bays.

The seats themselves are well padded and comfy for long days in the saddle, while the decent spec of the Expert means higher trim levels come with air conditioning to make warm weather much more bearable and demisting in colder temperatures quick and easy. Good elbow room for the driver is matched by generous space for the passenger in the outer seat of the Peugeot. However, add in a third occupant and it gets a little too snug for all-day comfort in the Peugeot’s cab. This is compounded for the centre seat passenger by the surround for the dash-mounted gear lever.

The dash itself presents the driver with all of the relevant and important information in a clear and unfussy fashion. Clear-cut controls for the ventilation are also welcome, while the Expert provides ample storage for small and loose items all around the cab. There’s even an overhead compartment that can hold small bags.

Moving to the load area, it is accessed by twin side-hinged rear doors with unglazed panels. They swing open to 180-degrees and leave a large, regular opening to the load bay. You can also get into the load bay through twin sliding side doors that are light and quick to operate.

In the crew van version of the Expert, there’s a row of three seats with three-point seat belts for all occupants. Behind this is a generous load space, which in the standard panel van comes with a driver’s ladder frame protector. The crew van option has a full steel bulkhead, while the panel van comes with eight tie-down hooks in the cargo area. Every version of the Expert comes with separate locking for the cab and load area for added security.