Peugeot e-Partner
Van with allure
It is not a secret that the Peugeot Partner is similar under the skin to the Opel Combo, Citroën Berlingo and Fiat Doblo. Still, to make a difference, they all have their own front and Peugeot opts for a refined interplay of lines. The headlights merge into the grille via sharp lines. This is copied from Peugeot's latest passenger cars, such as the new 3008. However, the passenger cars take this further with more fine patterns. A company car, on the other hand, is above all sensible and so the Partner has paid more attention to the budget. Apart from the new grille, the updated Partner can also be recognised by new rims and a new "light signature" (shape of the headlights' beam).

Interior: iCockpit
On the inside, the Partner manages to stand out not only from its stablemates, but even from all other vans! This is because the Partner has a so-called "iCockpit". This concept is not as far-reaching as in Peugeot's passenger cars, as the cab with rear partition and the budget give limitations. Nevertheless, the Partner also has such a small steering wheel that the clocks could be placed on the steering column. The smaller steering wheel invites a different seating position, which is why the Partner is the first van where the test driver did not put the seat against the rear wall to sit properly. In fact, this is the first van where the seat was moved slightly forward! The seats are short, while the backrests are actually long. The headrests are adjustable enough so that they really contribute to safety.
The middle front seat can be folded up, after which it can serve as a table. This sounds better than it is, as the table isn't in front but rather next to the driver. Therefore, working on a laptop on it is unpleasant. Of course, the Partner's cabin has many storage compartments, including a large compartment above the windscreen.
Equipment
Because the clocks are on top of the steering column, they are in the driver's field of vision and are therefore easier to read. The only drawback of this set-up: the stablemates have a large storage compartment in this spot, which is not there in the Partner. The display on the steering column has stylish graphics and the information shown is logically arranged, making it easy to read.
Depending on the chosen version, the Partner offers a cradle for a smartphone, a small or a large central display. The test car was fitted with the latter. The infotainment system (audio, communication and navigation) has been updated and, thanks in part to an internet connection, is always up to date. Thus, it offers up-to-date traffic information, work orders, maintenance schedules and software updates. Slightly below the display are two USB-C connections for use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From model year 2024, the Partner has many safety systems because the European Union requires it. This means that any carelessness by the driver will be punished with beeps, bells, buzzers and other teasing. In doing so, the Partner's software gives a little more slack than usual, so the systems are also perceived to be slightly less annoying.
Because of the partition and blinded rear doors, the Partner has a digital mirror. Thanks to a better camera and screen, the display is now so sharp and realistic that it can hardly be distinguished from a glass mirror. At the touch of a button, images from a camera can also be shown from the right exterior mirror ("split screen"), making manoeuvring and/or turning right in heavy traffic easier. "Dynamic Surround Vision" this system is called in marketing terms. As it should, the Partner has nice, large wing mirrors, which makes for good visibility.

Load space
For this test, the electric-powered "e-Partner" was driven and it has exactly the same cargo space as the diesel-powered variant. The cargo area is accessible via two sliding doors on either side and swing doors at the rear of the car. When the right front seat is folded up, a hatch in the partition wall can be opened to transport long objects in the Partner (note: only in the e-Partner, not the diesel). To avoid damaging the dashboard in the process, Peugeot supplies a cover.
The maximum load weight of the e-Partner is 750 kg. The test car was fitted with a load (concrete block) of just 150 kg.

Electric car
Stellantis, Peugeot's parent company, has developed an all-new electric powertrain, and it can now be found in the Partner. The new powertrain consists of a more efficient battery, more powerful engine and smarter software than before. A heat pump ensures that cooling or heating the interior does not consume too much energy.
Those coming from a first-generation electric van will find that the Partner has a significantly longer range and is more responsive to the throttle. In city traffic, the e-Partner is even surprisingly quick for a van. Even on the motorway, the e-Partner responds alertly. Then, however, it lacks the power to really follow through. Nevertheless, performance is fine. Those coming from a diesel-powered van will even experience the e-Partner as an oasis of calm that performs with unprecedented ease. The sounds of the tyres and driving wind are similar to those of the diesel-powered Partner, so do not expect absolute silence as in some electric cars.

During the test in moderate weather conditions on a varied route, the actual range came to 306 km (factory specification: 343 km). The test consumption was 18.2 kWh per 100 km, which is average for an electric van with half load.
Driving characteristics
The Peugeot Partner, Opel Combo, Fiat Doblo and Citroën Berlingo all have the same powertrain and are on the same chassis. Therefore, they all have the same good-natured and predictable handling. A good compromise has been found between light and heavy loading, so the car always drives safely. And yet the Partner is different! This is once again thanks to the iCockpit. Thanks to the small steering wheel, a flick of the wrist is enough to steer a corner and that makes a world of difference!

Conclusion
What does "allure" do for a company car? Rationally speaking: not much. The Peugeot Partner is not more spacious, faster, smarter or more economical than its competitors. That's because much of the competition comes from its own company and therefore uses exactly the same technology! That technology has been greatly improved for the 2024 model year, resulting in lower electricity consumption and a longer range. Thanks to a new infotainment system and the latest safety features, the Partner is up to date. Dynamic Surround Vision has been perceived as a valuable contribution to safety.
The electric-powered e-Partner is a leap forward compared to a diesel-powered van. Its ease of performance, smoothness and lack of engine noise make for more peace of mind on the road and therefore more energy at the destination. The new powertrain provides a range comparable to that of a petrol-engined van.
The final difference is in the iCockpit and the trim. The iCockpit provides better overview and control of the car. Thanks to its trim and equipment, the Partner is almost as refined as an ordinary passenger car. In other words: a thoughtful design and its stylish execution, that's allure!
- Modern electric powertrain
- Unique driving experience thanks to iCockpit
- Short front seats