NEW MPV FROM PEUGOT
30 April 2009 - Peugeot

Three basic sizes and lots of load options

Peugeot has given the Tepee name to their large people-carrier versions of their vehicles which share van architecture with cars. We have the very large Expert Tepee for taxi, minicab, school bus and hotel transport usage and very recently Peugeot has given us the Partner Tepee, a mid size, C-segment MPV/people carrier, first with five seats and now more recently with a seven-seat option.
Partner Tepee prices range from £11,605 up to £15,745 and the 7-seat option pack adds another £570 or £800 depending on which version it is fitted to.

There are four levels of specification, Urban, S, Zenith and the more lifestyle Outdoor variant which has increased ground clearance, under body protection plates, alloy wheels, air conditioning, internal roof rack, cruise control and side and curtain airbags. This model is meant for the active outdoor family life and the subject for my test review.

The problem with the current poor performance of the new car market is that the majority of families are either changing their cars and buying second-hand or downsizing to stay within their budget. MPVs, mainly the large ones, experienced a sales drop of 48% in March continuing their downward spiral. There has also be a surge in versatile, boxy shaped new MPV models being pushed onto the market such as the Fiat Qubo, Nissan Note, Kia Soul, Toyota Verso and the best one so far this year the Citroen C3 Picasso. The Partner Tepee has to compete against these and the established MPVs which include the Ford S-Max, C-Max, Galaxy, Chrysler Grand Voyage, Citroen C4 Picasso/C8, Fiat Multipla/Doblo, the list is endless and the market sector declining as the ‘supermini’ becomes more attractive to downsizing families.

Where the Peugeot Expert Tepee excels is in its use of space with seating versatility and cargo load carrying. It is very practical use of a 4,380mm long box and the sliding side rear doors and huge tailgate mean access for people, dogs, wheelchairs or pure recreational kit is very easy. Seats can be folded or removed as well depending on the model. Added to the 505 to 2,800-litres of load space the Partner Tepee has lots of extra storage space, plus on some models a false roof construction which adds even more pockets. Trying to find where ‘stuff’ has been packed is a novel game to keep the children amused.

So the packaging of the Tepee is good, it doesn’t look great despite its Outdoor ‘active lifestyle’ specification goodies – but it is functional.

There is a choice of two 1.6-litre petrol engines, 90 or 110, go for the 110 unit if petrol is a must, or there are three 1.6-litre diesel engine options, 75, 90 or 110. Not all engines are available with all specifications but the Outdoor version in five or seven seat form is available only with the 90 and 110 turbodiesel units. The extra torque these engines give when carrying people, their kit or just a bulky load, makes more sense.
Not the most aerodynamic MPV in the world the Partner Tepee is actually quite fun to drive especially if it’s for family transport. Just throw in the kids, dog, tent, what-have-you, and hit the trail. The is plenty of body roll being a tall vehicle so strap the passengers in tightly and avoid carrying people who might suffer from car sickness. The grip is predictable and the ride comfort is good over most surfaces but bumps from potholes and road noise do intrude. All passengers will like the upright seating positions which, with the huge windows, give excellent visibility so the passenger can see for themselves if ‘they are there yet’.

The interior has quite large areas of durable and easy to clean plastic which looks of reasonable quality and the vehicle feels well put together. The instruments and controls are well positioned and logical to use. The Partner Tepee Outdoor model also has as standard height adjustable driver’s seat, electric windows and electrically operated and heated door mirrors, loads of pockets and storage bins, remote central locking, retractable and removable parcel shelf and in five passenger form removable or folding individual rear seats.

Unfortunately, although the Partner Tepee has a good array of safety features, Electronic Stability Control is a £350 option and it shouldn’t be for a family vehicle which can also carry heavy loads. Otherwise the equipment levels are pretty good, even for the basic 1.6-litre, 90bhp Urban model with a price tag of £11,605, real value for money for a large five-seater motorised holdall. However my £15,745 Tepee Outdoor model is right at the other end of the price scale. In its five-seat form, as tested, it cost a hefty £15,745 which isn’t such good value and there are must-have extra cost options and the residual values for mid to large MPVs are certainly not currently very good.

I cannot say anything new about the well known 1.6-litre 110 (107bhp) turbodiesel engine. It is widely used by Peugeot, Citroen and others. The unit is refined, quite nippy and well able to provide more than enough speed for long motorways trips. Top speed is 106mph, 0-62mph takes 14.3 seconds. The 177lb ft of torque from just 1,750rpm makes it a very flexible engine at low stop/start speeds and responsive in the mid range. Officially this model will return 50.4mpg, 48.7mpg during my test, and the CO2 emissions are 147g/km which now means a road tax bill of £125. Keeping the running costs low is a competitive 4E insurance group rating.
This vehicle, for its medium car length, offers the owner as much space as they are likely to need for whatever use. It certainly isn’t a pretty vehicle - definitely function over fashion but still fun.

MILESTONES. Peugeot Partner Tepee Outdoor HDi 110 5-Door. Price: £15,745. Engine/transmission: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail, turbodiesel, 107bhp, 177lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm, 5-speed manual. Performance: 106mph, 0-62mph 14.3 seconds, 50.4mpg (48.7mpg actual), CO2 147g/km, VED £125. Insurance group: 4E, Dimensions: L 4,380mm, W 2,112mm, H, 1,862mm, load area 505-2,800-litres, maximum braked towing weight, 1,300kg. For: Maximum practical and versatile space from a mid-sized vehicle, fun to use, good engine performance, generally comfortable. Against: Not pretty, top models are expensive, no ESP as standard.

Miles Better News Agency

http://www.peugeot.co.uk

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