PSA Group has announced crew van versions of its acclaimed Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo models, with a similar Vauxhall Combo version presumably in the work as well.
Based on the long wheelbase version of the award-winning small vans, the new crew vans add a second row of three seats while integrating a sliding and folding mesh bulkhead. It means that the Partner and Berlingo crew vans can carry up to five adults.
Despite the inclusion of the additional seats, PSA has worked hard to maintain overall practicality of the crew van models. Those rear seats can be folded down, offering a total load space of up to 3.5m3 with a maximum floor length of 2.0m.
However, this can be increased to just over 3m by folding the front passenger seat down, therefore extending the load floor. A through-loading hatch in the mesh bulkhead can be used for hauling longer items too, which increases total load space to 4.0m3.
When the rear seats are in place, there’s still 1.8m3 of load area available with a maximum load floor length of 1.45m, which is enough space to fit a standard Euro pallet.
As well as flexible layout options, there’s also a good level of equipment on board . All crew van models from both brands benefit from air conditioning, rear parking sensors and DAB digital radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are included as well.
Three powertrain options are available, kicked off by a 110hp petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, followed by a 100hp diesel with a five-speed manual and a 130hp diesel fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Prices for the Peugeot Partner Crew Van start from £21,140 plus VAT for the 110hp petrol model, with the equivalent Citroën Berlingo about £300 cheaper. They’re both available to order now, with the Berlingo expected to reach UK showrooms by November and the Partner not slated to arrive until January 2020.
