2019 Peugeot Expert price and features

Peugeot has announced the arrival of its all-new Expert midsize commercial van, which enters the Australian market priced from a competitive $36,490 in 1.6-litre short-wheelbase form and tops out at $45,890 for the 130kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel long-wheelbase range-topper.

With five variants in total, the new Peugeot Expert will line up against the upcoming next-generation Toyota HiAce, along with other European vans like the Ford Transit Custom, Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter and lesser variants of the Fiat Ducato.

Engine choices span an 85kW/300Nm 1.6-litre turbo diesel, available only in the base model Expert SWB and only with a six-speed manual. Those wanting more power or transmission choice can get the same bodystyle with a gruntier 110kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which also introduces a six-speed conventional automatic in addition to the manual transmission.

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Two long-wheelbase models are offered too, with one powered by the 110kW diesel and the other taking the most powerful engine in the range, a 130kW/400Nm 2.0-litre diesel. Both are exclusively automatic, and all Peugeot Experts take their power to the front wheels only.

Built on the same lightweight EMP2 platform used by the Peugeot 308, 508, 3008 and 5008, the Expert saves around 100kg over its predecessor. The platform also permits a large and useful internal volume, with the critical numbers being 5.8 cubic metres of cargo volume for the SWB Expert, and 6.6 cubic metres for the LWB.

Maximum payload comes in at 1300kg depending on individual spec for both of them, but with all models capable of carrying at least 1000kg over their tare mass. Standard pallets will easily fit between its rear wheelarches too, while the front passenger seats can be flipped up to add another 1.16m of length to the cargo area for a total of 3.67m in the SWB, and 4.02m in the LWB.

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Tow capacity varies from 1500kg to 2200kg depending on variant, and loading cargo is made easier by the provision of dual side doors and rear barn doors as standard. A rigid bulkhead separates the cabin from the cargo area for additional comfort.

Safety has also been taken care of, with AEB, forward collision detection, active cruise control and – especially important for a commercial van – blind spot monitoring all included as standard. On top of that, there’s also front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, front, side and curtain airbags, power folding side mirrors, front foglamps and a fatigue monitor.

The standard infotainment package is also comparatively generous for a commercial vehicle, packing a 7-inch colour touchscreen that totes a built-in smartphone mirroring capability. The days of drivers having to suction-cup their phone to the windshield to get navigation instructions are over.

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PRICING

After-sales costs should be manageable thanks to 12-month/20,000km servicing intervals, while a 5-year/200,000km warranty applies to the Expert. Full range pricing is as follows:

• Peugeot Expert SWB 1.6 85kW manual - $36,490
• Peugeot Expert SWB 2.0 110kW manual - $39,990
• Peugeot Expert SWB 2.0 110kW automatic - $42,490
• Peugeot Expert LWB 2.0 110kW automatic - $44,190
• Peugeot Expert LWB 2.0 130kW automatic - $45,890