New Peugeot Expert to make worldwide debut at CV show
All-new version of the Peugeot Expert to feature at the 2016 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham
The all-new Peugeot Expert will make its worldwide debut at the 2016 Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham on April 26.
The Expert was initially revealed at a special event at PSA's Sevelnord plant in France at the end of last month, where it was announced that the van will be based on the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) and will boast improved efficiency and lower running costs from a range of BlueHDi diesel engines.
The modular design of the Expert is reflected in two wheelbases, which have been combined to offer three different body lengths. The smallest option is 4.60 metres, with medium and longer lengths at 4.95 metres and 5.30 metres respectively.
The platform’s reinforced structure supports a payload of up 1,400kg and allows the van to tow up to 2.5 tonnes. It will also be offered as a double cab and flatbed.
Focus on efficiency
Efficiency is likely to be the main selling point though, as the range of BlueHDi engines combined with the weight savings gained from the new platform considerably cut emissions and improve fuel economy.
There are three 1.6-litre diesel engines, ranging from 95bhp to 115bhp, with the most frugal offering 55.3mpg and 133g/km CO2 emissions. There are also three more-powerful 2.0-litre diesels, with the range-topper offering 180bhp with 46.3mpg and 151g/km.
Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat said: “The innovative design allows us to offer best in class efficiency figures in terms of CO2 and fuel economy. It’s our trump card in winning over new customers in the LCV sector.”
The Expert has also been awarded the maximum 5-star rating in EuroNCAP tests, helped by a host of safety features on board, with adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, road-sign reading and recommendations, lane departure warning, driver attention alert and an active safety brake all available.
Advanced technology features
Other tech on offer includes a 7-inch touchscreen with voice-operated connected 3D satellite navigation, a head-up display and a ‘Mirror Screen’ function that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink technology.
The ‘Top Rear Vision’ system also makes parking easier, as when the vehicle approaches an obstacle the rear camera zooms in to provide a 180-degree seen from above angle for a more precise display of the remaining distance. Conventional front and rear parking sensors are also available.
In addition, it can come with unique hands-free sliding doors, which can be opened or closed with your hands full. The system will also close the doors then lock the vehicle automatically as you drive away.
The Expert is set to go on sale in September, with prices to be announced towards the end of April.
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