Peugeot Bipper van review

The Peugeot Bipper is the smallest van in Peugeot's commercial lineup, underneath the Partner, Expert and Boxer, and like every other van in the range it's sold with a variety of different badges on the nose. In the case of the Bipper, it shares its platform, engines and most of its styling with the Citroen Nemo and the Fiat Fiorino, and they're all built together at Fiat's factory in Turkey.

The Bipper doesn't offer any choice of body length or roof height, and Peugeot quietly dropped the five-seat Bipper Tepee MPV from the range in 2014. There's also only one engine available, a 79bhp 1.3-litre diesel.

There's a little more choice in trim levels, as Peugeot offers the Bipper in S, SE and Professional trims. There's even the option of Peugeot's Grip Control system, which shifts power between the front wheels to aid traction in slippery conditions.

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All versions of the Bipper have a five-speed manual gearbox (there's no auto), and the van has 2.5 cubic metres of load volume, which can be extended to 2.8 cubic metres with an optional fold-flat passenger seat.

The Bipper’s 1.3-litre diesel engine produces 79bhp and 140Nm of torque, which is enough for lively urban performance. All models get a five-speed manual box and no auto option - if that's a must, you need to look at the Fiat Fiorino with its Comfort-Matic auto.

Fuel economy for the Bipper on the official combined cycle test is quoted at 60.1mpg, while CO2 emissions are 124g/km. While this looks quite impressive in isolation, the Ford Fiesta Van offers a claimed 78.5mpg with a 74bhp 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, and CO2 emissions of just 94g/km.

The Bipper S has an on the road price (inc VAT) starting at just over £13,000, while the lavishly-equipped Bipper Professional ATV comes in at almost £17,000.

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There's only one Bipper body style, offering 2.5 cubic metres of load volume or 2.8 cubic metres with the optional fold-flat passenger seat. As well as increasing overall carrying capability, the flat seat also extends the maximum load length from 1,523mm to 2,491mm, which is very good for a van that's only 3,864mm in length overall.

S and SE-grade Bippers have a ladder frame protector behind the driver, while the Professional model comes with a half-height steel bulkhead with mesh grille above it. A full-steel bulkhead is a £110 option. The S model has no side door, but it's standard on both SE and Professional models. All models offer a 660kg payload, which is competitive for this type of compact urban van. Indeed, it's similar to the lighter versions of vans in a class above the Bipper, such as the Renault Kangoo and the Citroen Berlingo.

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A Tough Pack is available for £200, including a 15-inch wheel upgrade, door sill protection and mouldings, a washable floor covering in the cab, raised suspension, front and rear mud flaps and an under-engine protection tray. This is separate to the ATV Grip Control system, though would work well with it for drivers tackling construction sites and forestry tracks.

ESP (electronic stability programme) was once a £200 option on the Bipper but now it’s standard across the range. It was always a fixture on the ATV Grip Control versions, as the two systems work together to activate individual brakes to maintain traction.

All Bipper vans also have ABS brakes and either a driver’s seat ladder frame protector or, in the case of Professional models, a half-height steel bulkhead with mesh upper section. The load compartment has six tie-down points to secure the load.

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The 1.3-litre engine has proven durable and reliable, and Peugeot offers the Bipper with a three-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is common with many manufacturers in this sector.

The 1.3-litre diesel engine produces a relatively strong 79bhp, which is enough to make the Bipper a rapid urban runabout.

although offering slightly less payload and a reduced load space, car-derived vans such as the Ford Fiesta van are much nicer to drive any distance. The ATV Grip Control model delivers surprisingly good off-road performance, with the electronic differential capable of producing additional traction to pull along muddy tracks and over wet grass. For £750, ATV offers a realistic alternative to winter tyres for those customers regularly working in poor conditions.

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The Bipper has a relatively simple but functional interior, which, despite the compact size of the van, is more than big enough for taller drivers. The seats are quite firm, if a little short under the legs, but the van is comfortable for all-day use as a delivery van.

The basic S-grade model has an MP3-compatible CD/radio, while the SE adds driver’s seat height adjustment, lumbar support and an armrest. The SE Bipper also comes with remote central locking for the cab and the rear, plus a sliding side door, while inside the cab you get rake-and-reach adjustable steering and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors.

Opt for the Professional trim level and the Bipper comes with air-conditioning and a Bluetooth hands-free kit for the driver’s mobile phone. Air-conditioning for the lower trim levels will cost you £550, while the Bluetooth kit is £180, more than justifying the £480 premium that Peugeot charges for the Professional models.

Van dimensions

(Width is body width at widest point, width with mirrors is 2,019mm) 

Load area dimensions

(Widths are maximum, width between wheel arches is 1,046mm)