parent company of Peugeot PSA has spent millions developing a second generation replacement for the successful series of Partner van. The problem is that, to be frank, many potential customers just will not care. These are people who simply want a reliable, practical and above all affordable commercial runabout. However impressive the MK2 Partner van really is, these people are always asking for something cheaper. Something perhaps like the old Partner perhaps.
That is why dealers of Peugeot, will still sell you one. Badged «Partner Origin 'to differentiate it from its newer stablemate, this line-up offered for a single standard reference and is available in two payloads, 600kg and 800kg. Power comes from a single 1.6-liter HDi 75 the choice of a diesel engine of choice for most customers. Five exterior body colors are available, including a new color choice, Iron Grey.
Take a seat inside and things are not as simple as you can imagine. The cabin is tasteful and aesthetically pleasing. There is a digital display on the center console, full of useful information, chunky buttons and attractive circular vents dotted around the place. You'll find better quality plastics and a more luxurious feel to some competitors, but the success of the partner is built on simplicity and internal will not offend anyone.
There is a fair bit of equipment too, with variable power steering, height-adjustable steering column and driver's airbag across. There is much gray plastic obvious, of course, but very nicely done. There is a fair amount of storage space too, consisting of shelves, cubby-holes and a decent-sized glovebox, so users can find a home for all the paraphernalia of their working day.
As with most vans, the performance will not set many pulses racing, unless you've just done an upgrade from a horse and cart. The turning circle is tight, the powerful change speed and steering wheel gives everything a sense of control while remaining light enough so as not to overwork the driver. The 75bhp 1.6-liter diesel HDi common-rail is impressively refined and makes a good long distance companion but is equally adept in the cut and thrust of urban motoring where the powerful torque output pays dividends. The unit produces 175Nm at 1,750 rpm, so there is plenty of traction power and need not be the line along the urban automotive gearlever.
"Get the right treatment and you might end up feeling that the Origin of Species is exactly what you want ...."
You will not know unless you are familiar with one point at the bottom of commercial vehicles, but this Partner Origin has advanced suspension set-up too. Independent McPherson struts take care of the front, with a bar anti-roll, while trailing arms with transverse torsion bars support the cargo bay behind.
Generally, if you're willing to sacrifice the extra capacity of the MK2 Peugeot Partner, the highest quality feel, more payload and a wider range of engines for the lowest price, then this Partner of origin can also still make commercial sense. Citroen also offers old and new versions of the same design badged «Berlingo First» (old) and «Berlingo» (new). In other words, an approach that seems to work
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