android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Expert is French's answer to the Toyota HiAce. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Likes

Payload/tow ratings All-round performance Fuel economy

Dislikes

No ANCAP, BSM or RCTA Centre passenger legroom Loose interior trim

Mid-sized (2.5 to 3.5-tonne) commercial van buyers have a variety of makes and models to choose from, even though most buy the venerable HiAce.

Latest VFACTS figures confirm Toyota’s long-standing dominance, as the HiAce commands just under 40 per cent market share with the remainder spread across ten competitors from Europe, China and Korea.

One of those is Peugeot’s Expert, which is available with a choice of wheelbases, transmissions and model grades. It currently represents just 1.3 per cent of sales in this segment, so we recently spent a week behind the wheel to see how it compares to the market leader.

Price Guide

$50,070

Based on new car retail price

This price is subject to change closer to release data

Price and Features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

Our test vehicle is the Pro Long Auto variant. ‘Pro’ means it’s the lower-priced and more work-focused of two Expert model grades. ‘Long’ means it has the longer of two wheelbases and ‘Auto’ denotes auto transmission as opposed to the manual alternative.

Powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel shared by all Experts, it has a list price of $50,075 plus ORCs which is significantly more than its LWB HiAce auto equivalent at $46,760. And our example is finished in Artense Grey metallic, which is one of several premium colours available at extra cost.

The Pro Long Auto is built for work with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/65 R16C Michelin tyres plus a full-size spare. Useful workhorse features include rear parking sensors, 12-volt accessory socket, automatic headlights and wipers, front fog lights, cruise control and a multimedia system with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and multiple connectivity including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Pro Long Auto is built for work with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/65 R16C Michelin tyres. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Design – is there anything interesting about its design?

Our ‘Long’ example rides on a 3275mm wheelbase with 5309mm overall length, 1920mm width and 1948mm height, so compared to the HiAce it’s slightly longer in wheelbase and overall length but narrower and not as tall. It’s also significantly lighter with a kerb weight that’s almost 500kg (or half a tonne) less than the Toyota; a big factor in its spirited performance and superior payload rating.

The Peugeot’s front-wheel drive underpinnings include MacPherson strut front suspension, coil spring semi-trailing arm rear suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Its 12.4-metre turning circle is also more than a metre larger than the HiAce.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Pro’s work focus can be seen in its black plastic front and rear bumpers and side mouldings where most scrapes and dents occur in hard-working vans. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

The Pro’s work focus can be seen in its black plastic front and rear bumpers and side mouldings where most scrapes and dents occur in hard-working vans. There’s matching black on other high-wear surfaces like the door mirrors, door handles, hubcaps, rear wipers and rego plate shroud.

The cabin has seating for three with a driver’s bucket seat and separate two-passenger bench seat. Although all occupants have ample headroom, the dashboard’s protruding centre console leaves little legroom. In fact, the centre passenger must travel with both knees skewed to the left of this extension, which then encroaches on the outer passenger’s legroom. So, for a crew of three we’d recommend short trips. Our only other criticism was the lower dash panel on the passenger’s side, which kept popping loose despite repeated attempts to click it back into place.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
Although all occupants have ample headroom, the dashboard’s protruding centre console leaves little legroom. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Engine and transmission – What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?

The Expert’s punchy 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel is one of its strengths. Turbocharged and intercooled, it has Euro 5 emissions compliance and produces 110kW at 4000rpm and 370Nm at 2000rpm. The eight-speed torque converter automatic has near-seamless shifting and offers the choice of sequential manual-shifting using steering wheel paddle-shifters.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Expert is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Fuel consumption – How much fuel does it consume?

Peugeot claims a combined average consumption of 6.3L/100km and the dash display was close to that at 7.6L after 386km of testing, which included about one third of that distance carrying a full payload. Our own figure calculated from fuel bowser and tripmeter readings came in higher again at 8.3L/100km, which is still outstanding economy for a vehicle of this size. So, based on our numbers, you could expect an extensive driving range from its 70-litre tank of around 840km.

Practicality – How practical is the space inside?

Its relatively light 1743kg kerb weight combined with a 3100kg GVM allows for a sizeable 1357kg payload that’s almost 300kg more than the HiAce. It’s rated to tow up to 1800kg of braked trailer, which is also 300kg more than the Toyota. And with its 4900kg GCM, the Expert can legally tow its maximum trailer weight while carrying its maximum payload. These are excellent numbers for a multitude of working roles.

The cargo bay and cabin are separated by a stout steel bulkhead, which insulates the cabin from tyre noise emanating from the rear wheel housings and doubles as a cargo barrier. Its central window provides vision for the rear-view mirror and the ability to check on loads.

Lined to mid-height, the Expert’s cargo bay is accessed through large sliding doors on each side with handy 935mm-wide openings, while rear access is through glazed barn-doors which open to 180-degrees to aid forklift access. Each is equipped with its own windscreen wiper and demister.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Experts relatively light 1743kg kerb weight combined with a 3100kg GVM allows for a sizeable 1357kg payload. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

The load floor is 2780mm long and 1628mm wide with 1258mm between the wheel housings, so it can carry up to three 1200 x 800mm Euro pallets or two 1165mm-square Aussie pallets, held in place by a total of eight floor-mounted load anchorage points. The 6.1 cubic metres of load volume splits hairs with the HiAce’s 6.2 cubic metres.

Cabin storage starts with a cavernous bin in the base of each front door that can easily hold a big 1.5-litre bottle and lots more. Each door also has two other compartments for smaller items. The dash-pad has a cup holder at each end and there’s a shrouded storage compartment in the centre. There are also two small storage nooks near the gearshift dial, plus on the passenger side is a glovebox and additional storage compartment (with 12V accessory plug inside).

The bench seat’s hinged base cushion also tilts forward to reveal two large storage bins below, with one thoughtfully lined with polystyrene foam to keep items either hot or cold.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
Rear access is through glazed barn-doors which open to 180-degrees to aid forklift access. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

What’s it like as a daily driver?

It has a comfortable driving position as the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach, the bucket seat has a fold-down inboard armrest and there’s a prominent left footrest. Although the driver’s seat base has no rake adjustment, it’s long enough to provide good under-thigh support with enough rake to avoid sliding towards the front of it like some rivals.

The steering is responsive and nicely weighted, which combined with competent handling and braking makes the Expert feel sure-footed. The supple four-coil suspension provides a smooth unladen ride quality.

The energetic drivetrain with its 370Nm of torque has spirited acceleration and good agility in traffic. Although peak torque is at 2000rpm, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel pulls cleanly from 1500rpm which showcases its flexibility.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Expert is missing important active safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

The eight-speed automatic gets good results from this engine, but sequential manual-shifting using the paddle-shifters is handy when more driver input is required. The cabin is acceptably quiet at highway speeds, thanks to the cabin bulkhead and low tyre, engine and wind noise.

Our only major criticism is the absence of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. In our opinion every van, particularly with solid side-walls and doors like this one, should at least have these active safety features as standard (like the HiAce which also has standard front parking sensors).

The Expert’s relatively small mirror on the passenger door is not sufficient in eliminating the large and potentially hazardous blind-spot over the driver’s left shoulder, particularly in heavy traffic and when reversing from driveways into busy streets.

What’s it like for tradie use?

Outstanding, judging by how well it performed after we secured a sizeable 1215kg in the cargo bay which with driver equalled a total payload of 1315kg that was slightly under its 1357kg limit.

Not surprisingly, the nose dropped 30mm and the rear suspension compressed 60mm, yet it still had about 40mm of static bump-stop clearance. That was ample to avoid bottoming-out over bumps and dips, while the engine maintained surprisingly spirited performance in city and suburban driving.

With this load on board, it also made light work of our 13 per cent gradient, 2.0km set climb at 60km/h, self-shifting down to third gear and effortlessly powering its way to the summit. Engine-braking on the way down required plenty of brake pedal assistance though, which was not unexpected given the engine’s relatively small displacement and the big weight it was trying to restrain.

android, peugeot expert 2023 review: pro - gvm test
The Experts engine maintained surprisingly spirited performance in city and suburban driving while carrying a 1215kg load. (Image credit: Mark Oastler)

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?

No ANCAP rating and although it’s equipped with AEB, emergency brake assist and forward collision warning there are only front airbags for driver and passenger, which looks threadbare compared to the HiAce’s seven airbags. It also misses out on important active safety features previously mentioned.

Ownership – What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?

The Expert is covered by a five years/200,000km warranty. Scheduled servicing every 12 months/20,000km whichever occurs first. Five years of capped-price servicing totals $3049 or an average of $609.80 per year.

Keyword: Peugeot Expert 2023 review: Pro - GVM test

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

F1 Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell heads McLarens as Red Bull struggle in final practice

George Russell set the pace in final practice at F1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Red Bull unusually struggled. The Mercedes driver was just 0.095s faster than Lando Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who was 0.392s adrift in third. Alex Albon was an eye-catching fourth for Williams, only ...

View more: F1 Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell heads McLarens as Red Bull struggle in final practice

“Big secrets!” - George Russell jokes about mystery Mercedes tests in Abu Dhabi

George Russell has joked that Mercedes were doing ‘secret’ tests in Abu Dhabi before clarifying whether they were actually doing work ahead of 2024. Russell enjoyed a strong Friday at the Yas Marina Circuit, topping the first practice session. He was then sixth-fastest in FP2, just 0.3s off Charles Leclerc’s ...

View more: “Big secrets!” - George Russell jokes about mystery Mercedes tests in Abu Dhabi

F1 Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell sets FP1 pace as 10 rookies fill in for Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and co

George Russell set the pace in opening practice at the F1 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as 10 rookies filled in for full-time drivers including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Russell was faster than Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, who impressively got within 0.288 seconds of the Mercedes driver’s ...

View more: F1 Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell sets FP1 pace as 10 rookies fill in for Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and co

Stellantis to take over distributorship of Peugeot vehicles in early 2024, taking over from Bermaz

Stellantis, the world’s 4th largest automaker as of 2022, made public its plan to create a new national sales company (NSC) in Malaysia by the first quarter of 2024. This entity will oversee the sales and distribution of Peugeot vehicles, aligning with Stellantis' growth objectives in the ASEAN region and ...

View more: Stellantis to take over distributorship of Peugeot vehicles in early 2024, taking over from Bermaz

George Russell: F1 2023 “a very strange season” with a “huge amount of missed opportunities”

George Russell has conceded that he needs to understand “why there’s been a huge amount of missed opportunities” in F1 2023. Russell has secured eighth in the drivers’ championship with one round to go, well behind teammate Lewis Hamilton, who has third-place sewn up. The British driver has finished ...

View more: George Russell: F1 2023 “a very strange season” with a “huge amount of missed opportunities”

Lewis Hamilton making George Russell look “second-rate” in F1 2023, says Eddie Jordan

Legendary F1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes Lewis Hamilton’s impressive performances in 2023 have made George Russell “look a bit second-rate”. Hamilton has comprehensively out-performed Russell in the standings – 72 points is the gap ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Russell has finished on the podium ...

View more: Lewis Hamilton making George Russell look “second-rate” in F1 2023, says Eddie Jordan

Rev Up Your Dreams: BAuto's Exclusive Pre-Owned Carnival – Luxury, Sportiness, and Unbeatable Deals Awaits You!

Step into the world of automotive excellence with Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto), your trusted distributor of KIA, Peugeot, and Mazda! Mark your calendars for an exhilarating Pre-Owned Carnival at select BAuto branches on November 25th and 26th. This is your golden ticket to delve into a curated collection of pre-owned ...

View more: Rev Up Your Dreams: BAuto's Exclusive Pre-Owned Carnival – Luxury, Sportiness, and Unbeatable Deals Awaits You!

This E-Bike From German Brand Geos Is Lightweight, Sleek, And Stealthy

It’s perfect for those who want an e-bike, but don’t want their e-bike to look like an e-bike.

View more: This E-Bike From German Brand Geos Is Lightweight, Sleek, And Stealthy

Stellantis Initiates Transformation in Peugeot Operations in Malaysia

Stellantis to directly handle Peugeot brand in Malaysia

Peugeot 208 and e-208 review 2023: Bright future for updated supermini?

Most affordable crossover from every brand in South Africa

Perfect Pair: The Sonny Works Peugeot 505s

“Totally my fault” - George Russell takes full responsibility for Max Verstappen clash in Las Vegas

The “total unknown” worrying George Russell going into F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

George Russell fastest ahead of Oscar Piastri as red flag ends Las Vegas Grand Prix FP3 prematurely

All Those Grills Helped George Foreman Build Quite The Car Collection

George Russell confident Mercedes won’t ‘fall into same trap’ that caused Brazil slump at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Stellantis Confirms Peugeot Landtrek Will Be Built in Eastern Cape

1935 Peugeot 401 Eclipse

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel