Last year was a real roller-coaster ride so far as van launches were concerned and the fun hasn't stopped yet. Bigger than its predecessor and encompassing a much wider range of models, Peugeot's latest Expert has just gone on sale; and the manufacturer is confident that it's going to be a winner.

If the front-wheel drive Expert looks somehow familiar, then that's because it's the product of a long-standing joint venture deal between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Fiat. Aside from its badges the vehicle is identical to Citroën's Dispatch and Fiat's Scudo.

Making Expert larger than the old model has taken the van out of a niche that it had almost to itself and into a more mainstream area of the market that includes Volkswagen's Transporter, Mercedes-Benz's Vito, Vauxhall's Vivaro and Renault's Trafic.

If Peugeot can pull it off, then it will be quids in. If it cannot — and it's a brave van maker who throws down a challenge to Transporter in particular — then there are going to be plenty of red-faced senior executives with a lot of explaining to do.

It was with these thoughts in mind that we approached our front-wheel drive Expert demonstrator.

Technical

Customers get to choose from two different common rail diesel engines; a 1.6-litre generating 90 bhp or a 2.0-litre good for either 120 bhp or 136 bhp. Load cube ranges from 5.0m3 if you opt for the short-wheelbase standard roof van rising to 6.0m3 if you select the long-wheelbase standard roof instead and up to 7.0m3 if you favour the long-wheelbase high roof.

We went for the short-wheelbase standard roof — designated L1H1 in Peugeot parlance — with the 120 bhp engine. Top power kicks in at 4,000rpm while maximum torque of 225 lb/ft bites at 2,000rpm and a six-speed manual gearbox is a standard feature.

McPherson-type suspension is fitted at the front accompanied by lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar while a torsion beam with an offset Panhard rod, coil springs and inclined hydraulic dampers all help to support the rear.

Our test van was fitted with 16in steel wheels shod with Michelin Agilis 51 215/60 R16C tyres.

ABS comes as standard along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a driver's airbag is standard too.

Disc brakes — ventilated at the front — are fitted all round and electro-hydraulic power steering is part of the package. That puts this model ahead of the 90 bhp L1H1 which has drum brakes at the back and more basic hydraulic power assistance.

Gross weight is 2,702kg and our demonstrator could handle a 913kg payload. It could haul a braked trailer grossing at up to 2,000kg.