Peugeot
Boxer L2 H1 HDi 120
- THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
An
enjoyable drive and unusual styling are not characteristics usually
associated with panel vans. The Peugeot Boxer has both.
I’ve been driving a Boxer L2 H1
120HDi. Now, to anyone unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Peugeot
commercial vehicle range, that might sound like utter gibberish but
it’s not, it’s a particular version of Peugeot Boxer panel van. Model
designations like this are the norm in the panel van sector where the
manufacturers are faced with a labyrinthine collection of bodystyles
and engines to make sense of. In fact, with the Boxer, Peugeot have
taken an approach that’s refreshingly simple. This van comes in three
lengths (L1, L2 and L3) and two heights (H1 and H2) with a choice of
three engines.
Our
test vehicle had the middle body length, the lowest roof and the 120bhp
HDi diesel engine. Now you know what we’re talking about, let’s get on
with it.
This
is a small to mid-sized Boxer and as such, is the sort of vehicle that
many operators will choose. The French manufacturer isn’t known for its
real heavyweight panel vans in the way that the likes of Mercedes-Benz,
IVECO and Volkswagen are, so although the latest Boxer can be specified
up to a commanding size, it’s the smaller versions that are likely to
sell most strongly.
Our
L2 H1 test model had a 9.5m3 load volume and will happily shift a
1,440kg payload. Like all Boxers, it uses McPherson strut suspension
for the front wheels with an anti-roll bar to enhance handling
composure and a solid rear axel with leaf springs that helps keep the
loading height low and that payload capacity high. Doing the business
under the bonnet was a 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine with 120bhp to call
upon. This doesn’t sound like a whole lot in today’s money but the unit
is specially tuned to produce a powerful torque output of 320Nm at just
2,000rpm, equating to plenty of shove off the line where a working
panel van needs it.
The
Boxer was a sizable vehicle but the engine had little trouble getting
it moving. Most of the test took place with relatively light loads on
the back so there might be an issue when the van is fully-loaded but
the way the unit pulled through the gears gave no indication that there
would be. The Boxer has received criticism for its refinement but the
full height bulkhead on our model blotted out the road roar from the
load area and the engine itself is pretty refined.
The
ride is firmer than you’ll find on many panel vans but the taut
suspension yields sharper steering responses and good body control for
such a tall vehicle. It all makes the Boxer a highly enjoyable van to
drive with the dash-mounted gear stick ideally located and an abundance
of grip at the front wheels. In congested urban areas it’s in its
element and is composed enough to tackle undulating B-roads with some
aplomb. On longer journeys, the firm ride means the experience isn’t as
relaxing as with the best models in this sector but the Boxer’s
strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
"The
Peugeot Boxer is a fine product with a lot to offer panel van operators"
The
way the Boxer looks is going to generate quite some debate until the
regular sight of them on the roads inevitably sees the unorthodox front
end subsumed into the mainstream. The days when panel vans were
nondescript clones of one another have gone, with most manufacturers
now attempting to differentiate their products on a visual rather than
purely practical level: the Boxer can certainly consider itself
differentiated.
The
Boxer’s stubby frontage is produced by a nose that’s in two sections.
There’s a chunk missing in the middle as if it’s been twelve rounds
with a particularly peckish Mike Tyson. The horn-shaped headlamps are a
really nice touch, positioned right up under the windscreen and out of
harm’s way. This leaves the grille and Peugeot badge to populate the
lower section that juts forward protected by what seems like acres of
chunky plastic bumper. Things are far more uniform as you head
rearwards but the theme of bodywork protection is continued by thick
side-rubbing strips and another big bumper at the back. There are
indicators in the wing mirrors which won’t find favour with drivers who
use their mirrors like whiskers to test the width of parking spaces or
gaps in traffic and steps in the front bumper let you climb up and
clean the windscreen.
Access
to the rear is through the double-hinged back doors which swing out to
96 degrees or can be manually released to a 180 degree arc. There’s a
wide sliding side door on the near side and the loading height is
between 53 and 56cm depending on the model. Other than the rear wheel
arch bulges, the space inside is uniformly shaped while the ribbed
floor and abundance of lashing points will help keep wayward items in
check.
The
cabin says a lot about the way that panel interior van design has
progressed in recent years. There’s the dash-mounted gearlever, the
decent quality plastics and a multitude of storage options. The Boxer’s
dash-top clipboard is carried over from the old model and it’s a
feature that rivals have since pinched. There’s a massive central
glovebox below the centre console and big pockets in the doors as well
as other handy shelves and pots to keep your paraphernalia in check.
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