The Van’s Headlights

With conversion rates and average selling prices reaching new heights, the used light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is currently in fine fettle. A shortage of stock and a reduction in rental de-fleet volumes are driving these records. Interestingly, nearly 50% of all auctions sales are now for Euro 6 stock. In this month’s edition of The Van’s Headlights, we consider the merits of Peugeot Bipper Professional 1.3HDi 80bhp Euro 6 van (2016 – 2017).

The Glass’s Commercial Vehicle Editorial Team continue to scour the market in search of models offering the highest levels of versatility and durability whilst adding their experience to spot the best value for money available.

The Peugeot Bipper

Revealed in October 2007 and launched the following June, the Bipper is the smallest van in Peugeot’s LCV line up, underneath the Partner, Expert and Boxer. It was specifically designed as a high cube van with a generous load volume and a payload comparable to the larger Partner van.

Built as part of a joint venture with the Citroen Nemo and the Fiat Fiorino at Fiat’s factory in Bursa, Turkey, the Bipper is designed for urban deliveries. Featuring a wrap-around bumper protecting setback headlights, bonnet and radiator. Additionally, the wheels were pushed into each corner, delivering compact dimensions and maximising interior space.

Available with a choice of either a 1.4-litre 75bhp petrol engine or a 1.4HDi 70bhp diesel engine emitting only 119g/km of CO2. The HDi diesel engine was also available with an optional electronically controlled manual gearbox, a first for a Peugeot light commercial vehicle.

The Bipper launched with S and S+ trim levels and along with the Nemo and Fiorino was voted joint ‘International Van of the Year’ 2009. An optional five-speed electronically controlled 2 Tronic manual gearbox was introduced in August. Based on the standard manual gearbox, the 2 Tronic delivered improved CO2 of 116g/km and 64.2mpg. The top of the range Professional variant was added to the range during the summer of 2009.

Standard equipment on the S+ included one-touch electric front windows, electric adjustable and heated door mirrors, remote control central locking with separate cab and load area locking, deadlocks and automatic drive-away door locking. In addition to the S+ specification, the Professional specification included air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a half-height bulkhead & grille or full steel bulkhead and 14-inch wheel-trims.

The Bipper S+ changed its name late in 2009 to the SE with a slightly improved level of specification.

Options included a Comfort Pack featuring driver’s seat height adjustment, lumbar support and armrest, reach and rake adjustable steering and integrated clipboard. The Tough Pack added 15” wheels and 185/65 R15 tyres, door sill protectors and mouldings, washable cabin floor covering, raised suspension, front and rear mudflaps and an under-engine protection tray (not available on 2 Tronic).

Servicing is required every 20,000 miles or two years, regardless of engine type. To reduce costs and downtime further, the oil change and air filter, diesel filter, pollen filter and brake pad replacements were all scheduled to coincide with the service interval. The timing belt replacements are due every 140,000 miles or 10 years on the diesel engine, and 90,000 miles or 10 years on the petrol version.

In August 2010, PSA decided to extend the current 60,000-mile warranty to 100,000 miles.

In April 2016, the Fiat Fiorino received a facelift incorporating a new front bumper, a new steering wheel and infotainment system in the cabin. New Euro 6 compliant engines were also introduced at this time. Although both PSA vehicles received the new Euro 6 engine, the Bipper and Nemo did not receive a facelift and were dropped from their light commercial vehicle line-up late in 2017.

A practical choice

Andy Picton, Glass’s Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor recommends the Peugeot Bipper as “a practical and economical van ideally suited to light urban deliveries”

Andy added, “Although no longer available new, the Bipper is a popular van in the used market. Its diminutive footprint belies a van that can accommodate a standard Euro pallet, offer a payload on a par with bigger vans and still returns over 60mpg. Ideal for urban courier work, the Bipper is supported by a strong Peugeot dealer network”.

Peugeot Bipper Professional 1.3HDi 80bhp Euro 6 van (2016 – 2017)

The Peugeot Bipper range

• One body style
• 5-speed manual gearbox
• Three trim levels
• Euro 6 engine line up
• 660kg payload
• Combined 64.2MPG/CO2 emissions – 115g/km
• Variety of options
• Available in a choice of six exterior colours – three solid and three metallic

Five models made up the Bipper van range – S, S ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), SE, Professional and Professional ATV. All models were powered by the same 1.3HDi 80bhp Euro 6 engine, with standard specification including ABS and ESP, Driver’s ladder frame protector, radio/CD player, 12v plug, 6 tie-down load area hooks, 15” steel wheels and twin rear asymmetrical doors.

Additionally, the recommended 2016 Bipper Professional added as standard; air conditioning, side loading door, half-height bulkhead with mesh grille, TomTom GO 5000 Semi-integrated Navigation system, ‘Blue & Me’ handsfree Bluetooth phone kit, driver’s seat height adjustment and lumbar support, driver’s seat armrest, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, reach and rake adjustable steering wheel and integrated A5 sized clipboard.

Glass’s recommendation

Peugeot Bipper Professional 1.3HDi 80bhp Euro 6 van

Registration Plate: 2016/16

Mileage: 53,000 miles

Glass’s Trade £2,950 Excl VAT

Glass’s Retail £4,075 Excl VAT