Peugeot Boxer L2 H1 HDi 120
Ive 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 its not, its 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 thats 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 were talking about, lets get on with it.
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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 doesnt sound like a whole lot in todays 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 youll 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 its in its element and is composed enough to tackle undulating B-roads with some aplomb. On longer journeys, the firm ride means the experience isnt as relaxing as with the best models in this sector but the Boxers 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 Boxers stubby frontage is produced by a nose thats in two sections. Theres a chunk missing in the middle as if its 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 harms 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 wont 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.
Theres 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. Theres the dash-mounted gearlever, the decent quality plastics and a multitude of storage options.
The Boxers dash-top clipboard is carried over from the old model and its a feature that rivals have since pinched. Theres 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. The Peugeot Boxer is a fine product with a lot to offer panel van operators. Over the course of our test, we found the L2 H1 120 HDi model to be extremely user-friendly and surprisingly enjoyable to drive.
You could probably split hairs over the ride and refinement over long distances but specifying the bulkhead solves one of those problems and I for one would be willing to put up with the other in exchange for the Boxers nimbleness and fast responses.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Peugeot Boxer L2 H1 120HDi ENGINE: 120bhp 2.2HDi MAX PAYLOAD: 1,440kg LOAD VOLUME: 9.5m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 3.3t
