2004 Peugeot's Partner Grand Raid

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Generally, the French importers have steered clear of the entry-level, but they have seen the opportunity in the van-based MPV market with the likes of the Berlingo Multispace and the Kangoo Multix.

Peugeot has taken a different tack, however, by making its Partner-based passenger vehicle into a pseudo-soft-roader. Indeed it is not a "cheapie' at all and, in fact, a perfectly decent mini-MPV can be obtained for less.

Compared to the light commercial version, the Grand Raid has a completely new front end, with a different bonnet, and revised headlamps.

But it also boasts a raised ride height, protective mesh covers over the front and rear light clusters to allude to its dual-purpose aspirations, and most importantly, a limited slip differential.

The diff enables some torque to be transmitted to the opposite wheel when its partner loses traction, theoretically enabling the vehicle to continue forward on poor surfaces.

The Grand Raid gets a smidgen of visual attitude thanks to the changes, and from the front it almost looks purposeful, what with those big circular fog lights set in the front bumper, matt black bumper end pieces, and 185/65 tyres on 15-inch steel wheels.

But it still remains a van in terms of its overall dimensions, and it is capable of a carrying a load volume of 2 800 litres with the rear seat folded down.

However, in Grand Raid guise it is more likely to be used for a combination of passengers and luggage, and with all five seats in use Peugeot say there is still a boot capacity of 624 litres, though this measure is probably with the luggage compartment loaded to the roof, rather than under the retractable cover.

Access to the 60/40 split rear seat is via sliding doors, which prove very useful in confined areas.

The interior treatment reflects the leisure vehicle positioning, with air-conditioning, radio/CD (with steering column satellite controls and a volume function indexed to the road speed), and central locking all fitted. The passenger-side exterior mirror is electrically adjustable; the driver's remotely controlled by means of a stalk.

Power front windows are installed, with the controls less than ideally positioned in the hang down section of the centre console. There's also a 12-volt power point.

Safety issues are addressed with the fitment of anti-lock brakes, and there are dual air bags. The passenger-side one can be deactivated if a child seat is installed.

Finding storage space for oddments poses no problem, and there are cup holders galore, and a removable ashtray. Door packets are wide and deep, and probably designed to accommodate a 1.5-litre mineral water bottle.

Ventilation proves to be effective, with the four large, eyeball-type vents providing an adequate flow of air.

Despite the cabin's decent equipment levels, the ambience was let down by some quality issues.

On our test unit the glove box was poorly fitted, as was the cladding under the dash. In addition, one of the speakers vibrated even at moderate volume.

However, the actual driving experience is a good one, with sprightly performance and great ride comfort the key factors.

Drive is via a five-speed manual transmission, and the 1.9-litre direct-injection common rail diesel engine proves to be well up what is asked of it.

In fact it feels as if it delivers more than 66 kW and 205 Nm (at a low 1 750 r/min) to the front wheels, and is seldom left flat-footed around town.

It is turbo-charged, which means there is virtually no power loss at high altitude either. With the special diff (designed to divert up to a quarter of the total torque to the wheel with more traction) there is plenty of feedback, and if power is applied liberally with the wheels on different surfaces there is considerable torque steer.

But the diff is fairly benign, and is a boon off-road.

The suspension is raised 30 mm, resulting in ground clearance of 170 mm.

Peugeot says that approach and departure angles are now 28 and 37 degrees respectively - the former figure on par with the average soft-roader - but the latter figure is even better because there's virtually no rear overhang.

This higher ground clearance is obtained by means of longer springs that also result in the Partner's sumptuous ride, and ability to soak up virtually any road irregularity. A protective 3 mm panel is fitted to protect the sump in rough terrain.

Faced with the possibility of over-loading the small MPV niche with yet another cheap and cheerful French alternative on almost the same theme, Peugeot has chosen to go off at a tangent and has almost invented its own "niche within a niche".

As such it will appeal mainly to those who want something different, plus a bit better finish and quality than the rest. It's also currently the only one with a decent-sized diesel engine, with lots of grunt and super fuel economy - plus the ability to wander off-road a little.