Peugeot Traveller Review 2024
Peugeot Traveller At A Glance
The Peugeot Traveller is stylish and upmarket MPV that rivals the Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Caravelle. Like other large people carriers, the Traveller is based on a van – in this case, the Peugeot Expert – and is aimed at taxi operators, airport shuttle firms and family buyers who need utilitarian transport for the school run.
The Traveller will carry up to seven passengers and majors on value. Indeed, it costs considerably less to buy new than its Ford and Volkswagen rivals and running costs are smaller too, with Peugeot's efficient range of four-cylinder turbodiesels returning 133g/km of CO2 and up to 55.4mpg, according to the official figures.
There are two trim levels to choose from - Active and Allure - and base models get all of the essentials, which means you shouldn't need to raid the options list to add any costly extras. Active models feature climate control, parking sensors, automatic headlights and a full size spare wheel. Twin side sliding doors are also standard, along with a split rear tailgate and air conditioning for the rear passengers.
Allure trim brings the Traveller in-line with the plush Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with full leather trim, hands free electric sliding side doors and a panoramic sunroof. There's also darkened privacy glass for the second two rows, while the 17-inch alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers provide the Traveller with an executive appearance that wouldn't look amiss in the carpark of any high street hotel.
Due to its wide and upright dimensions, the Traveller is extremely practical. Both the second and third rows are spacious and this means three tall adults can sit in the middle row in comfort. The third row also has lots of head and leg room, although sound proofing could be better as quite a lot of road noise makes it into the cabin.
The Traveller isn't as good to drive as the Tourneo Custom or Caravelle, with numb steering that makes it difficult to gauge any connection with the handling; however, the Traveller is easy to drive and surprisingly nimble when it comes to parking. The ride is composed too, which means long distance comfort is never an issue for the driver or passengers.
The diesel engines vary from 1.6 to 2.0-litre and power outputs range from 95PS to 180PS. The star performers are the 115PS 1.6-litre and 150PS 2.0-litre diesels. Not only are these engines packed with torque, but advertised economy is 51.4- 55.4mpg. This is almost 10mpg more than anything the most-efficient versions of the Caravelle or Transit Custom claim.
Despite a few shortcomings, the Traveller is an impressive MPV. It might not be as refined as its car-based rivals, but the low running costs and upmarket appearance will make it an appealing choice for taxi and shuttle operators who want a luxurious people mover that will look as good on the company books as it will on the road.