Peugeot called in the combined expertise of Citroen and Fiat with the overall design of the new Expert van range. There’s an obvious similarity between the design of the Peugeot Expert, Citroen dispatch and the Fiat Scudo van; they all come from the same factory but there are differences other than the badge.

I’ve had the long wheelbase Peugeot Expert on the road in recent weeks to get a feel for the special features of the Peugeot offering. My first impressions were that, compared with the older model, this is an attractive looking van, with the Peugeot badge up front enhancing its looks.

The new Expert provides a choice of body sizes, a short wheelbase or long wheelbase version. The load length ranges from 2255mm to 2586mm, which is over 200mm longer than the previous model. In volume terms, that means that the new van offers one cubic metre of extra space in the standard short wheelbase version. Longer wheelbase versions and the new higher roof model offer even more load space capacity.

And the new Expert is wider too. The load area increases from a maximum of 1430mm to 1602mm, giving ample space for use of standard Euro pallets. This facility is enhanced by the fact that sliding side doors are fitted to each side and combined with 180-degree side opening rear doors, the mast of a forklift is not compromised.

The payload capacity of the Expert has also been improved. Compared with the older model, the payload capacity has been increased by 30 per cent from 900kg to 1,200kg. These all help to make the van more productive and ensure that it pays for itself each working day.