Peugeot and Citroëns’ core van ranges are the same, with each model rebadged and sometimes given a different engine. This is perfectly logical – both Peugeot and Citroën are part of PSA, Europe’s second-largest vehicle maker (after VAG – Volkswagen Audi Group). Peugeot also offers the car-derived 207 van, but this is being discontinued shortly.

Given this closeness, it is no surprise that both manufacturers have announced 2012 updates to some of their van models on the same day.

Peugeot: Updates Partner and Expert Vans for 2012

The Partner is also available in a crew cab model, with a second row of seats

The Peugeot Partner and Expert are both popular models with small businesses and tradesmen, offering useful capacity combined with compact dimensions and car-like driveability.

Both models are being updated for 2012 with a subtle front-end facelift, but the most significant changes are under the bonnet. The Partner now gets Euro 5 engines and e-HDi, Peugeot’s Stop & Start system.

The lowest emission Partner model now has CO2 emissions of just 123g/km, which Peugeot claims is the best in its class.

The larger Peugeot Expert is also getting an updated Euro 5 engine range with CO2 emissions for van models now starting at 168g/km and the range-topping 165bhp 2.0HDi engine now offering buyers the chance to specify Peugeot’s six speed automatic gearbox.

Citroën: 2012 Updates to Berlingo and Dispatch Models

Citroen Dispatch

Citroën has confirmed that its venerable but much-loved Berlingo First van (based on the first generation Berlingo) has now been withdrawn from the UK market.

The original Berlingo went on sale in 1996 and has sold 140,000 units in the UK alone. Its combination of compact practicality and reliability has won it a lot of fans over the years, but I suspect it diverts sales from Citroën’s current Nemo and Berlingo models – and its Euro 4 engines have had their day.

The current Berlingo launched in 2008 and has received a package of updates for 2012. Like its sibling the Peugeot Partner, it has an updated front end with lights, grill and bumper all getting freshened up.

Inside, the upholstery has been replaced with Citroën’s new ‘Gazyban’ (grey) trim. The Extenso, folding 2-person passenger seat remains standard fitment on LX and Enterprise models – this does give the vehicle useful flexibility, even if you would not want to travel too far with two passengers.

Under the bonnet, the changes are as you would expect. Euro 5 engines with reduced CO2 emissions and the option of Citroën’s Airdream regenerative stop-start system, which I mentioned recently. CO2 emissions now start from 123g/km for the range-topping HDi 90 Airdream model with optional automated six-speed gearbox. Operators choosing the basic HDi 75 model will have to be content with a manual gearbox and slightly higher CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

A petrol model continues to be available; in this case the VTi 95, which comes with a manual gearbox and 164g/km of CO2 emissions. I am a big fan of maintaining the option of petrol engines in small vans, but it does seem to be a dying trend.

The larger Citroën Dispatch is the sibling to the Peugeot Expert and offers a driving position and level of comfort that is not far off that of a large people carrier, combined with a choice of two load lengths and two roof heights, that provide up to 7m³ of loadspace.

For 2012, the Dispatch gets updated front lights, bumper and grill and additional aerodynamic panels under the body, which are aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. These are down from 182g/km  to 177g/km for the HDi 90 and from 179g/km to 168g/km for the HDi 125 with six-speed manual gearbox. Citroën’s Grip Control traction control system is available for the first time on a van, as well as the option of hill-start assist and a speed limiter.

When Are They All On Sale?

All of the models mentioned in this article are due to go on sale from the beginning of April 2012 – further specification details and pricing will be confirmed by Peugeot and Citroën nearer the time.