Peugeot Partner Tepee Outdoor ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

What Is It

The Partner Tepee is Peugeot’s curiously named family wagon for those who want a car with a hugely practical interior with plenty of space for five for very little cash. It sits between the smaller Bipper Tepee (which we reviewed in May 2013) and larger Expert Tepee.

In 2012 the Partner Tepee received a mid-cycle refresh which included Peugeot’s latest corporate grill, revised headlights and for the first time LED daytime running lights. There were also minor changes to equipment levels including the introduction of Peugeot’s Connect Navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity (fitted to our car).

Hardly an object of desire the Tepee makes no attempt to hide its van roots but it’s fair to say it’s far from ugly. 16 inch alloy wheels and body coloured trim certainly go some way to improving the look.

Prices start from £13,160 for a base 1.6-litre VTi in Urban trim but here we are testing the range-topping Outdoor model that features taller suspension, beefier bumpers and roof bars setting it apart from the rest of the range. Our test car is fitted with Peugeot’s tried-and-tested 1.6-litre 8v HDi diesel engine producing 92 bhp.

What’s It Like Inside?

Quite simply….massive. That boxy shape means that the Tepee offers bags of room for five generously proportioned adults and thanks to twin sliding doors getting in and out in tight spaces is a doddle. The only difficulty some might experience will be getting up into the seats as it’s quite a yomp.

Those expecting plush materials and a classy design are likely to be disappointed but if you are looking for an easy to get on with cockpit then that’s what the Tepee offers. The dashboard is lifted straight from the Partner van so it feels built to last with a clear and concise layout although the switchgear itself is very dated.

Getting comfortable is fairly easy with plenty of seat and wheel adjustment. The driving position takes a little getting used to with its large steering wheel, long gearstick sprouting from the dash and pedals that a little feel too close and oddly angled. 

What impresses most is the size of the boot which can swallow a callosal 675 litres of cargo which increases to 3,000 litres if you fold the rear seats. It’s also definitely worth going for a Tepee with the three individual rear seats (fitted to our car) as they fold individually, tumble forward or you can remove them altogether if need be. 

The rest of the interior is littered with neat storage areas in places you would never imagine such as behind the instrument binnacle, in the roof and under the floor in the rear. There's also a massive removable central bin that can easily store big bottles.

What’s It Like To Drive?

If you expect the Peugeot Partner Tepee to drive like a conventional car you are going to be disappointed but those who think it will drive like a van will be pleasantly surprised. Under the skin it’s based on the same platform as the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 5008 but from the outset the Partner was always intended to be offered as a family car. The previous generation Partner was just a van with windows and it showed.

With Peugeot’s 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine under the bonnet producing 92 bhp and 230 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm you won’t be taking part in any traffic light races. It is however perfectly adequate at pulling the Tepee along although you will need to change gear quite frequently to get the best from it. 

The suspension is pretty soft so the Tepee is really comfortable over most surfaces but in corners there is a lot of body roll and the over assisted, vague steering and long-throw, notchy five speed gearbox prevent you from enjoying the drive. That said grip levels are good and you always feel safe and secure at the helm. 

Refinement is better than we expected with low wind and road noise but there is no getting away from the coarse nature of the engine which produces lots of clatter under acceleration. Once cruising everything quietens down however making the Tepee good for covering long distances.

What Do You Get For Your Money?

Quite a lot actually. Our Outdoor model comes in at £16,975 and is equipped with ABS and EBD, air conditioning, electric windows and heated mirrors, 16 inch alloy wheels, six airbags, fog lights, and remote central locking. A ‘Family Pack’ is also included with brings with it rear passenger blinds, a centre storage console and child rear view mirror. 

Options fitted to our car include a ‘Vis Pack’ with automatic lights and rain sensing wipers (£160), rear parking sensors and folding door mirrors (£270), cruise control with speed limiter (£165) and Peugeot Connect Navigation System with Bluetooth and Aux input (£750). It brings the total price up to £18,840 once the fetching Aluminium metallic paint is added on. 

Running costs are reasonable with emissions of 135 g/km slotting the Tepee into VED Band E (£120 per year). Whilst with us fuel economy was also respectable returning 45 mpg over a combination of urban and rural journeys.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £18,840 (£16,975 excl options)
Engine: 1.6 litre 8v 92 bhp - 0-62mph: 14.3 secs - Maximum Speed: 102 mph -
Economy: 40.3 mpg (urban) 61.4 mpg (extra-urban), 54.3 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 135 g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length: 4,380 mm - Width: 2,112 mm - Height: 1,862mm - Wheelbase: 2,728 mm - Kerb Weight: 1,360 kg
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

It’s easy to see the attraction of the Peugeot Partner Tepee.

It offers buyers more space than they could probably ever need for very little cash. With a massive cabin full of clever storage solutions, high levels of comfort and low running costs there is a lot to like. It’s one of those rare cars that does exactly what you expect it to and it’s nice to see options such as satellite navigation, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers available on a vehicle of this type.

It is far from perfect though. There is nothing exceptional about the way it drives and some will find the boxy styling a turn-off. If you can see past these shortcomings the Partner Tepee is certainly worth a look.

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