Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3
Running Costs
4.5
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a compact van that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done? The Peugeot Bipper might be exactly what your business needs. This small commercial vehicle was designed for urban deliveries and trades where space is tight but practicality matters. It’s the van for small business owners who need something reliable, economical, and easy to park in busy city centres.
From first glance, the Bipper looks purposeful rather than pretty. Its boxy design maximises cargo space while keeping overall dimensions compact. Inside, you’ll find a no-nonsense approach that prioritises function over form. The dashboard is basic but everything you need is within easy reach. Rivals like small Ford Transit models or Citroen Nemo offer similar practicality, but the Bipper stands out for its surprisingly nimble handling and excellent fuel economy.
Driving the Bipper feels more car-like than many commercial vehicles. The 1.4 HDi diesel engine is particularly impressive, delivering excellent fuel economy that can approach 60mpg in real world use. The compact size makes it perfect for navigating narrow streets and tight loading bays. While it may lack the refinement of passenger cars, the Bipper delivers honest, dependable transport that keeps running costs low. It’s a van that gets on with the job without fuss or drama.
What's the Peugeot Bipper Like to Drive?
The Peugeot Bipper keeps things simple with its engine range, focusing on efficiency over excitement. The 1.4 HDi diesel engine produces around 70 horsepower, which is adequate for urban deliveries and light commercial work. It won’t win any acceleration contests, but it provides steady, reliable power that’s perfectly matched to the van’s intended use. The engine pulls well from low revs, making it easy to drive in stop-start traffic.
Where the Bipper really impresses is in its handling and manoeuvrability. The steering is light and responsive, making it surprisingly easy to navigate tight spaces and busy loading areas. The suspension setup strikes a good balance between load carrying ability and ride comfort. It’s firm enough to handle a full cargo load without wallowing, but won’t shake your fillings loose on rough surfaces. The compact dimensions and tight turning circle make it an absolute dream in crowded city centres where larger commercial vehicles would struggle.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L HDi Diesel
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Power Output
70 bhp
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0-60 mph
15.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
55-62 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
Inside the Peugeot Bipper: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Bipper and you’ll find a cabin that’s refreshingly honest about its commercial intentions. The dashboard is simple and functional, with large, easy to read dials and straightforward controls. The materials are basic but seem robust enough to withstand daily commercial use. Storage options are plentiful, with door pockets, cup holders, and overhead compartments providing space for paperwork and everyday items.
The front seats offer reasonable comfort for a commercial vehicle, though they lack the adjustment range you’d find in a passenger car. The driving position is upright and commanding, giving good visibility over traffic. Road noise is well controlled for a van of this price, making longer journeys more bearable. Standard equipment includes a basic radio and electric windows, though don’t expect luxury touches like air conditioning unless you opt for higher specification models. The Tepee passenger version offers improved comfort with better seats and additional soundproofing.
The Peugeot Bipper succeeds by focusing on the basics and doing them well. It offers genuine practicality, excellent fuel economy, and surprisingly good handling in a compact, affordable package. The 1.4 HDi engine is a particular highlight, delivering impressive efficiency without feeling sluggish in everyday use. For urban commercial work, it’s hard to fault.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Peugeot Bipper?
This is where the Bipper truly excels, offering some of the best running costs in the small van sector. The efficient 1.4 HDi diesel engine can achieve real world fuel economy of 55-60mpg, making it incredibly cheap to run for daily commercial use. Insurance costs are typically low thanks to the van’s modest performance and good safety record. Parts and servicing are reasonably priced, with good availability from Peugeot dealers and independent specialists.
The Bipper’s affordable purchase price makes it accessible for small businesses and sole traders who need reliable transport without a huge financial commitment. Depreciation is steady rather than dramatic, helping to protect your investment over time. Road tax is minimal thanks to low emissions, and the simple mechanical setup means maintenance costs stay reasonable. For businesses looking to keep transport costs under control, car finance options can spread the cost and help with cash flow management.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Peugeot Bipper
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Citroen Nemo
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Fiat Fiorino
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £12,000 | £12,500 | £11,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.4L HDi 70hp | 1.4L HDi 70hp | 1.3L MultiJet 80hp |
| Power | 70 bhp | 70 bhp | 80 bhp |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 58 mpg | 57 mpg | 54 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Good handling, Low running costs, Compact size | Shared platform, Similar economy, Basic spec | More power, Italian styling, Basic interior |
Peugeot Bipper Practicality & Boot Space
Despite its compact external dimensions, the Bipper offers impressive cargo capacity for its size. The 2.8 cubic metre load bay can accommodate a surprising amount of equipment and materials. The rear doors open wide for easy loading, and the low loading height makes handling heavy items much easier. The flat load floor and square sides maximise usable space, while tie-down points help secure loads safely.
For small businesses and trades, the Bipper hits the sweet spot between capacity and manoeuvrability. It’s large enough to carry a decent load but small enough to access restricted areas where larger vans can’t go. The Tepee passenger version transforms the cargo area into seating for up to five people, making it a versatile choice for used Peugeot cars buyers who need occasional people carrying ability. Loading height is low, reducing strain when handling heavy equipment throughout the working day.
Bought my Bipper for my plumbing business three years ago and it’s been brilliant. The fuel economy is fantastic and it fits into spaces where my old van couldn’t go. Basic but reliable, which is exactly what I needed.
The Peugeot Bipper stands out in the small van market by prioritising efficiency and practicality over unnecessary complexity. It combines excellent fuel economy, genuine load carrying ability, and surprisingly good handling into an affordable and reliable package. While it may not be the most refined or powerful van available, it excels in the areas that matter most for commercial users.
You choose the Bipper because you want a van that keeps costs low while getting the job done reliably. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for urban work, while the efficient diesel engine helps keep fuel bills under control. For small businesses, sole traders, and anyone needing basic commercial transport, the Bipper represents excellent value. With cars under £3,000 options available in the used market, it’s an accessible choice for budget conscious buyers.