Peugeot Boxer Dropside Review
The Boxer Dropside at a glance
The Peugeot Boxer is one of the most capable vans on the market today. Its reputation for a high payload and efficient engine makes it an excellent choice for most tradesmen. Recently the Boxer has received a sizable upgrade from Peugeot as the company attempts to modernise a van that has remained largely the same for the best part of a decade. It’s not complacency though that made Peugeot stick to the same design. The Boxer was an industry-leading design when it first hit the streets in 2006 and as they say, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
Nevertheless, the world-renewed vehicle manufacturer gave the Boxer a long-awaited facelift and mechanical upgrade in 2019. This upgrade along with many other editions featured a change in engines and a substantial bodywork redesign. As for the cost, Peugeot has kept it largely the same as its predecessors and the new van retails from a staggeringly low £21,990.
Engines and Spec
The Boxer has almost always been known for its highly efficient engines and running costs and the 2022 model isn’t any different. It’s no secret that large vans cost a fair amount to run. Their engines need to be high in torque and produce enough horsepower to transport their heavy loads. So, when you come across a large payload van with an efficient engine it’s a keeper right away.
That’s exactly what you’ll get with the new Boxer. Its 2019 engine upgrade saw the introduction of the highly reliable and well-renowned 2.0-litre BlueHDi engine. One of the really brilliant things about this engine is that it complies with the new Euro 6D emissions regulations introduced in 2019.
It’s not just better for the environment though. The new Boxer engines also come with either 120hp and 310nm of torque or 140hp and 350nm of torque. These figures are hardly something to turn your nose up at and will certainly provide you with the power you need as a tradesman.
Interior
The Boxer stands up fairly well against its competitors when it comes to the interior cab. The standard van comes with the fairly usual three-seat setup for a large payload vehicle. However, unlike many vans, the middle passenger won’t have that incredibly uncomfortable journey we’re sure they usually dread. The gear lever is positioned high and close to the steering wheel to avoid the middle seat and the handbrake is also fitted to the right of the driver’s seat.
Now we’ve come to the real shining light of the Boxer. The payload is quite frankly outstanding. The larger vans can manage over 1500kg which is a far cry more than the Ford Transit (one of the boxer’s main rivals). In the dropside configuration, this makes the van extremely capable and a vehicle that can just about handle anything.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Impressive payload
- Well-thought-out cab
- Efficient engines
Cons
- Poor noise insulation
- Fairly slow to drive
- Complex variation list
The Verdict
In essence, the Boxer is a brilliant choice for those tradesmen that need a capable but efficient van. However, if you choose the dropside version, it will probably transform how you look at modern vans. The dropside comes with all the same payload features and all the same engine specs but with a whole lot more adaptability. Put it this way, you’ll be able to transport all of your waste material in one lot, without having to go back and forth between sites to clear a job.
Trust us when we say the boxer certainly won’t let you down and for such a reasonable price it’s a no-brainer! In reality, you’re getting all of the high-end benefits of some of Peugeot’s leading competitors but without that nasty price tag. So, if you’re a busy tradesman and the Boxer dropside sounds like the van for you, feel free to get in touch with our friendly staff and we’ll talk you through all of the options.
