There are just the two engine options and the most significant is the impressive 1.4-litre HDi, also found under the bonnetof the 207. It produces maximum power of 70hp and is capable of developing 160Nm of peak torque at 1,750rpm.The alternative is a similar capacity petrol unit with 75hp and a miserly 118Nm on tap.

Bipper is front-wheel drive and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automated manual ’box, the 2-Tronic, is available as an option on the diesel. Brakes are discs at the front and drums at the rear, and ABS is fitted on all models. The power steering has 2.8 turns lock-to-lock and the turning circle is 10.2m between kerbs.

The load area has a useable length of 1,523mm, a maximum height of 1,178mm and a width between the wheel boxes of 1,046mm. The rear load height is a more than acceptable 527mm. If the optional folding passenger seat is specified the load length is increased by close on a metre, effectively raising the load volume from 2.5m³ to 2.8m³ .Gross payload is an impressive 610kg. Access is via twin, side-hinged, asymmetrical rear doors and there’s the option of one or two sliding side doors.

There’s bags of storage space in the cab, the driving position is natural and the gearchange is dash-mounted. The large windscreen provides good forward vision and the large door mirrors keep check of what’s happening to the rear.

Servicing is recommended every 18,500 miles and the standard warranty is three years or 60,000 miles.

VERDICT

Bipper is a well conceived and executed small delivery van which has low CO₂ emissions (119g/km for the HDi) and is ideally suited for urban work.