The Peugeot Partner Combi comes with just one engine, a 90bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel. This powerplant offers decent enough performance with its 161lb ft of pulling muscle.

As you’d expect of any car with such high, bluff sides, taking corners in the Partner Combi involves a certain amount of body lean. However, other than that the Partner is a sure-footed and surprisingly entertaining vehicle to drive. Supple suspension provides a cushy ride no matter what the speed or the surface.

The diesel powerplant is reasonably smooth and refined. However, it needs a fair amount of right-foot action in order to overtake, and as a result it makes itself heard rather too loudly within the cabin as the revs rise. Some wind noise disturbs the Combi’s occupants at higher speeds and road rumble accompanies it.

Residual values aren’t particularly impressive, but running costs are reasonably low. Fuel consumption is reasonable without threatening some of the Combi’s major rivals.

The Combi is well put together and mechanically tough, although the interior plastics look and feel a little on the hard and cheap side. The diesel engine in the Partner Combi is used elsewhere in the Peugeot range and is known to be reliable, so long as it is properly maintained.

A passenger airbag is now fitted as standard alongside the driver’s one, while side airbags only feature on the options list. Anti-lock brakes are also only available as an extra. Security features consist of an immobiliser and remote central door locking, an alarm isn’t an option.

Large front doors make access easy to the Combi’s basic but smart cabin, and most instruments and controls are arranged in a logical manner. The rather upright driving position takes some getting used to, but it is reasonably comfortable nonetheless. Visibility is excellent all round, though, thanks to those high seats and the Partner’s huge windows.

The Partner Combi can carry up to five adults in reasonable comfort thanks to decent legroom and ample headroom both in the front and in the back. There’s masses of space for the occupants’ luggage, too, because the vast, well shaped load area can swallow most items of luggage that are thrown at it. When not in use, the rear seat can be tumbled forward easily to accommodate large, bulky items.

Standard equipment levels are pretty good considering the Partner’s commercial vehicle heritage. Power steering, remote central locking, CD player and electric front windows all come as standard on the Combi, as well as steering column-mounted controls for the stereo. Air-conditioning and cruise control are options that will cost you more.