The Expert Tepee Leisure is Peugeot's answer to spacious, practical and flexible vans.  With its iconic Peugeot lion symbol above the grille, its sheer size, and box-like rear end; the Tepee does give away its pedigree as originating from the 'commercial vehicle' world.  However, at the same time, the Tepee lends itself to a flexible and practical people carrier, with a diesel derivative that is well-suited and economical for either commercial vehicle duties within the business sector, or as a spacious and comfortable family car for weekend's away with bikes, tents and 4 kids in tow!  If you're looking at buying a vehicle in this segment, the Peugeot Expert Tepee Leisure, which is available as a 2.0 HDi L2H1 here in South Africa, could be the car for you.

Peugeot been producing commercial vehicles for a long time now and in some respects the Tepee bears a couple of design characteristics which are similar to its commercial siblings.  This however, need not be a negative thing.  This vehicle is capable of carrying people and their cargo safely, sensibly and as practically as possible using Peugeot's 'tried and tested' recipe.  The Expert Tepee has a robust bumper (incorporating front fog lights) and it straddled centre top and bottom by a sizeable front grille.  There is a long front nose with clear-lens headlight clusters and the front windscreen and rear view mirrors are large ensuring maximum visibility.  There are sliding doors on each side with left and right sliding windows in the sliding doors. 

The Expert Tepee would make the perfect vehicle if you have a large family (seating capacity is 9).  With either two rows of seats or three, there's plenty of room for passengers and, crucially, their belongings. The second and third rows can be folded and used to create a flat surface. There are no clever fold-flat mechanisms, but all the chairs can be removed if necessary.  As with all modern Peugeot's, the individual seats are comfortable and supportive.  Active types will love the cabin's flexible nature and the ability to vary the seat-to-load space ratio too, and there are plenty of storage options dotted around inside.  All the major controls are familiar Peugeot items - clear, easy to read displays are matched by solid controls.  At the front, wide opening front doors makes cabin access straightforward.  With a low mounted driver's seat, there's no need to climb 'up and in' like you do in a conventional van.  Further comforts come as standard and include a CD/MP3 Frontloader, Electric Power Steering and Front and Rear Air Conditioning.

The Peugeot Expert Tepee is powered by a 2.0 HDi diesel engine.  The diesel derivative means that there is a good balance between sensible running costs and performance.  In terms of engine specifications - maximum output is achieved at 88kW at 4000rpm and torque is placed at 300Nm at 2000 rpm.  Tepee is fastest at 160km/h and runs on 4 cylinders with a 6 speed transmission.  A normal Code 08 drivers licence is required and fuel tank capacity is at 80 litres.

Peugeot has covered all the bases when it comes to safety and security in this vehicle.  Expert Tepee mirrors that of a regular car with its remote central locking and immobiliser.  With such an open cabin and with a boot space exposed, it's not advisable to leave valuables lying around in plain sight, however the tinted glass and many interior storage compartments do help.  Like other Peugeot cars in the lineup Expert Tepee is fitted with the latest safety technology:  ESP, ABS, Grip Control, driver and passenger front airbags and a tyre under-inflation warning system.

The Tepee is well built and equipped and certainly has a good 'car for buck' appeal to any large active family or business needing to transport people and cargo together.  In terms of pricing, you can expect to pay around R374 500 for the Expert Tepee Leisure 2.0 HDi – L2H1. (All prices are subject to change and the reader is advised to consult a dealer for final pricing)