THERE is an increasing number of small estates and MPVs on the market but one of the most practical is probably also one of the cheapest to buy and run.
The Peugeot Bipper Tepee is based on a van – but it doesn’t feel like one to drive.
One owner I spoke to recently had the diesel that I’ve just been driving and he said he filled it up for £60 and then forgot about it for weeks at a time.
I got over 50 miles per gallon out of my test car and he said that he got the same or better all the time, with 68 on a long run when he was not taking too much care.
The Bipper is powered by a 1.3 diesel and so performance is nothing special. But it is smooth and quiet and once up there, can easily keep up with motorway traffic.
It has a very comfortable ride – much better than some small hatches – and although there is some roll in the corners, it clings on happily.
Interior
The cabin is rather sparsely equipped and plain and because there is a fair amount of wind noise at speed, you might want to fit a louder stereo.
The boot is huge and the top Outdoor model I drove comes with air con, electric mirrors and front windows, good seat and column adjustment, start/stop and split fold back seats.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot Bipper Tepee
Price: £13,245
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,360cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 16.8 seconds.
Combined mpg: 65
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BIK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Main rival: Citroen C3 Picasso
