Two 1.6-litre petrol engines (90bhp and 110bhp) and three diesels (75bhp, 90bhp and 110bhp) are available. The petrol engine is ideal if you don’t intend to cover long distances, although the 90bhp version can feel sluggish and takes 15.3 seconds to get from 0-62mph. The 110bhp model is better on open roads and returns the same 34mpg. It’s the diesels that most people choose though and the 1.6-litre HDi is available with 75bhp, 90bhp or 110bhp – the latter only in Outdoor trim.

None of them are exceptionally quick, although the 110bhp version manages the 0-62mph sprint in 12.5 seconds and still returns an impressive 50mpg. All models come with five-speed manual transmission only which is a little sloppy. There’s no automatic gearbox choice. In November 2009 the 1.6-litre petrol engine with 110bhp in the Tepee S was replaced by a newer 1.6-litre VTi with 120bhp which is also used in the 207 and 208 ranges.

This gives the Partner a 0-62mph time of 13.4 seconds but more crucially, average economy increases from 34mpg to 39mpg. Annual road tax is also reduced.

Driving fun is probably a low priority for Partner Tepee buyers but it handles with surprising agility. It shares many underpinnings with the Peugeot 308 and corners more like a car than a van. It is lower and wider than the Partner Combi (which it replaced) and bodyroll is only apparent on severe twists thanks to its better poise. The power-steering is very light – useful for parking manoeuvres but a little too responsive at higher speeds – while the suspension deals with uneven road surfaces well.