Peugeot Partner 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Peugeot Partner 2024 Refrigerated Van emerges as a compact yet formidable contender in the world of temperature-controlled transport, tailored for businesses that demand efficiency, agility, and reliability in a smaller footprint. Known for its nimble design and robust performance, this latest iteration builds on Peugeot’s storied legacy in the commercial van sector, now enhanced with a cutting-edge refrigeration system courtesy of Glacier Vehicles’ conversion expertise. With a payload capacity of 850kg, a load volume of 3.9m³, and a refrigeration unit capable of plunging to -25°C, the Partner 2024 is a versatile choice for food delivery, pharmaceutical logistics, and small-scale perishables transport. This comprehensive review explores every facet of the van—its refrigeration prowess, cargo capabilities, fuel efficiency, maintenance profile, technology, and real-world performance—offering an in-depth guide for prospective buyers seeking a refrigerated solution that punches above its weight.
The Partner has long been a favourite among small business owners and urban operators, prized for its manoeuvrability and cost-effectiveness. The 2024 model refines this formula, integrating Glacier Vehicles’ precision-engineered refrigeration to meet the demands of temperature-sensitive industries. Whether you’re a florist ensuring blooms stay fresh, a caterer delivering chilled desserts, or a pharmacy transporting vaccines, this van promises to keep your goods pristine while navigating tight city streets with ease. In the following sections, we’ll dissect its strengths, weigh its trade-offs, and compare it against rivals to reveal why it’s a standout in the compact refrigerated van market.
| Feature | Peugeot Partner 2024 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 850 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Partner variant) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic (e-Partner) |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 45-50 MPG (diesel) / 170-mile range (electric) |
| Load Volume | 3.9 m³ |
| Noise Level | 38dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Small Food Delivery, Pharma, Urban Transport |
Van Overview
The Peugeot Partner has carved a niche as the quintessential compact van since its debut, and the 2024 model elevates this reputation with a blend of modern engineering and practical design. Measuring 4.4 metres in length and 1.8 metres in height (standard L1 H1 configuration), it’s built for urban agility—slipping through traffic and parking in tight spaces where larger vans like the Ford Transit falter. Available in diesel (1.5L BlueHDi) and electric (e-Partner, 50kWh battery) variants, it caters to both traditionalists and eco-conscious operators. Glacier Vehicles enhances this base with a bespoke refrigeration conversion, turning a humble workhorse into a cold chain champion.
This van isn’t about brute size—it’s about smart utility. With a turning circle of just 10.8 metres, it outmanoeuvres competitors like the Citroën Berlingo (11.2m), making it a darling for city-based businesses. The 2024 update brings sharper styling, improved cabin ergonomics, and a reinforced chassis to handle refrigerated payloads without compromising agility. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or scaling a small fleet, the Partner 2024 offers a balance of performance and practicality that’s hard to overlook in the compact refrigerated segment.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of the Peugeot Partner 2024 Refrigerated Van lies in its Glacier Vehicles-installed GAH SRF150 refrigeration system—a compact yet powerful unit designed for precision and efficiency. Delivering 1.8kW of cooling capacity, it maintains a temperature range from +5°C for chilled goods to -25°C for deep-frozen items, with dual-zone functionality available for mixed loads (e.g., +5°C dairy and -20°C ice cream in one trip). Operating at a hushed 38dB, it’s quieter than many rivals, ensuring discreet deliveries in noise-sensitive urban zones.
Insulation is where Glacier’s expertise shines—50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75mm for freezer specs. This high-density layering holds -20°C steady even at 35°C ambient temperatures, as proven in Glacier’s rigorous testing, outperforming budget conversions with thinner 40mm insulation by 20% in thermal retention. The electric standby option—a plug-in feature—keeps the system running overnight for up to 10 hours without engine use, slashing fuel costs by £150 annually compared to idling alternatives. The interior finish, a hygienic GRP resin coating, resists bacteria and simplifies cleaning, meeting food safety and pharmaceutical standards with ease.
This isn’t a bare-bones cooler slapped onto a van—it’s a tailored solution. The GAH unit’s low energy draw (10% less than generic systems) ensures cooling doesn’t sap the engine, while real-time temperature logging (optional via Glacier) guarantees compliance for sensitive hauls. For small businesses needing reliability in a tight package, the Partner 2024’s refrigeration system delivers big-van performance in a compact frame.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
Despite its modest exterior, the Peugeot Partner 2024 packs a surprising 3.9m³ of load volume—enough for 3 Euro pallets or a hefty stack of delivery crates. Its 850kg payload capacity, while lower than the Ford Transit’s 1,220kg, suits lighter hauls like fresh produce, medical supplies, or boutique catering orders. The cargo area, measuring 1.8m long, 1.5m wide, and 1.2m high, offers practical space for urban operators who prioritise manoeuvrability over bulk.
Glacier Vehicles enhances this with customizable features—movable partitions for dual-zone loads, six tie-down points for stability, and optional shelving for organised stacking. Compared to the Citroën Berlingo’s 3.3m³, the Partner squeezes out an extra 0.6m³, giving it an edge for small fleets needing every inch. While it can’t rival mid-size vans like the Transit (10.5m³), its compact design ensures you’re not hauling empty space—or burning extra fuel—on half-full runs. For businesses with moderate daily loads, this van strikes a sweet spot between capacity and efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
The Peugeot Partner 2024 shines in fuel efficiency, a critical factor for cost-conscious operators. The diesel 1.5L BlueHDi engine delivers 45-50 MPG—outpacing the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG by a wide margin and edging out the Citroën Berlingo’s 44-48 MPG. Over a year of 20,000 miles, this translates to £900 in fuel costs at 50 MPG versus £1,300 for the Transit at 35 MPG—a £400 annual saving. The GAH SRF150’s low-power design trims another 5% off fuel consumption, keeping running costs lean even with refrigeration active.
The electric e-Partner variant offers a 170-mile range from its 50kWh battery, ideal for urban routes under 100 miles daily. Charging costs average £6 for a full charge (at 12p/kWh UK rates), or £1,200 yearly—£300 less than the diesel’s fuel bill, though range limits its appeal for longer hauls. Upfront, the diesel Partner starts at £25,000 post-conversion, £2,000 below the Transit’s £27,000 base, while the e-Partner hits £30,000—still £5k shy of electric midsize rivals. Over five years, the diesel’s total cost of ownership (TCO)—including fuel, maintenance, and resale—lands at £33,000, beating the Boxer’s £35,000 (weaker 42 MPG, £3k lower resale). The Partner’s premium price pays off in long-term savings.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is a Peugeot Partner hallmark, and the 2024 model upholds this with a failure rate below 1.5% in early fleet data—half the Peugeot Boxer’s 3% (starter motor issues). The 1.5L BlueHDi engine is a proven workhorse, with no major recalls reported, though the refrigeration system demands annual servicing (£99 via Glacier Vehicles) to maintain GAH efficiency. The e-Partner’s electric drivetrain cuts moving parts by 40%, dropping mechanical faults to near-zero, though battery degradation (5% after 50,000 miles) warrants monitoring.
Peugeot’s 3-year/60,000-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration coverage, totaling five years of peace of mind for critical components. Glacier’s UK-wide service network ensures quick fixes—£99 tune-ups via GAH Connect include diagnostics, saving £300 yearly in downtime versus rivals reliant on generic garages. Compared to the Boxer’s pricier £150 service intervals, the Partner keeps maintenance lean, making it a dependable choice for small operators.
Technology & Safety Features
The Partner 2024 blends tech and safety into a compact package. The Peugeot i-Cockpit offers a 10-inch touchscreen with SYNC-like functionality—Bluetooth, GPS, and optional remote temperature alerts via Glacier’s app integration. Payload sensors warn of overloads, a boon for maxing out that 850kg limit without guesswork. The e-Partner adds regenerative braking controls, boosting range by 10% in stop-start traffic.
Safety-wise, it’s loaded—ABS, lane departure assist, and hill-start assist keep urban driving smooth, while a rear camera cuts blind-spot risks in tight alleys. Reinforced GRP panels from Glacier’s conversion withstand minor impacts, and advanced locking thwarts theft—crucial for high-value pharma loads. Against the Berlingo’s basic spec (no sensors, smaller screen), the Partner’s tech suite feels a generation ahead, enhancing driver confidence and cargo security.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the field, the Peugeot Partner 2024 earns raves—4.7/5 from 30+ UK users surveyed by Glacier Vehicles. A London baker reports, “My diesel Partner’s 3.9m³ fits 50 trays daily, and 50 MPG saves me £500 a year over my old van.” A pharmacy courier adds, “The e-Partner’s 170 miles covers my city runs, and +2°C holds steady—zero spoilage in six months.” Fuel economy and cooling consistency top praise lists, though some note the £25k diesel price stings versus the Boxer’s £23k—offset by £2,000 lower TCO over three years.
Downsides? The 850kg payload caps bulk hauls—fine for small biz, less so for growing fleets. The e-Partner’s range dips to 140 miles in winter, a hiccup for rural routes. Still, its agility (10.8m turn) and quiet 38dB operation shine in urban jungles, making it a practical gem for nimble operators.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Peugeot Partner 2024 | 50 MPG + 3.9m³—tops Berlingo’s 3.3m³ for small loads |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—75% more than Partner’s 850kg |
| Urban Transport | Peugeot Partner 2024 | 10.8m turn, 170-mile e-range—beats Dispatch’s 11.2m |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £23k base, but 42 MPG lags Partner’s 50 MPG |
The Partner dominates compact food and urban niches with efficiency and agility, while the Sprinter’s heft suits pharma, and the Boxer’s price tempts budget buyers—though its weaker fuel economy bites back.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need +5°C for flowers or -25°C for frozen fish? The Partner’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Cargo volume matters—3.9m³ fits small hauls, but bulkier loads demand the Transit’s 10.5m³. Compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables—the Partner’s logging and insulation meet both, certified by Glacier.
Cost analysis seals the deal. The diesel Partner’s £25k upfront beats the Transit’s £27k, with £900 yearly fuel (£1.80/gal, 20k miles) versus £1,300—£2,000 saved over three years, plus £1,000 higher resale (£12k vs. £11k). The e-Partner’s £30k price trades range (170 miles) for £1,200 annual charging—ideal if you’re city-bound. Test your route, tally your loads, and pick durability over cheap upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
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Conclusion
The Peugeot Partner 2024 Refrigerated Van redefines compact cooling with Glacier Vehicles’ masterful conversion—850kg payload, 3.9m³ of versatile space, and a GAH SRF150 system that locks in -25°C with surgical precision. Its 50 MPG diesel efficiency saves £400 yearly over the Transit, while the e-Partner’s 170-mile range cuts urban costs to £1,200—premium value in a small package. For small businesses navigating city streets or tight budgets, it’s a refrigerated gem—£25k buys £2,000+ in long-term gains over budget rivals. From bakeries to pharmacies, the Partner 2024 proves big chill doesn’t need big size—Glacier Vehicles delivers it, UK-wide.
