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Safe and efficient road holding regardless of load
The architecture of the suspension and wheels
is a development of the setup normally found on
platform 2 vehicles, with all its proven dynamic
qualities.
The new Partner has a pseudo McPherson type
front suspension consisting of drop links, helical
springs, hydraulic dampers and an anti-roll bar.
It incorporates all of Peugeot’s know-how in terms
of road holding and benefi ts from adaptations
designed specifi cally for professional use.
Particular attention has also been paid to the
location of the rear dampers which have been
inclined, in order to preserve the maximum
available interior load space. This positioning
reduces the space needed for the wheel arches
in the load area. This means Euro pallets can be
loaded easily into the new Partner.
Designed to carry a load of up to 850 kg, the new
Partner has special dampers designed to meet
this weight requirement but also to withstand
use on poor road surfaces, such as site work for
example. Also the rear suspension mountings are
constructed from two different types of material to
enhance the rigidity of the rear suspension.
The front and rear dampers also have different
damping characteristics.
The new extended Partner uses the same
suspension, but it is specially adapted to this
version’s 750 kg payload.
For effortless manoeuvring regardless of load, two
types of power steering, according to the different
engine options are available.
In both cases, the power steering is variable. For
petrol engines and 1.6 litre HDi 75 and 90 bhp
diesel versions, it is controlled by an engine driven
hydraulic pump which modulates assistance
according to engine speed. For the 1.6 litre HDi
FAP 90 bhp diesel engine, an electro-hydraulic
pump unit takes other factors into account
such as vehicle speed and speed of rotation of
the steering wheel to vary the level of steering
assistance electrically.
In terms of braking, the new Partner is equipped
with four disc brakes to ensure effi cient
performance regardless of load. The diameter of
the ventilated discs at the front is 283 mm while
the rear non-ventilated discs have a diameter of
268 mm. This arrangement gives good feel and
dependable braking performance.
Regardless of engine, 195/65 R15 tyres are fi tted
to all models. If the Site Pack is specifi ed, the tyres
are slightly different -195/70 R15.
To assist the driver when braking, the vehicle is
equipped as standard with ABS, electronic brake
force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake
assist (EBA).
The automatic activation of the hazard warning
lights in the case of emergency braking is also
contained within the ABS system. This reduces
the risk of a collision and alerts following vehicles
as soon as possible of a possible emergency
situation.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is available
as an option on all engines. It is coupled with
an ASR traction control system and a hill-start
assist function. On a gradient in excess of 5%
this function automatically keeps the vehicle
at a standstill for around two seconds, thereby
preventing the vehicle from moving accidentally
when the brake pedal is released or stalling
attempting to pull away.
Thanks to all of this equipment and the quality of
the suspension, the dynamic and safe road holding
of the new Partner is set to become a benchmark
in its market segment.
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