Peugeot Expert Tepee MPV (2006-2016)

Based on the Peugeot Expert commercial van, the Expert Tepee is very popular with taxi firms, but its great versatility also makes it a useful large family car. Buyers with more than four children, large dogs or relatives in deepest France should take note, as the largest Tepee represents very good value for money and is cleverly designed.

It undercuts many of its rivals and its boxy shape hides a hugely spacious and well engineered interior, with seating for up to nine occupants. Twin sliding doors provide added practicality, along with three rows of adjustable, folding and removable seats.

Surfboards, bicycles, shopping and camping gear should all fit in the Expert Tepee with room to spare. It's available with choice of two diesel engines – a 1.6 or a 2.0-litre. Both are economical, but the latter is better suited to carrying heavy loads or lots of people.

Both the 1.6 and 2.0-litre models return approximately 38mpg, which is impressive for a large van, not to mention a MPV capable of carrying nine people. On longer motorway journeys, this figure is likely to improve. CO2 emissions are also impressive, so road tax will cost £245 per year. Finally, good-value servicing and cheap parts ensure the Expert Tepee costs little more to run than a large estate car.

The Expert Tepee can't compete with more advanced purpose-built people carriers, but it still handles safely in corners. The dashboard is very car-like and the high gearlever is easy to use. The larger 2.0-litre 120bhp diesel engine is punchy and has plenty of pulling power to cope with hills when fully loaded.

The Expert Tepee is a reasonably comfortable everyday car, but the diesel engines clatter loudly at higher speeds and on cold winter mornings. All the seats are comfortable, however, and we'd recommend the single front passenger armchair. Although this reduces the car's total number of seats from nine to eight, it provides much more support on longer journeys. Ride quality is better than expected and the Expert feels more settled once it's carrying the extra weight of several passengers. Large side windows ensure the cabin remains light and airy and also give passengers a great view out.

For the full nine-seat capacity, buyers need to select the dual front passenger seat option, plus a third row of removable seats. Higher-spec Leisure models come with more useful flat-folding seats, while the Comfort's dual benches are removable, but only tilt. With the third row of seats in place, the Expert Tepee has either 223 or 553 litres of luggage space depending on whether the short or long wheelbase model is selected. Removing one or even two rows of seats provides a huge load-carrying area matching that of a commercial van. The cabin has lots of useful storage bins, while the twin sliding doors and rear tailgate provide excellent access, even when parked in a tight space.

Peugeot doesn't have the best reliability record, and the Tepee has been recalled several times to fix electronic problems. Most issues have been sorted now, though, and no other major problems have been reported. The van-based Expert Tepee doesn't come with a lot of safety equipments, but you can order additional airbags and electronic stability control at extra cost. We'd strongly recommend that buyers using the Expert to transport the family tick these option boxes. The interior is well made in general, but some of the useful storage bins feel a little flimsy.

Undercutting the Mercedes Viano and SEAT Alhambra, the Expert Tepee is excellent value for money considering it can seat up to nine people. It's poorly equipped, thoug – especially the Comfort model – with very few safety features as standard. Leisure models are better equipped and also come with the stronger 2.0-litre diesel engine. Air-conditioning, a single passenger airbag, a third-row 12v power socket and front foglights are also fitted as standard. Optional extras are good value, including alloy wheels for £480 and a dual passenger airbag for £175.