Peugeot Expert
Tested model: Opel Vivaro, 2.0 diesel
Applies to: Peugeot Expert, July 2024 onwards
The Peugeot Expert makes the jump from Bronze to a Gold rating in 2024, largely thanks to new legislation mandating the fitment of some safety technologies, and becomes a four-star van in 2025. The van's safety systems are improved all-round, and offer protection in some areas where previously they did not. Against Euro NCAP's 2025 protocols, the latest version of the Expert deserves its four-star rating. The Expert's autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW) systems perform well up to the highest test speeds in scenarios where the target is stationary or moving more slowly, or where the vehicle in front is decelerating. However, the van does not offer protection against the van turning across the path of an approaching target, and there are no supplementary warnings such as brake jerk. Overall, performance here is marginal. The same is true for the system's reaction to pedestrians, but its response to cyclists was adequate.
The standard-fit Lane Support System (LSS) gently steers the vehicle if it is drifting out of lane and intervenes more aggressively in some more critical situations to prevent the van from leaving the road. The system scored well in Euro NCAP's tests. Lane departure warning is standard but blind-spot warning is an option included in this assessment.
The Expert also scored well for its speed assistance system which uses a camera and digital mapping to identify the local speed limit. This information is presented to the driver who can then set the speed limiter as appropriate. The limiter was found to maintain an accurate speed relative to what was set.
There is a standard-fit seatbelt reminder system for both the driver and passenger seat. A system issues an alert if it recognises a driving pattern that is characteristic of a fatigued driver.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has not been assessed as part of the current rating.