1996 Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) has a height that varies between 1870 mm and 1915 mm (approximately 73.6 to 75.4 inches). This relatively tall minivan stature contributes to generous interior headroom, enhancing passenger comfort, especially for taller occupants. However, its height should be carefully considered for garage storage. Most standard residential garages have door heights around 2 meters (2000 mm or 78.7 inches), so the Peugeot Partner I fits comfortably into a standard garage with adequate clearance to accommodate roof racks or additional accessories without any risk.

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) weighs between 1140 kg and 1341 kg (approximately 2513 to 2957 pounds) when empty, referred to as curb weight. Its maximum permissible weight ranges from 1740 kg to 1840 kg (3836 to 4056 pounds), which includes passengers, cargo, and fuel. This weight range indicates the vehicle can carry a substantial payload, making it a practical choice for families and commercial users alike. The relatively light curb weight contributes to fuel efficiency and nimble handling, while the generous maximum weight enhances utility without compromising drivability.

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) offers a generous luggage compartment with a volume of 624 liters (approximately 22 cubic feet) when the rear seats are in use, making it suitable for everyday luggage, shopping, or sports gear. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity dramatically increases to 2800 liters (about 99 cubic feet), providing a highly versatile space for transporting bulky or large items such as furniture, bicycles, or work equipment. This adaptability makes the Partner I highly functional for both personal and business applications.

Yes, the Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a width of 1719 to 1720 mm (67.7 inches) and height up to 1915 mm (75.4 inches), it is well within typical garage dimensions. The crucial factor for fitting is the open mirror width of 1960 mm (77.2 inches), so care should be taken when opening doors or parking in tighter spaces. Overall, its design ensures ease of parking and storage in most standard home garages, offering practicality for daily use.

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) was introduced as a new model in 1996, so it technically had no direct predecessor under the same nameplate. However, compared to other compact minivans or small commercial vans available before 1996, the Partner was competitively sized with efficient use of space. Its compact length near 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) combined with a tall roof and wide body offered more interior volume and cargo versatility than many predecessors and competitors, positioning it as a practical and modern minivan option for both private and commercial use.

Dimensionally, the Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) falls within the standard range for compact minivans and panel vans of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its length of around 4.1 meters (161.7 inches) and width just under 1.72 meters (67.7 inches) is comparable to rivals such as the Citroën Berlingo, Ford Transit Connect, and Volkswagen Caddy of the era. The Partner's notable height, reaching up to 1.915 meters (75.4 inches), provides excellent vertical cargo space compared to some competitors with lower roof profiles. This makes it particularly suitable for users needing taller cargo capacity without increasing vehicle footprint.

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) offers a ground clearance of 215 mm (approximately 8.5 inches). This relatively high ride height for a minivan improves its ability to handle rough or uneven terrain, minor off-road conditions, and urban obstacles such as speed bumps or curbs. The elevated ground clearance also contributes to a commanding driving position, enhancing driver visibility and confidence. However, it balances this capability with overall vehicle stability and ease of entry/exit, making it practical for varied daily driving scenarios.

The Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) came equipped with rims sized 14 inches and 15 inches (6J x 15 for 15-inch rims). Tire sizes varied, including 175/65 R14, 175/70 R14, 185/65 R15, and 195/70 R15. The range of tire sizes allowed for options balancing comfort, handling, and load capacity. The 14-inch tires provided a softer ride suitable for daily driving, while the larger 15-inch tires improved road grip and stability, especially when fully loaded. Overall, these tire and rim combinations were chosen to optimize the balance between ride comfort, durability, and performance for the minivan class.

Introduced in 1996, the Peugeot Partner I (Phase I) brought a fresh approach to the small van and minivan segment. It combined the practicality of a commercial vehicle with passenger-minded features, including spacious interiors with versatile seating and cargo options. The high roofline allowed generous headroom and cargo height, while the compact external dimensions made it easy to maneuver in urban settings. Additionally, it featured modern front-wheel-drive layout for improved space efficiency and handling. These aspects made it a popular choice for both families and small businesses, setting a benchmark for future compact MPVs.