PEUGEOT will be pushing the comfort factor hard with its new Boxer, claiming a 'car like' driving experience and some touches not normally seen in the commercial vehicle market.

The Boxer gets adjustable seats and an adjustable steering column - the first vehicle in its class to get such ergonomic luxury - which means it is possible for most drivers to get a comfortable driving position.

With the gearstick sat high up on the dashboard next to the wheel as in the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Master, everything falls neatly to hand. Height adjustable armrests ensure driver and passengers have all the comfort they need.

The removable clipboard in the centre console is also a neat trick, and there is plenty of storage space throughout the cabin. As an option, Peugeot is offering cruise control on the 2.8 HDi and climate control.

Sound proofing has been worked on extensively as well, with absorbing floor covering, bulkhead insulation and partitions, and in the 127bhp 2.8 HDi model, refinement is indeed impressive. In fact, the structure has undergone 21 changes to stiffen the shell and cut down flexing, which all add to interior noise.

In fact, with the 2.8 HDi unit, the Boxer is something of a flyer, with buckets of low down torque: (221lb/ft at 1,800rpm). At only 10mph in third gear, the engine will pick up and tug the van forward and keeps going with real force right up to motorway cruising speeds.

Aside from the beefy 2.8-litre, there are three other engines: an 85bhp 2.0 HDi, 100bhp 2.2 HDi and 110bhp 2.0-litre petrol.

The Boxer comes with six volumes, three wheelbases and height options. Payloads range from 660kg for the 2.0 HDi panel vane to 1,735kg for the 350 lwb 2.2 HDi Chassis Cab.

In total, there are 140 versions of the vehicle available, including panel vans, window vans and chassis cabs.

Priced from £12,400 to £19,580 ex-VAT, Peugeot is offering a three-year/100,000- mile warranty on the Boxer for the first time on any of its commercial vehicle products.