This new and unregistered LWB Peugeot Horizon™ is due in for June 2023 registration. The pictures are to show you the make, model, conversion type, seating and colour

Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or next WAV.

Peugeot Horizon LWB rear wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

Wheelchair user experience

The Peugeot Horizon™ short wheelbase (LWB) is an excellent progression from the long-standing, heavily converted and highly rated Peugeot Partner and is a stunning all-around improvement on its predecessor. Some real improvements have made it superior to the Partner and many other WAVs. However, there is still plenty of entry and internal height, with great external views for the wheelchair user. As a WAV or wheelchair accessible vehicle, it lends itself perfectly to the job.

This conversion of the Peugeot Horizon™ is the longer wheelbase version, so the wheelchair user is in the rear, which will suit some but not all. The advantages are five standard seats but still plenty of room for a wheelchair user in it is a reasonably compact wheelchair accessible vehicle. The second row of seats can be tipped forward to give more space in the rear, but this is not usually necessary. This WAV often suits a larger family without supersizing the vehicle; private hire and taxi companies like them, too, as there is greater flexibility on offer.

Like its predecessor, the Partner, all Horizons™ come with a wheelchair winch, which is now fitted under the floor, so more space and less ugly to look at, plus the winch can’t get in the way of a wheelchair user’s footrests. Previously winches were mounted on the Partner’s floor in a WAV, which presented a problem for wheelchair footrests coming fully forward.

Driver experience

The driver is also treated well, with a generous specification that is easy to access and observe in the well-designed, ergonomic and snug but roomy cockpit. An 8-inch touch screen entertainment centre, Bluetooth and cruise control, and many other features of higher specification cars are included. It is straightforward to mirror your smartphone with the generously sized screen, and a DAB/FM radio is included, plus USB ports just where you need them to connect your phone and stream your music. The screen is also the command centre for the Horizon’s™ controls, so you can adjust many of the vehicle’s controls and features here.

The Horizon™ is easy to drive, with a smooth gearbox, whether you choose the manual or automatic gearbox. The engine is quiet and frugal but should you need it, there is enough power underfoot to get you out of trouble. The Horizon model (based on the Rifter) comes with rear parking sensors, 180-degree colour rear view camera, tinted rear windows and Taranaki 16″ alloy wheels.

Standard features in the Horizon™ include dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, anti-collision warning, LED daytime running lights and a host of other features. Being in the driving seat of the Horizon™ is a breeze and managing it and having that cosseted feeling the cockpit gives you helps you, the driver, to do what you need to do well and safely. As a driver, there is little to dislike in this WAV.

Passenger experience

Passengers will feel spoiled by the legroom alone in this WAV, both in the front and in the three standard second-row seats. You will find them comfortable on longer journeys; they always come with Isofix as standard. It is fair to say that passengers often get a raw deal in WAVs as their seating is too often a compromise to make it fit for wheelchair access but not in the case of the Peugeot’s long wheelbase five-seat conversion Horizon™.

SMV loves

We love the thought behind the conversion, the variety of seating options, two vehicle lengths, plus a smooth new auto or manual gearbox. The Horizon™ has a generous specification, phone screen mirroring and music playback, an underfloor wheelchair winch, ample second-row wheelchair user legroom, a higher driving position, and the new pretty front end. It’s a win, win, win for all.

SMV says

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, a short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs. We are independent WAV advisors so that you will get the best of all worlds; whatever your wheelchair access needs are, it is only one call to 0800 008 7800