A smart new design that bodes well for Citroën models, says John Kendall.

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SECTOR Large car/minibus   PRICE From €37,900 – €51,200 approx   FUEL 5.1-5.8 l/100km   CO2 133-151g/km

Launched at the Geneva Show in March 2016, the new Citroën Spacetourer is based on the new Citroën Jumpy van, also launched earlier this year. Like its predecessor, this model shares bodywork and all major components with the Peugeot Expert and the Spacetourer’s Peugeot opposite number, the Peugeot Traveller. Since the vehicle is built in a joint venture between PSA and Toyota, there are Toyota variants too – Proace and Proace Verso.

Like the Jumpy, the Spacetourer is based on a modified version of the PSA EMP2 platform, the modular platform used for a growing number of Citroën and Peugeot models from C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, to the forthcoming Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUV range. There are three variants of the Spacetourer with two wheelbase lengths. The shortest version is the XS at 4.60m long, using the shorter 2.92m wheelbase with short rear overhang. The two longer versions are both based on the longer 3.27m wheelbase. The M, featuring the short rear overhang is 4.95m long and the XL with the longer rear overhang is 5.30m long.

The three body lengths feature seating for between five and eight passengers in addition to the driver. The nine-seat configuration is available with the shortest XS model. The model is aimed at both family and business users, with executive and hotel shuttle business in mind. Available equipment includes passenger seats fitted on rails to provide flexible seating, as well as reclining seatbacks that fold flat onto the seat cushion to add versatility. Other options include side sliding doors that can be opened by moving a foot under the rear corner of the car. Acoustic treatment is designed to reduce noise and vibration.

There are a host of technology options including a new 7-inch tablet screen, MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a new 3D navigation system, head up display, and a range of active safety options including automatic dipping headlamps, ParkAssist with a 180-degree overhead view displayed on the dashboard screen, active cruise control, Collision Alert, and Active Safety Brake. This has been enough to give the Spacetourer a 5-star EuroNCAP rating.

A familiar range of PSA diesel engines gives two power ratings for the 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine of 95hp and 115hp while the larger 2.0 BlueHDi engine offers 150hp and 180hp power outputs. All engines are equipped with automatic Stop/Start except the entry 95hp model. The second 95hp variant is offered with PSA’s automated 6-speed transmission. 115hp, 150hp and 180hp variants all have 6-speed transmissions, with the 180hp variant fitted with 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. CO2 emissions range from 133g/km to 151g/km. Service intervals are set at 40,000km or two years.

The Spacetourer is as impressive to drive as the new Dispatch with composed ride, good handling, low noise and good performance from the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines we tested. Build quality is also much improved. Overall it’s a major improvement over its predecessor and means it can compete with the Ford Transit Custom, VW Caravelle and Mercedes Vito.

What we think

New Spacetourer provides a notable improvement over the previous models and offers a class competitive vehicle. Good news for PSA Peugeot Citroën.