When the PSA Group revealed that it was
planning to roll out a new family of “leisure activity vehicles” (small
passenger vans), it indicated there’d be three versions: one for Citroën, one
for Opel, and one for Peugeot. The latter we figured would be called the
Partner Tepee, as it was before. But now it’s been revealed as the Rifter
instead, putting the old name to bed.
The Lion marque‘s counterpart to the new Citroën
Berlingo Multispace and Opel Combo Life that we’ve already seen. So the
parameters are more or less the same: we’re looking at a little people-mover, available in
two sizes with five or seven seats.
There will be two essential engine options that
combine to offer five levels of output: a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 110
metric horsepower and a five-speed manual, or 130 ps with an eight-speed
automatic, and a 1.5-liter diesel in 75-, 100-, and 130-ps states of tune – the
lower two with a five-speed manual, and the top version with a six-speed manual
or eight-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive will be offered as well, and there’s
a whole host of driver assistance systems. An eight-inch infotainment system
syncs with your phone, an electric handbrake frees of space, and a variable
cargo configuration enables up to 141 cubic feet of capacity (depending on the
version specified). That’s slightly more than you could fit in a significantly
larger American-style minivan like the Chrysler Pacifica.
The Peugeot sets itself apart with a more sophisticated
design approach to the quirky Citroën and the understated Opel versions. It
also embraces Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard configuration, with a compact
steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen, and head-up display teaming up to put
the focus on the driving experience – even with all that space in the back.
The Rifter will also be offered in a GT Line model,
with blacked-out trim, 17-inch wheels, and a more upscale interior. Expect
cargo versions of all three models to follow, the Peugeot potentially to
continue the Partner name (Tepee) or perhaps adopt another handle
altogether. In the meantime, Peugeot is
showcasing the new van at the Geneva Motor Show next month – along with an
undisclosed “unique version” – before production kicks off in Spain and
Portugal for deliveries starting in September.
