It’s better with three: Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot show their new, jointly built minibus model at the Geneva Salon (March 3 to 13). With up to nine seats, modern safety equipment and a cozy interior, the triplets should not only convince traders, but also families. Citroen Spacetourer, Peugeot Traveler and Toyota Proace will be launched in the first half of the year.
Toyota and the French PSA group have been working together in the medium-sized van segment since 2013. Since then, all three models have rolled off the assembly line at the Sevel Nord plant near Paris. With the new editions, the third generation of commercial vehicles now starts in the seating version. In line with this there are new names: the Citroen Jumpy Multispace becomes the Spacetourer and the Peugeot Expert Tepee the Traveler, who is also arrested for travel. Toyota alone remains with the well-known name Proace.
Up to now, Citroen only gives precise technical data, but it should also apply almost exactly to the two model brothers. Accordingly, the customer can choose between three lengths. In addition to the usual "normal" version with 4,95 meters and the 5,30 meter long version, there is for the first time a 4,60 meter short compact version. A maximum of nine passengers can be accommodated in the Spacetourer, alternatively up to 2.932 liters of luggage can fit behind the tailgate. For the first time, the manufacturers are using the new PSA EMP2 platform as a technical basis, which also carries cars such as the compact van Citroen C4 Picasso.
The Spacetourer also endeavors to minimize the comfort and technology distance to the classic passenger cars. If desired, the side sliding doors open after a hint of a step under the side skirts. Up until now, something similar has only been known from hatchbacks in estate cars and SUVs. The occupants should still feel cared for after boarding: Inside there are sliding and swiveling seats, an optional glass roof should ensure a pleasant lighting climate and Citroen promises to have put a lot of effort into the noise insulation.
There is also a wide range of technology options, such as a head-up display, a 180-degree rear-view camera and a touchscreen with the smartphone connection "Mirror Screen". Among other things, blind spot assist, lane departure warning and an emergency braking system for city traffic should ensure safety on board. A new attention assistant based on camera surveillance of the interior should warn unsafe or tired drivers.
The engine range includes four diesels with output values between 72 kW / 98 hp and 133 kW / 180 hp. It is shifted manually, the top diesel is a six-speed automatic series, the smallest engine an automated manual transmission option. The front wheels are driven, the manufacturers offer all-wheel drive in cooperation with a retrofitter. Prices for the Citroen and the other two models are not yet known. Currently the comparable predecessor models are called from just under 30.000 euros.