Peugeot gets a new lease of life in the LAV segment with the all-new Rifter – a sibling for the Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life
Peugeot is the third and final PSA brand to reveal its new van based MPV, after a trio of new PSA leisure activity vehicles (LAVs) were teased last week.
Replacing the Partner Tepee as Peugeot’s LAV offering is the new Rifter, which is based on a modified version of PSA’s EMP2 platform. It lines up alongside the new Citroen Berlingo Multispace and Vauxhall Combo Life. Like those vans, the Rifter is an exercise in badge engineering, sharing the same underpinnings and overall form, though with Peugeot’s latest family face distinguishing it from the rest of the pack. Sportier looking GT-Line models will be available too.
Again, like its two siblings, the Rifter will be available in two sizes. A ‘Standard’ wheelbase van sizes up at 4.4 metres long, while the long-wheelbase ‘Long’ model stretches out to 4.75 metres. Five seats are standard, with seven seat models arriving on the market next year. Shorter models will sport 775 litres of boot space with five seats in place, while cargo room in the Long model swells up to 1,050-litres.
Under the bonnet will be a familiar spread of 1.2-litre PureTech petrol options, as well as PSA’s 1.5-litre Blue HDI four-cylinder diesel. The PureTech unit will be available with either 108bhp or 128bhp, with the latter gaining an automatic gearbox.
Similarly, the 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel will be available in two states of tune – a 74bhp entry-level version alongside a 128bhp unit. Both feature a manual gearbox as standard, with an automatic gearbox to be made available on the 128bhp diesel. Optional drivetrain enhancements include Peugeot Advanced Grip Control for off-road surfaces, while hill descent control is also available.
In the cabin the overall dashboard and interior layout is just as you’ll find in both the Citroen and the Vauxhall, meaning a new, cleaner design with wide horizontal air vents, a wide central bin beneath the gearstick, and a tablet infotainment screen on top range models.The Peugeot does sport two slight differences, however – a trademark, small steering wheel sits ahead of an i-Cockpit style instrument panel.
Orders open early this summer, with complete UK specifications and prices to be outlined closer to launch.
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Source : autoexpress.co.uk