What's the news?
Fancy a Citroen Berlingo but think it would look better with a Peugeot badge? Well, good news! Peugeot is making a Berlingo rival, called the Rifter, and based on its new Partner van.
The successor to the Partner Tepee, the Rifter is, like the Berlingo, rather more sophisticated than it used to be, thanks in no small part to the fact that it uses the EMP2 chassis from the 308 and 3008 (well, partially, the front end is EMP2, the back end uses parts from the old Partner and Tepee).
Inside, you'll find the first use of Peugeot's i-Cockpit in a commercial-style vehicle, with the tiny hexagonal wheel from the 3008, high-set instruments, and the eight-inch touchscreen standing proud of the dash in the middle. As if that wasn't sophisticated enough, you can also get a whole raft of safety kit and driver aids including adaptive cruise control, active lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring system and the optional 'Visiopark 180°' colour reversing camera. And there's the option of Advanced Grip Control, which with Mud & Snow tyres improves traction control through continuous action on wheel spin. This works in combination with the Hill Assist Descent Control, which automatically maintains optimal speed on steep slopes.
As with the Berlingo, there will be five and seven-seat versions, and a choice of long or short wheelbase models. The long wheelbase version gets not only extra seats in the boot, but they slide and adjust as well. Everything folds flat easily thanks to the new Magic Flat setup, and there's the option of storage bins in the ceiling, along with some glass panels, if you go for the 'Zenith' roof.
Boot space, depending on the version, runs from 775 litres to more than 1,000 litres.
Engine choices are the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo in either 110hp or 130hp forms, or the 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel in 75hp, 110hp, or 130hp forms with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, Peugeot Chief Executive, said: "With the all-new Peugeot Rifter, the brand fully reinvents its presence in this category, and achieves the perfect combination of versatility and driving pleasure by Peugeot. Gifted with a strong personality and a 'chic wanderer' look, the all-new Peugeot Rifter expresses freedom of action."
Keith Ryder, the Peugeot Rifter Design Manager also commented, saying: "The challenge for the all-new Peugeot Rifter was to offer an appealing vehicle while still meeting the volume, robustness, modularity and compactness requirements. The new platform enables perfectly balanced proportion choices. Our designers took full advantage of its potential in order to bring forward a very distinctive stylistic identity on this new silhouette."
No Irish prices as yet, but the Rifter will be on sale here towards the end of the year.