Something different to say the least! I think that’s the only way to start off this piece about the new Citroën SpaceTourer. It was December 2016 when I first clocked eyes on this rather cool looking people carrier. It was parked across from me at a set of traffic lights coming out of Kildare and I thought it would make for an interesting weeklong test drive so I called the good people in Citroën and booked a slot. What I didn’t know was the Citroën SpaceTourer is available in three lengths (XS: 4.60m, M: 4.96 m, XL: 5.30 m) including a segment-first compact version accommodating up to 8 people. Our test vehicle was the medium length version in ‘M’ Feel Specification. The spacious interior of the Citroën SpaceTourer was conceived with consideration for those that not only have large families but also those looking for
The spacious interior of the Citroën SpaceTourer was conceived with consideration for those that not only have large families but also those looking for van like space with completely removable rear seats. Yes with just a pull on the various toggles you can either slide the seats together, further apart or remove them altogether. The possibilities this leaves you with are fantastic. The seats are not just bench arrangement but also possible to split so you can take single seats out to put long items such as skis in the cabin with ease. On startup I expected a van like lumpy engine but we were impressed by the 1.6-litre 115hp diesel engine.
Although based on the Citroën Dispatch there is very little engine noise intrusion and it pulls remarkably well even when loaded with 8 bodies as we tested with an office lunch out. The driving position is nice and the materials used in the cabin throughout are more than acceptable. This will make the perfect airport shuttle or VIP transporter for your little VIP’s. Creature comforts are plentiful also with the seven-inch touchscreen display featuring DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. Sitting at 1.90m tall getting in and out of multistory car parks isn’t a problem either and the electro-hydraulic steering gives the SpaceTourer a very agile turning circle of just 12.40m. Whilst it might look van like, it is very much like an MPV to drive.
One piece of advice is if you plan that shopping trip to IKEA be sure to leave yourself ample space for the tailgate to open. Citroën have cleverly made the rear window possible to open on its own but we found it slightly awkward and clumsy to load. Leaving space for the full tailgate to open out means the SpaceTourer will swallow even the largest of IKEA’s offerings! We completed just shy of 1000 km’s with the SpaceTourer and enjoyed every minute of it.
It’s not the cheapest people carrier in this sector with a starting price of €38,000 but with such a frugal little 1.6 BlueHDI which can get you 60+ mpg in the right environment it is certainly one to consider. Those wanting more horsepower could opt for the 2.0l 150hp version but we would urge you to test the 1.6 first because at no point did we feel it needed more power on our week long test drive. For practicality, it’s hard not to recommend the SpaceTourer. If your needs require transporting a large family, small groups with luggage then this could be the vehicle for you. For more information please visit your local Citroen dealer and take a drive.
Citroën SpaceTourer 115 Spec
Engine Size – 1.6L
Fuel Type – Diesel
Power – 115 hp
Torque – 370Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h) – 11.0 seconds
Top Speed – 171km/h
Consumption (Combined) – 4.3L/100km
CO2 Emissions – 137g/km
Road Tax – €280
Base Price – €39,800
Price as Tested – €39,800
