► 4×4 version of SpaceTourer MPV
► Named after French pop group
► Displayed with production SpaceTourer
Citroen has revealed a boxy new van-style people carrier, the SpaceTourer, at the 2016 Geneva motor show. The manufacturer is obviously aware that the SpaceTourer is in danger of being filed under ‘dull but worthy’, and overlooked by the world’s media as they hurry past in search of supercars and wi-fi signal, however. So, it’s also created a jazzed-up ‘SpaceTourer Hyphen’ concept to sit alongside it and draw more attention.
Is it really called the SpaceTourer Hyphen concept? Hyphen what?
Believe it or not, it’s named after French electro-pop band Hyphen Hyphen. Why? Because ‘Citroen has always known how to innovate, to be a pioneer and to spot talent,’ according to marketing and communication director Arnaud Belloni.
‘After meeting Hyphen Hyphen, the idea for a partnership came about naturally. This communication campaign is a way for us to pool our values of optimism, sharing and creativity.’ That’s that cleared up, then.
What makes the Hyphen concept different from the production Citroen SpaceTourer?
Apart from the world’s brightest shade of orange on the exterior and interior, it features a toughened-up bodykit with Allroad-style plastic arches and sill guards, drawing from the same style sheet as 2015’s Aircross SUV concept.
Check out the regular production Citroen SpaceTourer below to compare.
It looks like an off-roader. Just for show?
Not entirely. The Hyphen has a higher ride height and an on-demand 4×4 drivetrain engineered by Automobiles Dangel, an Alsace-based specialist that has created four-wheel-drive versions of Citroens and Peugeots since the early ’80s – including ‘Trek’ versions of various current PSA commercial vehicles. Power comes from a 148bhp BlueHDi diesel engine which sends its power to all four corners through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Meanwhile, the ‘elastomer’ straps on the tyres and carabiner-inspired aluminium details on the bumpers are more about show car style than mountain-climbing substance.
Enough Hyphens, can we have a bit more information about the production SpaceTourer please?
It’s the passenger version of the new Citroen Dispatch panel van, twinned with the latest Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace.
Built upon the same modular EMP2 platform as the Citroen C4 Picasso, all three will be manufactured at the same Sevel Nord plant in northern France. Each will get their own bumpers, lights and grille but will otherwise have largely identical bodies.
Expect them to arrive in UK dealerships in time for September 2016 registrations.
Read more of CAR’s 2016 Geneva motor show coverage here
Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the 2016 Geneva motor show