Citroen has announced it will be showing its new SpaceTourer van-based people carrier at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Available in three body sizes, it's expected to go on sale later in the year.
The SpaceTourer replaces the outgoing Dispatch Combi, but it's expected the panel van will retain the Dispatch name in order to give the SpaceTourer MPV its own identity. It's a new model based on Citroen's EMP2 modular platform that also underpins the C4 Picasso.
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It's offered in three variants, from 4.6m to 5.3m in length, offering configurations of five, seven, eight or nine seats. Citroen claims the new platform allows superior legroom in the second and third rows, and easier access to the rearmost chairs.
Two trim levels will be offered with the SpaceTourer: Feel and Business. The former is specced for family buyers, while the latter will mainly be bought by fleets and minicab firms.
The SpaceTourer comes with a familiar range of 1.6-litre BlueHDI diesel engines with AdBlue emissions tech. Power outputs range from 95bhp to 178bhp, with the most frugal 114bhp stop/start variant managing 55.4mpg combined and emitting 133g/km of CO2.
The SpaceTourer already has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, helped by a raft of active safety kit that's on offer. Everything from Lane Departure Warning to Active Cruise Control and Collision Alert can be had, while Active Safety Braking is also available.
Further tech includes a sector-first handsfree electric sliding door operation, which can be activated by waving you foot under the door. Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink can be had with a seven-inch tablet style touchscreen, while Park Assist and a Head-up display are optional.
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