SpaceTourer will seat nine

Test Drive by Graham Breeze

For the motorist with a big family to transport there has never been more choice and the Citroen SpaceTourer is up there with the best as a nine-seat option.

Most of the competition in the MPV market offer the opportunity of seven seats but the spacious Citroen is a comfortable eight-seater and adding a front bench gives you an extra passenger.

But the SpaceTourer is more than a people carrier. It offers so much more than a means of transporting people from y to z because its adaptability means it can become the office too, just by sliding seats around and adding table space.

There’s no hiding the vehicle’s origins of course. Most of the space is gained from the guidelines of the Dispatch van but that’s where the similarities end. This is a good looking, comfortable and very well equipped MPV option.

Offered in in Feel or Flair trim levels, as well as Business and Business Lounge specs, to appeal to customers needing to work and impress on the move, this Citroen epitomises versatility.

We tested the Flair BlueHDi 150 XS in six-speed manual format and found the model came with heated leather seats, more technology than you could ever need and sat attractively on a set of sweet 17inch alloys.

Powered by a 1977cc, four-cylinder diesel engine, there was good performance with a top speed of 106mph and 0-62ph in a decent 11 seconds. Combined fuel figures were competitive too at a claimed 53.3mpg – we achieved slightly less though.

The model Is well equipped too. Fitted as standard were ABS and EBD braking systems, electronic stability control, automatic parking brake, hill start assist, curtain airbags, remote central locking and deadlocks.

For comfort and convenience there you get cruise control, variable speed limiter, heads-up display, height and reach adjustable steering, front and rear air conditioning, rear parking sensors, park assist and keyless entry and start function.

On-board entertainment functions include, connect radio via a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB Bluetooth handsfree, USB ports, Mirror Screen, Mirror Link and Car Play, Audio Jack, an additional HiFi pack and impressive 3D Connect Navigation.

High seating positions mean driver and passengers benefit from good visibility and a stunning panoramic roof offers plenty of light into the cabin. Night-time aids include automatic Xenon lights with cornering functions. The front seats are heated and include a useful massage function.

Front independent MacPherson struts, anti-torsion bar and rear independent, trailing arm and hydraulic dampers help provide a surprisingly comfortable ride despite the pot-holed roads of Mid Wales.  

Despite the size of this vehicle there is still a lack of luggage space when all the seats are in use and that’s probably the most disappointing aspect. So don’t plan on taking six or seven pals on a golfing break without a trailer for the clubs.

The tailgate is massive and you need to ensure plenty of space when parking if you want rear access, though there is a low loading lip which helps greatly.

There’s a price to pay of course. The SpaceTourer is a not a cheap option at £38,870, with metallic paint, driver assist pack, grip control, alloy wheels, three-seater bench and demountable tow bar pushing the bill up to just short of £41,000.

There’s no denying that this Citroen is impressive. Whether loading up the family for a day in the country, heading off on holiday or doubling up as a business carrier or as office space it does just what it says on the can.