Surf’s up! Citroen SpaceTourer gets Rip Curl special edition

Citroen has launched a Rip Curl edition of the SpaceTourer MPV. Available as a five or eight-seater, the van-based people carrier gets enhanced traction control for soft-roading, rugged styling and higher levels of standard equipment. It is on sale now, starting at £34,700.

Like the Toyota Proace Verso and Peugeot Traveller, the Citroen SpaceTourer is a commercial-vehicle-turned-people-carrier, with the traditional panelled loadspace replaced with two or three rows of seats and windows. 

Rip Curl versions get 17-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and twin side sliding doors. A useful split tailgate is also standard, which means you can open the rear window and load/unload the van without having to lift the entire tailgate.

The SpaceTourer Rip Curl also gets Grip Control and winter tyres, which means the front-wheel drive van should be able to handle light off-roading, with driving modes for sand, mud and snow. 

Based on the Feel trim level, Citroen SpaceTourer Rip Curl is available in five colours - Polar White, Arctic Steel, Platinum Grey, Black, and Soft Sand - while the doors get Rip Curl graphics and black side rubbing strips. 

The dashboard is finished with a laser engraved design in silver, which also covers all the side panels, front and rear. Touchscreen navigation is standard, along with a leather steering wheel, driver's head-up display, keyless entry and panoramic sunroof.

Both five and eight-seater models get split folding 60/40 rear benches that slide on rails. You can also take the seats out, but be warned they're heavy. A rear air conditioning system should keep passengers in the back cool during the summer. 

Buyers can choose from two diesel engines. Both are matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, with the entry-level 1.6 BlueHDi producing 120PS while the more powerful 2.0-litre unit provides 150PS. Citroen hasn’t released any running figures, but expect economy to range from 50mpg - 55mpg.