Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Citroën e-SpaceTourer MPV review

"The Citroen e-SpaceTourer offers versatility, efficient electric power and a touch of style, but struggles to shrug off its delivery-van origins"

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Electric version offers decent range
  • Smooth
  • Huge interior space

Cons

  • Obviously van-derived
  • Rather noisy in the back
  • Limited boot space with all seats up

Sometimes, when more than five people need to travel together, even a big MPV doesn’t quite do the job. Now, the Citroen e-SpaceTourer seeks to satisfy the needs of the larger travelling group, competing with the Mercedes V-Class and Volkswagen Multivan in the luxury minibus market. It’s perhaps more aimed at private hire firms and shuttle services than private buyers, but large families may also find a lot to like.

The best eight seater cars 2023Top 10 best eight-seater cars 2023

In common with those two rivals, the Citroen finds its basis in a commercial vehicle, in this case the latest Citroen Dispatch van, which in turn shares some parts with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer MPVs. Changes to the bumpers and headlights distinguish the SpaceTourer from its hard-working sister models and, when fitted with alloy wheels, the big Citroen actually looks quite fetching.

While the idea of your ‘luxury’ transport being essentially a van with windows isn’t the most appealing thought, some reassurance can be derived from the fact that vans like those are designed to work hard and prove reliable, while being cost-effective to operate. Plus, as the chassis of the Dispatch has a lot in common with that of the Citroen C4 SpaceTourer, the SpaceTourer is impressively car-like to drive for a van-based model.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

In January 2022, Citroen discontinued the diesel engines from the SpaceTourer lineup, leaving just the electric e-SpaceTourer model. It did the same with the Citroen Berlingo, and the van versions of each model. Citroen isn’t alone in this; Vauxhall and Peugeot have also stopped selling diesel engines in its mechanically identical van-based models, too. You can still buy a diesel-engined Toyota Proace Verso, though, and Citroen will still offer diesel SpaceTourers for some people, such as wheelchair-accessible conversions.

Before then, the engine range included three diesel options. The BlueHDi diesels have 118bhp, 142bhp or 175bhp and return around 40mpg, while the electric e-Spacetourer is powered by a 134bhp motor connected to a 50kWh battery for a driving range of up to 136 miles. Don’t expect to cover that many miles between charges in winter or on long motorway journeys, however.

The e-SpaceTourer can be chosen in two lengths. The M is a shade less than five metres and the lengthy XL stretches a full 5.3 metres – this version allowing up to nine passengers to stretch out in comfort. Family buyers are best served by the flagship Flair trim, while the more basic Business Edition trim is aimed at private-hire drivers. But Citroen’s revised pricing means that many buyers are likely to plump with the base model, which qualifies for the plug-in car grant and is over £15,000 less expensive than the Flair.

The Citroen SpaceTourer is a practical MPV that's quiet and good to drive but heavy seats mean some owners will need a helping hand and a garage if they want to change its seating layout. The e-SpaceTourer has many advantages but its relatively small battery pack means it’s not suited to long distances.

Range, charging & running costs

The e-SpaceTourer promises very low running costs but it can be expensive to buy

With vans like the Dispatch having to work for a living, Citroen is keen that its commercial vehicles should be as efficient as possible. This trickles down handily to the SpaceTourer, which returns up to 39.8mpg in the BlueHDi 145 and 180.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Find a used example with the BlueHDi 120 engine, and fuel consumption reduces to 44.1mpg. Used diesel versions are subject to the standard VED rate (road tax) annually, the exception being the e-SpaceTourer's zero emissions and £0 tax bill - even if it costs more than £40,000.

With a 50kWh battery, the e-SpaceTourer can manage up to 136 miles from a full charge. Firms using the e-SpaceTourer in cities where there's lots of congestion should find it can perform a few shuttle runs before needing a top-up, and it can be fast charged at up to 100kW at a public charger. Citroen has partnered with PodPoint to offer buyers an 11kW or 7.4kW home wallbox, charging the battery in less than 3.5 hours or five hours respectively. 

In reality, though, you may find it very hard to get close to Citroen’s estimates. We recently tested the e-SpaceTourer’s efficiency on a cold day, and it was achieving less than two miles per kilowatt-hour. That equates to a range of around 85 miles, so you’ll need to be prepared for more frequent charges when the temperature drops – and ideally find chargers with shelters or amenities.

It’s also worth noting that that figure was achieved with just one person on board; load up the car with people and the e-SpaceTourer will be even less efficient.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The e-SpaceTourer isn't cheap but it does come with some big advantages, including much lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) liability than the diesels and free access to low-emissions zones like central London, along with some other perks for EVs such as cheaper maintenance.

SpaceTourer insurance groups range from 12 to 18 between the diesel models, and routine servicing can be performed by any official Citroen workshop. The car is also covered by the same three-year warranty as all other new Citroens in the UK.

Electric motor, drive & performance

Power ranges from adequate to ample and it's a far better steer than you'd expect

Thanks to a chassis closely related to those of hatchback Citroens, the e-SpaceTourer really doesn’t feel as awkward and bulky to drive as you might expect. The M version feels manageably sized and you can thread it confidently down twisting country roads without fear of where its extremities are.

The raised driving position is helpful, providing a commanding view of the road ahead and making it easier to place the car in corners. It also has an impressively tight turning circle and is a lot easier to park than you might think. The steering is light, too, although this leads to it feeling somewhat vague on the open road.

The e-SpaceTourer copes well with bumpy, broken roads. Citroen claims that the Dispatch van’s suspension has been comprehensively retuned for passenger duties and our experience seems to confirm that.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Every engine for the conventionally powered SpaceTourer is a diesel, the least powerful being a BlueHDi 120 that's only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the BlueHDi 145 and 180 get an automatic as standard.

The BlueHDi 120 with the six-speed manual gearbox takes 12 seconds to get from 0-62mph, and has a top speed of 99mph. The gearshift is accurate and easy, although it doesn’t feel as good as that of the Volkswagen Caravelle.

With 134bhp and instant torque, the e-SpaceTourer feels punchy around town. The fact it's relatively narrow also means it feels no more unwieldy to drive than an SUV, and it's pleasantly quiet apart from the odd clunk from the suspension. A driving mode called ‘B’ increases the amount of energy harvested while decelerating but it's not quite strong enough for one-pedal driving.

The electric powertrain makes the car much smoother to travel in, because there are no vibrations or unwelcome noise to contend with. As a result, it’s more relaxing to drive than the diesels.

Interior & comfort

Plenty of space for all in the back, but it can be noisy on the road

Citroen maintains that it has added sound-deadening to the SpaceTourer’s interior to lessen the van-with-windows effect somewhat, but diesel versions are still somewhat noisy to travel in – a shame given how smooth the ride is. It does feel at least one step up from a typical delivery van, though, with a nicely finished dashboard.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

A seven-inch widescreen display controls the DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay systems, with a navigation system optional. All models have cruise control and a USB port, as well as more practical features including parking sensors, LED daytime running lights and ISOFIX child-seat mountings. Hill-start assistance makes rural progress easier, too.

The passenger compartment is treated to a central overhead console, incorporating outlets for the air-conditioning system, as well as ambient lighting similar to what you might get on a private jet, while sunblinds, seatback trays and power sockets are also provided.

The doors and boot can be opened using the Hands-Free Access facility, while the rear windscreen can be opened independently of the rest of the tailgate in situations where space is limited, such as an enclosed parking space. The sliding side doors can be motorised, too.

The SpaceTourer Rip Curl was a special limited-run model that was offered alongside similarly badged versions of the Berlingo, C3 Aircross and C4 Cactus. It was the most distinctive version of Citroen’s largest MPV, with subtle styling changes like black door mirrors and rubbing strips helping to set it apart from the regular models. Special 17-inch wheels were also fitted along with tinted rear windows, along with a smattering of the surfwear brand's emblems dotted around the bodywork to finish things off. Inside, the dashboard was engraved with a laser-etched design and there's a 3.5-inch colour display in the centre of the instrument cluster. A seven-inch touchscreen, colour head-up display and keyless entry were also standard.

Practicality & boot space

Generally very versatile, but boot is marginal with all seats in use

While not being the most imaginatively designed interior environment, the passenger compartment of the medium-length SpaceTourer does at least offer plenty of space – even the tallest passengers can expect plenty of legroom, while there’s plenty of head and shoulder room, too.

As is often the case with vehicles like this, there’s a compromise to be made between passenger and luggage space. With all three rows of seats in situ, there’s a pretty minimal area left for loads. However, if the third row is folded down, the SpaceTourer gets closer to resembling a van again, with a total of 2,381 litres of luggage capacity, rising to a massive 2,932 litres in the XL version.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It's worth noting that truly transforming the SpaceTourer requires removing the rear seats, and they're rather heavy. Some will find it easier to do this with two people, and you'll also need somewhere to store the seats when they aren't in use. The large rear tailgate can also be a bit awkward to open and close in confined spaces, or for anyone who isn't very tall.

Reliability & safety

Top notch Euro NCAP crash test rating is reassuring, while Citroen Dispatch basis is proven

Van origins mean you can expect the SpaceTourer to be robust and easy to repair. Our annual Driver Power owner satisfaction survey has never covered the Citroen Dispatch before, but we’d like to think the SpaceTourer will make a showing as its popularity grows.

The SpaceTourer has yet to feature in our Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but the Citroen brand itself came a very disappointing 28th out of 29 marques scrutinised in our 2021 results, a 10-place fall from the year before. Considering that Citroen expects the SpaceTourer to become popular with private-hire companies and upmarket hotels, reliability should be high on the agenda, but 22.9% of Citroen owners who participated in our survey reported at least one fault in the first year of ownership.

There are no such worries over the safety of the SpaceTourer: it has already been awarded a full five-star rating after independent crash-testing by Euro NCAP. This takes into account the impressive list of crash-preventing measures the Citroen features – including autonomous emergency braking that activates if it senses an oncoming hazard.

Lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, road-sign recognition and driver drowsiness monitor are other features designed to improve safety on long journeys – as is the active cruise control.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?
Citroen C3 Aircross front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive
Nissan Juke UK drive front quarter
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback

Mercedes A-Class review – a comfort-focused premium hatchback
Mercedes A-Class
In-depth reviews
2 Dec 2024

Mercedes A-Class review – a comfort-focused premium hatchback

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

New Audi Q5 Sportback lands with SUV stance and a swoopy roof
Audi SQ5 Sportback front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New Audi Q5 Sportback lands with SUV stance and a swoopy roof

More on Citroën e-SpaceTourer

New Citroen e-SpaceTourer EV carries up to nine passengers from £38k
Citroen e-SpaceTourer tracking
News
18 Mar 2024

New Citroen e-SpaceTourer EV carries up to nine passengers from £38k

Citroen’s nine-seater gets a new face, plus battery upgrades for the electric model
The 10 cheapest seven-seater cars 2024
Cheapest seven seater cars
Best cars
26 Jan 2024

The 10 cheapest seven-seater cars 2024

More seats doesn’t always have to mean more expensive. Here are the cheapest cars on sale in the UK with seven seats
Top 10 best people carriers and MPVs 2024
Best MPVs hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best people carriers and MPVs 2024

Practical, spacious and well-equipped, these are the best MPVs you can buy in the UK right now
Top 10 best cars with sliding doors
Best cars with sliding doors
Best cars
3 Mar 2023

Top 10 best cars with sliding doors

If ease of access is a priority, cars with sliding doors offer an enormous advantage. We list our top 10
Citroen Berlingo and SpaceTourer MPVs are now electric-only
Citroen e-Berlingo
News
10 Jan 2022

Citroen Berlingo and SpaceTourer MPVs are now electric-only

Citroen discontinues petrol and diesel engines in its van-based MPVs, and both models get a price cut
2021 Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL model joins range
2021 Citroen e-SpaceTourer
News
28 Sep 2021

2021 Citroen e-SpaceTourer XL model joins range

Buyers can now order a Citroen e-SpaceTourer in M and XL sizes with up to nine seats
Updated Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer on sale now
Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer
News
19 Aug 2021

Updated Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer on sale now

Revised trim structure and simplified engine options for seven-seater Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer MPV
Citroen e-SpaceTourer MPV to go on sale in 2020
News
12 Jun 2020

Citroen e-SpaceTourer MPV to go on sale in 2020

Like the mechanically identical Peugeot e-Traveller, the Citroen e-SpaceTourer offers 143 miles of range
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Ford Transit Custom van inherits Fiesta face
News
23 Nov 2017

New Ford Transit Custom van inherits Fiesta face

Style, comfort and technology updates invigorate latest Ford Transit Custom

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024