Until now known as the new Partner, Peugeot traded us laps and debuted a new designation. Peugeot Rifter is its name — abandoning the designation Partner Tepee, which identified its predecessor. After the presentation of the Citroën Berlingo and Opel Combo Life, the presentation of the new generation of models aimed at the professional and leisure market is now complete.
Like the Berlingo and Combo Life, the Peugeot Rifter will also see its production divided between the factory in Vigo, Spain and “our” factory in Mangualde — despite the threat of the end of production at the Portuguese unit.
What do you have in common with the "brothers"
The Peugeot Rifter shares with the other models the EMP2 platform and generous shares of living space — both for passengers and luggage, as well as high modularity, versatility and practicality. It will also have two available bodies — regular and long — and both can have up to seven seats.
In the chapter on engines, “nothing new”. That is, the engines already announced for the Citroën Berlingo are exactly the same for the Peugeot Rifter. The gasoline engines are in charge of the 1.2 PureTech, with 110 and 130 hp versions, the latter equipped with a particle filter. On the Diesel side, three versions of the new 1.5 BlueHDi —75, 100 and 130 hp.
Both thrusters will be mated to five-speed manual gearboxes, with the 130hp 1.5 BlueHDi being given extra speed. As an option, and available in 2019, an eight-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8), associated with the 130 hp version of the 1.2 PureTech and 1.5 BlueHDi.
The same goes for the present technologies, which can be found in all three models — from automatic emergency braking, to adaptive cruise control, to the rear panoramic camera (180°).
Maximum capacity of seven seats, in both long and regular versions
All-wheel drive — the big news
The Peugeot Rifter clearly takes an SUV inspiration to define its look, but it doesn't stop there. The Advanced Grip Control , which optimizes traction for different types of terrain, and which can be combined with Michelin Lattitude Tour tires for mud and snow. Associated with this system is the Hill Assist Descent Control that maintains an optimized speed on steep descents.
But the big news is the announcement of an all-wheel drive version , which will be available as an option. The development of this version was a joint effort with Peugeot's long-time partner Dangel — a company dedicated to transforming Peugeot models by adding all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. A small example of Dangel's capabilities:
i-Cockpit inside
Like its “brothers”, the Peugeot Rifter on the outside is distinguished by its specific front, inspired by the brand's SUVs, such as the 3008. The surprise comes from the interior, which, contrary to what would be expected, proves to be more distinct from the than the Berlingo and Combo Life, with the French brand to integrate its i-Cockpit — this one is characterized by the high positioning of the instrument panel and the “flattened” steering wheel at the top and bottom.
i-Cockpit also present on the Peugeot Rifter, just like the other Peugeot
Still in the visual field, some versions will come with 17″ wheels, an option that will be part of the Rifter GT Line, in addition to other exclusive stylistic details, such as notes in Onyx Black — grille outline, mirror covers, among others. The GT Line's interiors will also have a more careful presentation, using the Warm Brown (brown) tone for some finishes, Tissu Casual for the fabrics and a checkered pattern for the instrument panel.
In Portugal
As with the Citroën Berlingo and Opel Combo Life, the Peugeot Rifter will go on sale next September. The presentation to the public will take place next month, at the Geneva Motor Show, which will also feature a unique show car.
Peugeot Rifter GT-Line