FRENCH SENSE FOR FAMILIES (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_peugeoterifter_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 106

If you can afford the higher asking price and can cope with the 172 mile driving range, then there aren't too many other downsides in opting for the original version of Peugeot's fully electric e-Rifter small MPV, which by 2021 was the only Rifter variant still on offer. As a used buy, it certainly might be tempting option if you're looking for a full-electric compact family car and don't want a compact SUV. Here, there was the option of a 7-seat cabin too, which is rare to find in an EV of this size. Except with the Citroen and Vauxhall models than share this one's design.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr SUV (EV)

Historyword count: 162

The segment for compact People Carriers gained something of a fresh lease of life in this century's third decade, courtesy of EV power. What used to be called the PSA Group doggedly continued to sell small MPVs in the century's second decade as sales in this sector declined, but by 2021 the conglomerate, by then part of Stellantis, started to reap the benefit, launching fully electrified versions of the Citroen Berlingo, the Vauxhall Combo and the subject of here, Peugeot's e-Rifter. As with those two in-house rivals, it got the 50kWh battery that by 2021 Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall seemed to fit to every EV they made, even the biggest MPVs. Here of course, a battery of that size was far more appropriate and it was built into the car in a way that didn't compromise cabin space. The e-Rifter was significantly facelifted and given a longer driving range in mid 2024, but it's the earlier 2021-2023-era models we look at here.

What You Getword count: 898

There's very little outward differentiation to identify this particular Rifter's all-electric status. Unless you notice the lack of tailpipes and the addition of a charging flap, extra badging and trim accents are the only giveaways. You'll really need the extra embellishment of the top 'GT' trim level though, if you want to distract the attention of passers-by from the fact that all you've actually really got here is a Peugeot Partner van with extra seats and windows. You get a choice of wheelbases - 'M' (for 'Medium'); or 'XL', the latter enabling the fitment of a third row of seats. At the wheel, at first glance anyway, it's much as in the old combustion-powered conventional Rifter (or indeed a Peugeot Partner van). That means that there's the brand's usual 'i-Cockpit' design, which uses this much smaller-than-normal little three-spoke wheel. You view the dials over the top of its rim, rather than conventionally through its spokes. Once you've got used to that, if you look a little closer around, you'll start to see some of this EV variant's model-specific differences. This little EV drive toggle switch, for instance, that takes the place of the usual gear selector. And of course there are EV-specific features on both of the provided displays. Let's start with the 10-inch instrument screen you view above the wheel rim, which in its standard layout has a battery indicator on the left, a digital speedo in the middle and a 'Power/Eco/Charge' drive meter on the right. Using this little rotary controller on the left hand steering wheel spoke, you can alter the screen layout through various settings; 'Energy', 'Dials', 'Driving', 'Navigation', 'Minimal' and 'Personal'. Whatever you choose, the resolution is sharply defined and easy to read. Which can't really also be said for the central 8-inch infotainment display. Still, at least it has a physical volume dial and, more importantly, it's not burdened with the climate controls (which are separated out further down the centre stack). We've saved arguably the best bit though, until last: cabin practicality. If you were to add up the capacity of all the 28 different nooks and crannies available within the interior of this Rifter, you'd arrive at a figure of 167-litres - about as much as you'd get in the entire boot of some city cars. Enough on what the front of the cabin's like: let's consider the second row. Both short and long wheelbase e-Rifter models offer access to this part of the car via sliding side doors. The sliding doors are rather heavy to close from the inside and this format means you can't have door pockets either. Still, on the plus side, the second row offers enough space to suit a wide variety of passenger shapes and sizes. Because the battery pack is mounted beneath this MPV model's floor, cabin space is not compromised at all over comparable combustion engined Rifter models. So there are vast standards of headroom and because the centre transmission tunnel is virtually non-existent, it's straightforward to accommodate three fully-sized adults if need be. If you're able to stretch to the top-spec 'GT' level of trim, you'll get the three individual rear seats that really ought to be optional further down the range. With base 'Allure Premium'-spec though, you'll be stuck with the conventional fixed bench, which really doesn't do very much at all, unable to slide or recline in the way you'd hope an MPV model rear seat might. All e-Rifters get these aircraft-style seatback tables with cup holder points, but you don't get the useful under-floor storage compartments that used to feature on the old combustion models; blame the bulky EV powertrain below you for that. Twin vents are provided back here - and you get a separate climate control if you've a model with the dual-zone system fitted. Lower down, there's a USB socket too. And that's about it, assuming you've gone for a 'Standard'-length five-seat short wheelbase Rifter. Were we to be buying this Peugeot though, we'd be tempted to pay the small amount extra for the 'Long' body style with its two extra boot-mounted chairs. The fact that these sit within a spacious 4.75m body shape means that they can, at a pitch, be quite comfortably used by adults on short-to-medium-length journeys. It's just another example of this Peugeot's flexibility. Let's consider boot space. Whatever way you opt for this Rifter, its cargo area will be vast and the clever battery pack under-floor placement we mentioned earlier means that the capacity figures are unaltered from those of the previous combustion-powered models, though there's no storage space beneath the floor in this one. But you don't really need it because even the 5-seat short wheelbase 'Standard' length variant can swallow 775-litres in its boot, while the lengthier wheelbase 'Long' version has a capacity of up to 1,050-litres. The parcel shelf at the back can take up to 25kg of weight (so, for instance, you could put the dog on top of the shopping). Fold down the 60:40-split rear bench and up to 3,000 litres is freed up; with a 'Long' wheelbase model, it'd be up to 4,000-litres with both the back seating rows folded. In addition, with either body style, if you're taking really long items, the front passenger seat can be folded flat, allowing items like surfboards of up to 3,050mm long to be taken inside 'Long'-spec models.

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