2018 Peugeot Rifter MPV debuts as a more stylish replacement for the Partner Tepee

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The Rifter combines commercial vehicle space with passenger car dynamics and features

PSA Groupe will unveil three all-new people carriers at the Geneva Motor Show: the mechanically-related Opel Combo, Citroën Berlingo, and Peugeot Rifter. The latter is a direct successor to the Partner Tepee, but it shifts to the EMP2 platform it shares with the Opel Combo, offering two length configurations (4.40 meters or 4.75 meters) with five or seven seats, respectively.

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The new name reflects not only the mechanical changes but also the move upscale, as the Rifter sources features like the i-Cockpit and an array of driving assistance systems from other Peugeot models. Those include Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Adaptive Cruise Control, active lane departure control system, and the Visiopark 180° reversing camera, among other things. It even gets a high-end GT Line trim, a first for a Peugeot model with commercial vehicle roots.

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Styling-wise, the Rifter looks very similar to the Opel Combo from the side and the rear, but it adopts a more rugged treatment thanks to the plastic body cladding, high ride height, and large wheels. At the front, the MPV boasts a brand-specific face thanks to familiar details such as the grille and headlights with LED signature lighting.

Inside, the Rifter gains the i-Cockpit interior layout known from other Peugeot models featuring a compact steering wheel with two flat parts, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a color head-up display. The MPV also features an electric parking brake that frees up space on the center tunnel.

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Customers will also be able to order a range-topping GT Line trim that offers specific Onyx Black elements such as the outline of the radiator grille, the mirror caps, the roof bars, and even side strips inserts. The Peugeot Rifter GT Line also gets 17-inch "Aoraki" diamond-cut alloys and GT Line plates with a copper finish on the front wings and the tailgate. Inside, GT Line models benefit from a leather steering wheel, "Tissu Casual" upholstery, and "Quente Brown" accents on the dashboard.

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Since it's based on a passenger car platform, engineers had to add specific developments in the rear section to favor modularity and load. The main advantage given by the EMP2 architecture is "a combination of comfort and behavior on a level never before seen on this segment," according to Peugeot.

The engine lineup includes two gasoline and three diesel units. There are two versions of the 1.2 PureTech gasoline engine on offer: the PureTech 130 S&S with an eight-speed automatic transmission (EAT8) and the PureTech 110 S&S with a five-speed manual gearbox. The more powerful engine includes a Gasoline Particulate Filter to reduce particle emissions.

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The diesel range includes three versions of the 1.5 BlueHDi engine: the BlueHDi 130 S&S with a six-speed manual or 8-speed auto, the Blue HDi 100 with a five-speed manual, and the BlueHDi 75 also with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-wheel-drive system developed with Dangel is also available as an option.

Practicality-wise, the Rifter offers a loading capacity ranging from 775 liters in the five-seat model under the parcel shelf (with all seats up) and up to 4,000 liters in the extended version with the seats down (loaded up to the roof).

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The Peugeot Rifter will go on sale worldwide from September.

READ MORE: The Peugeot Rifter 4×4 Concept will also debut at the Geneva Motor Show