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At the same time that the beautiful 508, Peugeot puts on the market the 3 th generation of its Partner. Everything changes, starting with the name: he now answers the surname of Rifter. Tour of the owner of this distant cousin of the Citroën Berlingo
As you know, the PSA group includes Peugeot, Citroën and Opel (as well as DS). So you can imagine that, in a collective logic, which benefits one profits to others as long as the differences between the marks are visible enough to avoid getting on the wheels. So, read the test Rifter while you just read that of the Berlingo (how you did not do it?! Go ahead of it, I'm waiting for you here) can appear to you as redundant. This is where I intervene to tell you that despite appearances, the lion cub conceals some artifices that sets it apart on the battlefield.
What strikes from the first laps, is the modified damping of the Rifter. The springs and dampers adopt a specific calibration, the suspension stops are different and the steering has been recalibrated. As a result, the body movements are well contained and if it remains very flexible, MPV is much more accurate on the road than his cousin herringbone. Firmer without being uncomfortable, it gives the impression of behaving like a station wagon, except that the center of gravity is much higher. When we add the little steering wheel to the equation, we get an ultra practical craft dedicated to leisure that does not forget the one who drives it. The platform before EMP2 makes it possible to benefit from a voluntary forward train that can not be incisive and makes the Rifter a pleasure to drive. Of course, the comparison with a sedan turns against it but it is no less convincing in terms of its size of mover.
Halfway between minivan and SUV
Another difference with the Berlingo, the Rifter borrows some elements usually reserved for SUVs, starting with a raised ground clearance of 30 mm. It also includes protective clogs for a fighter look. Like the Citroën, it can be configured with Advanced Grip Control, a traction control system that can be parameterized according to the conditions of grip. But those who want to go even further here have the opportunity to opt for a conversion 4 × 4 performed by specialist Dangel. Thus rigged, there are not many situations that the Rifter can not tackle. It becomes the perfect gear for all fans of extreme sports who need to carry their equipment regardless of the state of the terrain on which they operate.
The exterior style is much more dynamic than the Berlingo, especially in GT Line configuration. The sharply defined look and sharp body lines are an integral part of the Peugeot style while the rims reach 17 inches. The interior wins an iCockpit (with badog counters, however), a small steering wheel and a convenient storage bin between the front seats, where the Berlingo is satisfied with an empty space. Apart from that, it's white hat and white hat! The size of the boot still impresses with 597 L in the worst case, expandable up to more than 2000 L by folding the seats. We find exactly the same storage space, the same glazed roof with the roof arch and the arrival of a long chbadis version in the range. Only the names of the options and versions change from one brand to another
Copy and paste
Unsurprisingly, the engines and driving aids are exactly identical. Our trial version was equipped with the 130hp 1.5 BlueHDi now well known from our services, since we had also tried in the 3008 and the Berlingo. Associated with the soft EAT8 carbox, it was perfect to take the Rifter, especially since it easily accommodates a little less than 7 L / 100 km. The BlueHDi 100 will however be more than enough for the majority of users. Diesel refractories will still be able to opt for the Puretech 110 3-cylinder and enjoy a crisp engine that lacks a little torque, especially at low revs. Consumption will therefore be impacted by the fact of having to constantly punch in for the raises. Nevertheless, Peugeot expects a sales mix of around 60% diesel – 40% gasoline.
In conclusion
The Rifter is a giant leap from its predecessor. In addition to that, the PSA group's strategy pays off since you have the choice between different orientations for a single car. With a price range of between € 23,150 and € 31,300, the Rifter is € 1,200 more expensive than the Berlingo with equivalent equipment and engines. It's up to you to choose whether a very soft comfort or more rigorous handling is what attracts you the most.
What to remember about the Peugeot Rifter
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| Model tested | Price (excluding options) | |
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Peugeot Rifter GT Line BlueHDi 130 EAT8 | from 31 300 € |
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