Automotive

Citroen hyphenates its SpaceTourer MPV into a colorful 4x4

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The new SpaceTourer Hyphen combines the MPV with some SUV characteristics
Citroën's SpaceTourer Hyphen has a diesel engine and Dangel 4WD
Citroën SpaceTourer Hyphen artist's rendering
Citroën SpaceTourer Hyphen artist's rendering
The SpaceTourer Hyphen combines elements of cities and wide open spaces
The SpaceTourer Hyphen concept will debut in Geneva
Iridescent green mixes with orange and matte "Dark Moondust"
The interior definitely betrays the electronic rock-inspired design process
The new SpaceTourer Hyphen combines the MPV with some SUV characteristics
View gallery - 8 images

At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Citroën will focus much of its attention on the launch of its new SpaceTourer minivan, but it'll also meet its odd-ball concept car quota with the SpaceTourer Hyphen. Designed to explore the middle ground between MPV and SUV, the Hyphen combines a high-clearance 4WD build with a colorful, pop music-inspired motif.

Ever since we saw the Toyota Sienna UUV travel all over North America, we've been kind of intrigued by the idea of combining the spacious cabin of a minivan with the all-terrain grit of an SUV. Without a truck platform or aftermarket off-road equipment, the SpaceTourer Hyphen leans very much towards the "soccer mom minivan" side of the equation, but the new SU-MPV still packs a sense of adventure and boundlessness.

With help from a bespoke on-demand 4x4 system developed in conjunction with Dangel – the guys behind the Fiat Ducato 4x4 camper van – Hyphen's BlueHDI 150 S&S diesel engine sends power to all four wheels. Citroën says the 4WD system adds all-terrain traction without compromising the handling characteristics or comfort of the base SpaceTourer. The Hyphen rides on a set of 19-in matte black alloy wheels and offers more ground clearance than the standard SpaceTourer.

The SpaceTourer Hyphen concept will debut in Geneva

Sounds like a pretty normal concept car so far, right? Well, there's still plenty of Citroën weirdness to be found.

If you were asked to create a more rugged, all-terrain minivan, one of the last things on earth you'd probably do during the creative process is invite a pop music group in to help you splash bright oranges and greens all over it. But you're not Citroën. In a move it calls "only natural," it partnered with French electronic rock group Hyphen Hyphen to give the concept a "supercharged" design.

The parties settled on an iridescent green body fading into an orange rear matched to the orange highlights around the exterior. The front bumper design, wheel arch trim and sill protectors are inspired by last year's Aircross concept.

Look closely at the tires and you'll notice they're wrapped with elastomer strips you'd never want to actually drive on. Since it's just a show car, though, the strips are practical enough, helping emphasize the concept's improved, 4WD traction.

The interior definitely betrays the electronic rock-inspired design process

The interior is where Citroën and Hyphen Hyphen really had fun, livening things up with a very bright multi-colored design around the seats, dashboard, doors and ceiling. Materials include Nappa leather on the seats and wool in the floor mats. Citroën says the vibrant design is meant to convey fun, freedom and unlimited adventure, but we think any kind of "unlimited" experience in that cabin might leave us with little more than a pounding headache.

Next month's Geneva Motor Show will host the world debut of the Citroën SpaceTourer Hyphen, along with the new production SpaceTourer. Gizmag will be on the floor to bring you all the latest news.

Source: Citroën

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5 comments
englishfil
A bit more (variable) lift, smaller wheels with taller AT tyres and some serious armouring of the overhangs, especially for approach and departure, and Citroen might just have something. Add practical fording ability, proper low ratio and a multi-speed auto box and it could replace the defunct Defender 110 for some applications. Ditch the migraine colour scheme and give it a more ulu appropriate name of course.
Simons Engineering
It would've been nice to show and discuss the dimensions of the "spacious cabin". From the outside, it sure doesn't look like bikes could even fit inside the cabin. 60/40 split rear seats that dissappear into the floor enabling 3 mountain bikes, 3 people and their weekend gear would have my interest.
Island Architect
Call it what it its!
A hip minivan!
b
Observer101
I wonder how many MPG it gets?
SurajPawar
In a move it calls "only natural," it partnered with French electronic rock group Hyphen Hyphen to give the concept a "supercharged" design.