Citroën shows off new campervan concept

Citroën has revealed its all-new SpaceTourer Rip Curl campervan, a new concept 4x4 camper that can "go anywhere in total comfort" according to the carmaker

Citroën has worked with surf company, Rip Curl, and German campervan manufacturer, Pössl, to create the new campervan, which is currently only a concept, although Pössl already makes Citroën-based campervans and motorhomes that it sells in some European markets under its own name.

This SpaceTourer is fitted with a 4x4 conversion by Automobiles Dangel and is powered by Citroën’s BlueHDi 150 S&S engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The exterior features green two-tone exterior paint, which apparently evokes a feeling of harmony with nature: a dark khaki for the upper section, with a bright beige finish below.

It is fitted with 17” aluminium wheels and there is satin grey protective covers on the front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the seats are coated in khaki leather with horizontal embroidery for a ribbed effect. The backrests, headrests and the door panel trim strips are all covered in dark grey Alcantara, which is soft to the touch. In addition to the seats, the driver’s controls have also been given a special finish, with decorative neon yellow touches on the dashboard, steering wheel and doors.

The concept campervan has been made with surf fans in mind, so there's a shower with a curtain built into the rear. There is also an air-tight container for wetsuits, a weather station and a safe that can be attached under the vehicle to keep your keys secure while you’re out on the water. Other special features include the ceiling straps where two surfboards can be hung inside the camper between sessions on the water. For enhanced comfort, a number of accessories from Fatboy make life on-board and around the concept vehicle easier. These accessories include a Lamzac outdoor sofa, a free-standing lamp and blanket.

Pössl has brought its expertise into the design and has taken the “Swiss army knife” approach – an all-in-one vehicle that is a pleasant place to be when you want to recharge your batteries after a day in the great outdoors.

The medium-sized SpaceTourer (4.95m long, 1.92m wide, 1.99m tall) is fitted with a rising roof. It is also equipped with two hands-free electric sliding side doors and an opening rear window, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept can transport seven people in its “daytime” configuration.

There is a fitted kitchenette with a gas hob, a sink, fridge and storage. The kitchenette can be removed and set up outside the campervan.

Adjoining the kitchen, there's a sliding fold-away table and twin swivel cab seats.

In its “night-time” configuration, the vehicle can sleep four in two double bunks (one up and one down). The back seat folds out to create a flat sleeping space thanks to a mattress topper. The second double bed is in the rising roof. This bed is located part inside and part outside the van and can be used with or without a canvas flap and mosquito net.

In addition to the boot, which can be used to store larger luggage items, a number of locked storage compartments are located around the seats and beds, to safely store everyday objects at night.

Up front, the cockpit is an exact replica of the SpaceTourer production model.

From October 2017 to January 2018, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept will tour Europe with the Rip Curl team. Heading to approximately twenty events and some of the most beautiful European surf spots – in the UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, this is the perfect opportunity to discover this unique concept car for surfers. And for all winter sports enthusiasts, the end of the tour will be dedicated to mountains and snowboarding, in France, Switzerland and Austria.