Citroen’s SpaceTourer MPV will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The all-diesel model range is based on a new modular platform and will be aimed at both family and business users.

There will be three variants, including a 4.60m (181 inch) long model, which Citroen says is a first in the market, which can seat up to nine people, and offers features such as hands-free sliding side doors and a rear window that opens fully.

The SpaceTourer is built on a new variant of the modular EMP2 platform used by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. It inherits the entire front part of that platform and all of its latest-generation powertrain components, such as the engine and gearbox.

The rest of the platform was designed entirely for the SpaceTourer. There are new front and rear axles, which mean SpaceTourer is able to carry loads of up to 1,400kg, and the modular design allows for two wheelbases, as well as two different lengths of rear overhang. This allows for three body lengths: XS at 4.60m (181 inches) with the shorter wheelbase, the M at 4.95m (195 inches) and XL at 5.30m (209 inches) with the longer wheelbase

In the UK, the SpaceTourer will be available in two trim versions. The SpaceTourer Feel will be available in three lengths, with five, seven or eight seats. This version is designed for family life and for those who like to travel in larger groups. The interior is modular, with sliding seats on rails for optimal boot volume and added leg room. With seats featuring reclining backs that can fold down onto the cushion (passenger seats plus rows 2 and 3), drivers can easily accommodate unwieldy of objects.

The SpaceTourer Business is available in three lengths with five to nine seats. This version is aimed at professional passenger transport use such as hotel shuttles and taxis, and can be configured “à la carte” in terms of the number of seats and the range of equipment to create an entirely bespoke vehicle.

The SpaceTourer’s height of just 1.90m gives access to city car parks, shopping centres and airports, which can be difficult to access for some vehicles in this segment. Other features available include hands-free access, which allows users to open and close the motorised side doors via a simple movement of the foot, and an opening rear window.

Citroen says that the spacious and uncluttered interior of the CitroënSpaceTourer has been designed for long-distance journeys, ensuring each passenger benefits from the highest standards in terms of comfort and relaxation. Passengers in rows two and three get independent, sliding and reclining seats with comfortable head rests and arm rests.

The Citroen SpaceTourer is equipped with a reinforced MacPherson type front axle with an anti-roll bar and a new oblique-wishbone rear axle. For maximum comfort, with or without passengers on board, the springs feature variable stiffness and the shock absorbers are load-sensitive with a “passive” system that adjusts springing and damping depending on the road.

Also available – Citroen Connect Nav, a new 3D navigation system that is touch-controlled and connected in real time, and is controlled via voice recognition and the 7-inch touchscreen. It comes with connected services such as TomTom Traffic – for real-time traffic information – or to find service station locations (complete with petrol prices) and car parks. A head-up display allows drivers to consult essential driving information (actual and recommended speed, cruise control/speed limiter setting, navigation instructions, and collision risk alerts) on a transparent panel in their direct line of vision while keeping their eyes on the road.

Other safety features include a lane departure warning system, an ultrasonic blind spot monitoring system, a road sign recognition system, “coffee break” and driver attention alert systems warning drivers of drowsiness, active cruise control, Collision Alert and Active Safety Brake. The Citroen SpaceTourer scored the maximum 5-star rating in recent EuroNCAP tests.

The Citroen SpaceTourer is available with five powertrains, all featuring BlueHDi diesel engines. This new generation of engines, launched by Citroen in late 2013, considerably cuts nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions while also reducing CO2 emissions.

The diesel engines powering the Citroen SpaceTourer deliver the following combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (XS length):

BlueHDi 95 manual: 51.4mpg and 144g/km of CO2
BlueHDi 95 S&S ETG6: 54.3mpg and 135g/km of CO2
BlueHDi 115 S&S 6-sp. manual: 55.4mpg and 133g/km of CO2
BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-sp. manual: 53.3mpg and 139g/km of CO2
BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6: 48.7mpg and 151g/km of CO2