Peugeot Australia plans to offer the people-carrying version of its smaller Partner van, which would give the French brand a direct competitor to the Volkswagen Caddy.
The Peugeot Rifter is the passenger version of the Partner, based on the same platform as the latest Citroën Berlingo – a long-running van no longer sold in Australia – as well as the Opel/Vauxhall Combo and Toyota ProAce sold in Europe and the United Kingdom.
During the recent launch of the new Peugeot 308 Hatch and WagonPeugeot Citroën Australia’s managing director, Kate Gillis, told the media that the compact MPV is not a surefire starter for our market, but it is under consideration.
“We always look at what is being developed and see if it suits our market. So it’s definitely not a no, and at this stage it’s still under consideration,” Ms Gillis said.
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e-Rifter
“There is definitely an opportunity for something like this in this market. But we have to go through the right level of due diligence and consideration, but you know, it’s there.
“It’s a very successful vehicle for Peugeot, and it’s had a little facelift which makes it even more appealing,” Ms Gillis added.
Although not mentioned at the press conference, the Rifter also offers an all-electric version called the e-Rifter. If the standard version is considered, you must think that the EV model is also on the cards.
Peugeot Australia has made no secret of its intentions to offer up to three all-electric models in 2023, starting with a commercial vehicle, then moving on to passenger and SUV segments. Although unconfirmed, the aim is to have all three on the market by the end of next year.
While Ms. Gillis is not tempted to reveal which models from the global portfolio will fit each of these three niches, the utility vehicle will either be the e-partner, e-ExpertWhere e-Boxer van.
Since the Partner and the Rifter are basically identical with different interiors, you can see how the Rifter and e-Rifter are a logical next step.
Peugeot also offers a passenger version of the Expert van called the Traveller, which additionally offers an all-electric e-Traveller variant.
The passenger and SUV slots, meanwhile, are likely to be occupied by the e-208 EV city hatch as well as the e-2008 small crossing. Peugeot Australia is also planning to bring the recently revealed e-308 Downstairs.
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AFTER: All Peugeot Partners