What an awful name, don’t you think? “The Citroenist Concept” would’ve been a better match for a one-off based on the automaker’s DS series, the older models from the ‘50s instead of a camper van developed for the Leisure Vehicle Motor Show.
After making its world premiere in March at the Geneva Motor Show, the French brand decided to bring out The Citroenist Concept once again as a response to the Peugeot Boxer 4x4 Concept. Symbolizing Citroen’s approach to the motorhome market, the SpaceTourer-based model is also described as “a nod to the fans” even though nobody asked for such a vehicle in the first place. Adding insult to injury, this thing isn’t going into production.
Turning our attention to what makes this a concept, the list of modifications starts with the black-and-white paintwork complemented by red accents and a zebra-like motif for the upper part of the vehicle. There’s even a decal that reads “The Citroenist – Est. 1919” to remind everyone that the double chevron was founded 100 years ago by Andre-Gustave Citroen.
Even a pair of custom bicycles has been painted to look similar to the concept, but Citroen couldn’t stop there with the shenanigans. The designers worked their magic on ballpoint pens, a hardcover agenda, and USB drives, which feels like the concept’s purpose has been diluted too much.
The pop-up roof tent is probably the most interesting feature of The Citroenist Concept along with the swiveling seats up front. A desk and a television are also featured, and sleeping for two people is possible with a bit of a squeeze. Under the hood, the BlueHDi 150 S&S four-cylinder turbo diesel will have to suffice with 2.0 liters of displacement, a six-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive for trickier weather and more difficult terrain.
SpaceTourer is the name Citroen chose for the spiritual successor of the C8, and if you were wondering, this fellow here is joined at the hip to the Peugeot Traveler and Toyota Proace Verso. Even the Opel and Vauxhall Zafira Life utilize the same underpinnings, namely the EMP2 vehicle architecture for compact and mid-sized applications.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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