Peugeot Rifter 4x4 Concept, more off-road and more adventurous to reach where others can't

The Peugeot stand has a busy few days ahead at the Geneva Motor Show, especially with the presentation of the new generation of the 508 saloon, a model that has left us with a very good impression with the first images revealed; while on the other hand they will also present the new Peugeot Rifter, a van that is set to become the successor to the still current Partner.

Accompanying this latter model, we’ll be able to see on the Peugeot stand the Rifter 4×4 Concept, a prototype in which engineers and designers at Peugeot have let their imagination run wild, as can be seen from the side, more rugged and adventurous. It is a shame that this model is only a concept, since its styling and appearance are simply incredible, and I’m sure it would delight many people interested in it.

Aesthetically, it differs from the standard Rifter even when viewed out of the corner of the eye. The body colour has been created especially for the occasion, a grey tone with reflections, combined with the matt black moulding on the bonnet and rear tailgate. The characteristic Peugeot Onyx black also appears on the mirrors, the grille and the roof bars; completing the colour selection is satin anodised yellow, chosen to add a touch of colour to various decals and logos, including the 19-inch Onyx alloy wheels. The smoked chrome finish completes the job, for fluted decals running from the rear wing to the roof.

Inside, we also find the same colour selection as the exterior, combined with various quality materials. The seats are specific, upholstered in a combination of embossed Grey Chiné fabric and black Alcantara. Yellow topstitching is present on several elements, such as the gear lever, the leather steering wheel and the letters Peugeot engraved on it. Meanwhile, the grey of the outer bands appears in various details of the dashboard, finishing the interior with wide solid aluminium trim for the centre console and door panels.

The mechanical solutions used on the Peugeot Rifter 4×4 Concept allow it to tackle any terrain without difficulty. To begin with, it sits 80 centimetres off the ground, which will let it clear almost any obstacle, and it features a 4×4 transmission with a viscous coupling differential developed by Dangel, in the style of any genuine 4×4. Using a selector, we can choose 2WD mode to drive with front-wheel traction in normal conditions, 4WD mode to send power to the rear wheels should traction be lost, and finally Lock mode to lock the rear axle, for tackling extreme obstacles and crossings.

The tyres chosen are from BF Goodrich, similar to those found on 4x4s, while the engine selected is the BlueHDi diesel, delivering 130 CV of power and 300 Nm of torque. The transmission paired with this engine is manual, specifically a 6-speed.

Finally, it comes with several accessories that will make any adventurer’s mouth water. We can start with the LED light bar mounted on the roof, at the height of the windscreen, with a width of 1.35 metres, 100 LEDs and a power of 300 W that will turn night into day even in the darkest hour. By the way, once night falls, we need only deploy the Overland tent developed by Autohome on the roof of the Rifter 4×4 Concept, which we can access by ladder and sleep on the mattress designed in the Rifter’s colours.

Once we have rested peacefully in the tent, we can continue our adventure on the Peugeot eM02 F2 Powertube bicycle, an off-road bicycle with electric assistance identical in colour to the Rifter 4×4 Concept, which can be stored and transported on the towbar mount.