Citroen e-SpaceTourer review

Let’s not kid ourselves here: this isn’t a car that puts agility front of mind. But what you do get is a high driving position, excellent all-round visibility, and space in abundance. And for some people, that’s enough.

Do the driving modes make any noticeable difference?

A quick reminder of said driving modes: Eco drops the output to 80bhp, Normal increases that to 107bhp, and Power ups the ante to the full 134bhp. In reality, the difference is minimal, with switching to Eco increasing the range by around six miles, and switching to Power dropping it by around the same. We didn’t notice much difference between the three, so just stick to Normal for day-to-day driving. 

The electric powertrain means the e-SpaceTourer is nippy enough pulling away from the lights, and certainly powerful enough around town. Just be cautious when headed down narrow streets – this isn’t a small car, need we remind you. 

Does the battery weigh it down at all?

Given its already substantial size, the 50kWh battery pack hidden below the floor does mean that the suspension is partial to the odd moan and groan, especially on less than billiard-smooth roads. And naturally, the more people/luggage you add, the more it complains. As does the range. In cities it’s competent, but everywhere else this thing struggles to get out of its own way: 0-62mph in 13.1 seconds, a top speed of just 80mph.

Unsurprisingly, then, on motorways the e-SpaceTourer feels somewhat out of sorts, from struggling to get up to speed, to wind noise, to energy depletion. One positive? Road noise is quieter than expected. But there is, as you'd expect, a fair amount of body roll when cornering at higher speeds, which isn’t for the faint hearted. Best stick around town, then, which, given the size of that battery, is really what this has been designed for.

How achievable is the claimed 143-mile range?

Achievable enough. At least, on a baking hot summer’s day, treading as lightly as possible, with just the driver to carry. We dread to think what that reduces to in winter, filled to the gunnels with passengers and luggage. Best guess? About 90-95 miles. 

Still, it’ll be perfectly adept if you’re just using it for the school run or loading up with groceries, and a home wallbox should reduce any range anxieties. If you’re planning on regularly heading further afield, probably best to look elsewhere.