2017 Citroen Spacetourer Rip Curl Concept

This colourful SÚV stands out with its unique body design and fresh, forceful attitude. The vehicle will be presented with a number of different colour combinations and interior designs to illustrate its potential for personalisation. The passenger compartment was designed with Citroën's unique expertise in terms of on-board space, modularity, and light coming in the cabin, so that it sets a new standard in its segment. New C3 Aircross comes with a high level of comfort and a selection of 12 modern driver assistance systems and four connectivity options, including Wireless Smartphone Charging. Equally at home in the city or out on the open road, New C3 Aircross promotes enjoyable driving with its SÚV feel and Grip Control® with Hill Decent Assist. It represents a new standard in the world of the compact SÚV in terms of comfort, technology and on-board features.

Citroën and Rip Curl have decided to work together once again, and here unveil the ultimate in mobility, symbolising fun without limits. Rip Curl, a world leader in the world of surfing since 1969, has contributed all of its expertise to create a practical and functional model designed especially for aficionados of good times and outdoor pursuits. For the occasion, the SpaceTourer has morphed into a compact camper-van, thanks to a conversion by Pössl. It can also handle tougher ground thanks to the 4x4 conversion by Automobiles Dangel. Citroën's BlueHDi 150 S&S engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox deliver the power.
•CITROËN & RIP CÚRL: COMMON GROÚND IN DESIGN AND FREEDOM




The SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept represents an invitation to hit the road on an all-new adventure. The teams at Rip Curl and Citroën have designed the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept to be an iconic vehicle for surfing and outdoor pursuits. The selection of fabrics and colours, the special features, as well as the attention to detail all consolidate this concept car's sporting and outdoor character.

A European tour: the Rip Curl Tour by Citroën
From October 2017 to January 2018, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept will tour Europe with the Rip Curl team. Heading to approximately twenty events and some of the most beautiful European surf spots – in the ÚK, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, this is the perfect opportunity to discover this unique concept car for surfers. And for all winter sports enthusiasts, the end of the tour will be dedicated to mountains and snowboarding, in France, Switzerland and Austria.

From the outside, a robust surfers' camper-van
The SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept is inspired by the traditions of the iconic surfers' van, right down to the two-tone exterior paint. The chosen colours evoke a feeling of harmony with nature: a dark khaki for the upper section, with a bright beige finish below. The neon yellow strip highlights the van's horizontal bodywork and adds a fresh flash of colour between the two shades used on the bodywork. The rising roof, also in dark khaki, features matching fabrics once opened: khaki fabric, a large mosquito net and neon yellow fabric borders that echo the colours on the bodywork. The sparkling 17' aluminium wheels surprise by reflecting the beige of the lower section of the bodywork. To accentuate the vehicle's adventurer credentials, satin grey protective covers adorn the front and rear bumpers.

Matching interior and exterior that play on contrasts
The harmonious interior is coordinated with the external colour scheme. The seats boast a two-tone horizontal line echoing the exterior theme and creating a greater sensation of space inside. The main components of the seats are coated in elegant khaki leather with horizontal embroidery for a ribbed effect. The backrests, headrests and the door panel trim strips are all covered in dark grey Alcantara, which is soft to the touch where it would come into contact with the skin (shoulders, thighs, forearms). Occasional flashes of neon yellow add contrast and the seats also feature topstitching. In addition to the seats, the driver's controls have also been given a special finish, with decorative neon yellow touches on the dashboard, steering wheel and doors.



The little details that count for avid surfers
The SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept boasts a variety of special features for greater comfort and usability, especially the Open Air Pack. A true home on wheels, somewhere where you can relax after a day of intense sporting effort, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept includes a shower with a curtain built into the rear. The opaque curtain protects the passenger compartment from splashes and protects the user from prying eyes. The Open Air Pack also comes with a range of accessories needed for freedom and peace-of-mind, so you can focus on what really matters. There is also an air-tight container for wetsuits, a weather station and a safe that can be attached under the vehicle to keep your keys secure while you're out on the water. Other special features include the ceiling straps where two surfboards can be hung inside the camper between sessions on the water. For enhanced comfort, a number of accessories from Fatboy make life on-board and around the concept vehicle easier. These accessories include a Lamzac outdoor sofa, a free-standing lamp and blankets.
•THE MODÚLAR CAMPER-VAN: FREEDOM, EVERY DAY!

Pössl is the leading European camper-van converter and the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept has been designed to offer the perfect combination of family car and leisure vehicle. Everything is thought out to make this converted SpaceTourer a real 'Swiss army knife', an 'all-in-one' vehicle that is a pleasant place to be when you want to recharge your batteries after a day in the great outdoors.

The medium size SpaceTourer (M) becomes a multi-function van with a rising roof and provides its users with a range of features for comfortable living. With compact external dimensions (4.95m long, 1.92m wide, 1.99m tall), it boasts outstanding handling and can weave in and out of city traffic or navigate the tightest country lanes. Its lower height means it can always get into city centre and beach car parks.

Equipped with two hands-free electric sliding side doors for extra freedom of movement and an opening rear window, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept can comfortably transport seven people in its 'daytime' configuration. In its 'night-time' configuration, the vehicle can sleep 4 in two double bunks. To make living inside the vehicle even more comfortable, the rising roof provides good ceiling height so you can stand up without stooping. The vehicle is faithful to the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme that makes comfort a priority in every Citroën model. From the seats to the suspension and the interior space, this compact, modern, and welcoming camper-van exudes serenity.

Practical, modular kitchen and dining area
There is a fitted kitchenette with a gas stove, a sink and storage, so meals can be prepared just as easily as at home. The kitchenette can even be removed and set up outside the van, so you can enjoy your surroundings and keep cooking smells out of the living area. A fridge is there too for food and drinks. The kitchenette also boasts storage that keeps all cooking utensils and ingredients within easy reach.

Adjoining the kitchen, a wide sliding fold-away table lets passengers sit down comfortably to eat. Turning the rotating front seats creates a convivial dining area, a real functional dining room. And to free up space when not in use, the table folds away against the kitchenette to create a clear space for living and relaxing.

A restful night
The SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept has two double beds, sleeping four. The back seat folds out to create a flat sleeping space free from any lumps thanks to a mattress topper, providing a comfortable double bed with its own privacy within the van. A second double bed is concealed in the rising roof. Indeed, opening the roof provides access to a mattress in the roof space, for an extremely comfortable bed above the cabin. This bed is located part inside and part outside the van and can be used with or without a canvas flap and mosquito net. This enables passengers to make the most of the great outdoors: the stars in the sky, breeze in the trees, the first rays of the rising sun; sleeping here you are immersed in nature.

In addition to the boot, which can be used to store larger luggage items, a number of locked storage compartments are located around the seats and beds, to safely store everyday objects at night.
•A VAN MADE FOR COMFORT ON THE ROAD AND IN WIDE OPEN SPACES

A driving experience that encourages travel
The cockpit area in the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept is an exact replica of the SpaceTourer production model, with all of the advantages that this affords. Equipped with the latest assisted driving technology and connectivity options, it offers cutting edge safety and ease-of-use, whether driving or manoeuvring. Everything has been designed to protect the driver from stress or daunting situations on the road, so that they can fully enjoy their journey with maximum comfort and peace-of-mind. The colour Head-up Display, Activity Safe Brake, Citroën Connect Nav, and Mirror Screen systems are just some of the technologies available.

True off-road performance with the Dangel conversion
Designed with endless adventure in mind, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept comes with off-road capability and the very best driving comfort in any environment. The 4x4 transmission offers even greater motoring freedom and the drivetrain offers 4x4 abilities while safeguarding the intrinsic dynamic performance and safety of the SpaceTourer. A rear axle locking system is controlled by a knob on the dashboard and helps the van out of the most trying situations in all four seasons.
•A VAN THAT HAS BEEN 'TRIED AND APPROVED' BY A FAMILY OF SÚRFERS: THE TÚRNERS

The Turner family discovered and tested the Citroën SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept when the promotional film for the vehicle was being produced in southern Ireland.

The Turners are a British family from Cornwall: Lewis, 48, is the father, and Ellie, 15, is the daughter. From an early age, Ellie showed exceptional skill and a true passion for surfing. She followed her father and older brother to the most iconic surf spots in the world. More recently, the Turners have managed to spend 6 months each year travelling abroad: winter in Indonesia, summer camping in their van in Europe, especially in France. They have travelled to the best surf spots to allow Ellie to enhance her abilities, under the watchful eye of Lewis who subsequently became Ellie's coach. Ellie was ÚK Champion in 2016 and is 2nd in the European professional junior rankings.

Ellie and Lewis were able to enjoy the breath-taking scenery all along the wild and rugged coast of southern Ireland, and to live an unforgettable experience aboard the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept. They discovered all the features and benefits of the concept car, from the dining area to the comfortable sleeping areas, but also the shower, which is essential after a surfing session. Besides its original and dynamic design, they were impressed by its versatility and by its ingenious interior layout: a real home from home. Their experiences were captured in the promotional film which can be viewed by clicking https://youtu.be/eOGpXViH7Gw

'We both found the whole experience really fun. The main part of the whole project that really impressed us both was how practical the van was due to its size and intelligent design. It really could be used as an everyday vehicle or gave the feeling you could really search for new unexplored waves or places to camp. The lighting and build quality also made it feel a really comfortable place to spend time.'
Lewis and Ellie Turner

Source - Citroen