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By Jonathan Crouch

Full electrification's the fashion at present, even for MPV buyers. Jonathan Crouch looks at Peugeot's improved E-Rifter

Ten Second Reviewword count: 118

Full electrification's the fashion at present, even for MPV buyers. Well here's one you might like - the improved version of Peugeot's E-Rifter. If you can afford the asking price and can cope with the now enhanced 199 mile driving range, then for those unafflicted by van segment snobbery there aren't too many other downsides in opting for this fully electric Peugeot E-Rifter compact family MPV. It certainly might be tempting option if you're looking for a full-electric compact family car and don't want a compact SUV. Here, there's the option of a 7-seat cabin too, which is rare to find in an EV at present. Except with the Citroen and Vauxhall models than share this one's design.

Backgroundword count: 102

The segment for compact People Carriers has recently gained something of a fresh lease of life, courtesy of EV power. The Stellantis Group has doggedly continued to sell small MPVs as sales in this sector have declined and now may reap the benefit, with fully electrified versions of the Citroen Berlingo, the Vauxhall Combo and the subject of this test, Peugeot's E-Rifter. All have been usefully updated in recent times. This car still uses the 50kWh battery that featured before, but in improved, longer-range form. And it's been built into the car in a way that doesn't compromise cabin space. Sounds interesting.

Driving Experienceword count: 250

As part of this update, we'd expected that Peugeot would fit the new 54kWh battery lately added to its more car-like EV models. Instead, the previous 50kWh battery is retained, but updated so that it can now take the E-Rifter up to 199 miles between charges, 25 miles further than before. There's not too much to get used to in driving this Peugeot. You're offered three driving modes - 'ECO', 'Normal' and 'Power'. You won't want to spend too long in 'ECO', unless you really are eeking out battery capacity because it reduces the powertrain's normal 136hp output to just 80bhp and also restricts the climate system to conserve power. Peugeot suggests that you do most of your driving in the 'Normal' setting, which increases the motor output to 107hp. The top 'Power' mode isn't really intended for sporty driving but for situations when you're carrying heavy loads. The powertrain also has a 'B' setting which increases the level of regenerative braking to a point where the car slows so much when you come off throttle that you'll very rarely need to use the brake, unless you're coming to a complete stop. Like all electric vehicles, this one has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk, but that arguably helps the e-Rifter when it comes to ride quality; you'll feel things like speed humps keenly, but at speed on the open road, it handles tarmac tears a little better than its combustion cousins.

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