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Citroën C8

From Alfawiki
Eurovans
Company typeCollaborative vehicle project
IndustryAutomotive
FoundedMarch 1994; 32 years ago (1994-03)
DefunctJune 2014 (2014-06)
Headquarters
France
ProductsLarge MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles)

The Eurovans represent a series of multi-passenger vehicles developed collaboratively by Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, and Lancia, all manufactured at the shared Sevel Nord facility located in France. Although the manufacturers themselves never officially used the "Eurovan" label, automotive media commonly apply this term to collectively identify these models. Production commenced in March 1994, concluding in November 2010 for Fiat and Lancia variants, while Citroën and Peugeot continued manufacturing until June 2014. These vehicles fall under the category of large MPVs.

These Eurovans demonstrate minimal differentiation both technically and visually, illustrating a classic case of badge engineering. They utilize common mechanical parts and share the same chassis as Sevel Nord's light commercial vans, including the Citroën Jumpy (Dispatch), Fiat Scudo, and Peugeot Expert.

The initial generation comprised the Citroën Evasion (known as Citroën Synergie in the UK), Fiat Ulysse, Lancia Zeta, and Peugeot 806. In the subsequent generation, model names were updated except for the Fiat Ulysse, with new badges such as Citroën C8, Lancia Phedra, and Peugeot 807.

First generation (1994–2002)

Introduced in June 1994, the first generation Eurovans were designed to be more compact than American counterparts like the Chrysler Voyager, which was also marketed within Europe. They featured sliding doors on both sides at the rear, a design element shared with their commercial van siblings. Unlike the Voyager’s longer "Grand" variants or the Renault Espace’s enlargement in 1997, Eurovans were offered exclusively in a single size configuration.

Externally, the Eurovans were almost indistinguishable from one another, with differences primarily limited to front grilles, tailgate and taillight designs, wheel styles, badges, and trim packages. A subtle facelift was applied in October 1998 to refresh their appearance.

The interior was engineered for maximum space utility. The gear lever was mounted on the dashboard, paired with a handbrake positioned next to the driver’s seat. This arrangement removed the center console between front seats, creating a walkway through the cabin. Seating options included two fixed or swivel front seats, three detachable individual seats in the middle row, and an optional third row featuring either two separate seats or a three-seat bench.

Engines

Throughout the first generation, all brands utilized PSA’s XU/XUD engine series until they were superseded by the EW/DW range. Most versions came equipped with five-speed manual gearboxes; only the 2.0 16-valve EW gasoline engine had an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Model Fuel Type Displacement Power Output Torque Engine Code Remarks
1.8 8v Petrol 1,761 cubic centimetres (107.5 cu in) 99 metric horsepower (73 kW) at 5750 rpm 147 newton-metres (108 lbf⋅ft) at 2600 rpm XU7 Not available for Lancia Zeta; discontinued by 2000
2.0 8v Petrol 1,998 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 121 metric horsepower (89 kW) at 5750 rpm 170 newton-metres (130 lbf⋅ft) at 2650 rpm XU10 2C Excluded from Lancia Zeta; phased out by 2000
2.0 16v Petrol 1,998 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 132 metric horsepower (97 kW) at 5500 rpm 180 newton-metres (130 lbf⋅ft) at 4200 rpm XU10 J4 Discontinued by 2000
2.0 16v Petrol 1,997 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 136 metric horsepower (100 kW) at 6000 rpm 190 newton-metres (140 lbf⋅ft) at 4100 rpm EW10 J4 Optional automatic transmission; replaced earlier petrol engines from July 2000 onward
2.0 8v Turbo Petrol 1,998 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 147 metric horsepower (108 kW) at 5300 rpm 235 newton-metres (173 lbf⋅ft) at 2500 rpm XU10 J2TE Discontinued by 2000
1.9 8v TD Diesel 1,905 cubic centimetres (116.3 cu in) 90 metric horsepower (66 kW) at 4000 rpm 196 newton-metres (145 lbf⋅ft) at 2250 rpm XUD9 Phased out by 2000; not offered on Lancia Zeta
2.1 12v TD Diesel 2,088 cubic centimetres (127.4 cu in) 109 metric horsepower (80 kW) at 4300 rpm 250 newton-metres (180 lbf⋅ft) at 2000 rpm XUD11 Discontinued by 2000
2.0 8v HDi/JTD Diesel 1,997 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 109 metric horsepower (80 kW) at 4000 rpm 250 newton-metres (180 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm DW10ATED Introduced in January 2000 as PSA’s HDi engine; replaced previous diesels; branded as JTD by Fiat
2.0 16v HDi/JTD Diesel 1,997 cubic centimetres (121.9 cu in) 109 metric horsepower (80 kW) at 4000 rpm 270 newton-metres (200 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm DW10ATED4 16-valve HDi variant launched in 2001


Citroën Evasion

The Evasion was sold under the name Synergie in the UK and Ireland, while it retained the original Evasion designation in New Zealand. In October 1998, the model underwent a subtle update that included a larger badge, a redesigned front grille, and a revamped rear bumper. Production of the Evasion/Synergie surpassed 120,000 units.

Peugeot 806

Following Peugeot's "x0x" naming convention, the "8" signified its position above the executive 605 sedan. Introduced during the shift from "x05" to "x06" series, this Eurovan was aptly named the 806.

Fiat Ulysse

Taking its name from Ulysses, the Roman figure from Homer's Odyssey, the Fiat Ulysse also received a facelift in October 1998, consistent with updates applied to its Eurovan counterparts.

Lancia Zeta

Marketed as the upscale Eurovan offering, the Lancia Zeta featured a unique chrome grille and more luxurious equipment levels, commanding prices up to 20% higher than other versions. It excluded entry-level engines and was not available in the UK market.

Second generation (2002–2014)

The second generation of Eurovans was introduced in 2002, with the Peugeot 807 launching in June followed by the Citroën C8 in July. Although they maintained the same wheelbase and chassis, overall exterior dimensions—including front and rear track widths—were significantly increased; length extended by nearly 30 centimeters, resulting in enhanced interior space. The design adopted a more modern and rounded aesthetic complemented by an updated dashboard featuring centrally placed instrumentation.

Each model was distinguished by unique front-end styling, rear designs, and interior color schemes for clearer differentiation. The middle and third-row seats gained sliding mechanisms and adjustable backrests to improve versatility. The third row still offered a three-seat bench option that could be folded to expand cargo capacity.

The Fiat and Lancia versions were marginally wider, with the Lancia Phedra notably longer than its siblings. The Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807 received two facelifts during their lifecycle: one in February 2008 and another in 2012.

To highlight its new V6 engine, Peugeot presented the 807 Grand Tourisme concept at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show—a premium variant featuring upgraded interior luxury and refined mechanical components while retaining the fundamental platform.

Engine options

The powertrain lineup comprised various iterations of the PSA EW/DW engine, available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. By late 2004, a six-speed manual transmission was introduced in the UK market. Higher-end models were equipped with the PSA ES V6 engine.

All diesel engines were PSA HDi units; Fiat versions carried the JTD badge.

Engine Fuel type Displacement Power output Torque Engine code Remarks
2.0 16v Petrol 1,997 cc (1.997 L; 121.9 cu in) 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 6000 rpm 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4100 rpm EW10 J4 Superseded by 140 PS variant
2.0 16v Petrol 1,997 cc (1.997 L; 121.9 cu in) 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6000 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm EW10 A Replaced 136 PS; unavailable for Fiat or Lancia
2.2 16v Petrol 2,230 cc (2.23 L; 136 cu in) 158 PS (116 kW; 156 hp) at 5650 rpm 217 N⋅m (160 lb⋅ft) at 3900 rpm EW12 J4 Not offered for Fiat or Lancia
3.0 24v Petrol 2,946 cc (2.946 L; 179.8 cu in) 207 PS (152 kW; 204 hp) at 6000 rpm 285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) at 3750 rpm ES9 Available from 2003; automatic transmission only
2.0 16v HDi/JTD Diesel 1,997 cc (1.997 L; 121.9 cu in) 109–136 PS (80–100 kW) at 4000 rpm 270–320 max Nm lbft[convert: unknown unit] at 1750-2000 rpm PSA EW/DW engine#DW10
Engine Fuel type Displacement Power output Torque Engine code Remarks
'2.2 16v HDi/JTD' Diesel 2,179 cc (2.179 L; 133.0 cu in) 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) at 4000 rpm 314 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm DW12 TED4 Manual gearbox only; six-speed from 2005; Eurovans use code 4HW
'2.2 16v HDi/JTD' Diesel 2,179 cc (2.179 L; 133.0 cu in) 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4000 rpm 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm DW12 Introduced in 2008 as bi-turbo version


Citroën C8

The C8 follows Citroën's model designation system, combining the letter "C" with a numeral that reflects the vehicle's size category, consistent with the company's branding strategy.

Peugeot 807

The 807 was introduced as the replacement for the Peugeot 806.

Fiat Ulysse

Fiat retained the Ulysse nameplate for its second iteration. Its immediate successor was the Fiat Freemont.

Lancia Phedra

In the 2000s, Lancia opted against using Greek letters for its minivan, instead naming it Phedra after a figure from mythology. The subsequent model was known as the Lancia Voyager.

Manufacturing and Sales Data

Year Global Production Totals Global Sales Figures Remarks
Peugeot
806 / 807
Citroën
Evasion / C8
Fiat
Ulysse I / II
Lancia
Zeta / Phedra
807 C8
10,894 |7,168 |9,838 |style="background:#CCCCCC" | | | |
29,993 |10,050 |15,879 |3,968 | | |
20,658 |12,236 |20,767 |3,331 | | |
22,082 |14,573 |20,767 |3,077 | | |
19,785 |17,500 |21,539 |2,490 | | |
22,288 |18,728 |24,672 |3,299 | | |
22,406 |17,451 |10,377 |2,265 | | |
19,972 |17,512 |6,945 |1,852 | | |
14,933 |11,970 |9,063 |5,232 | | |
35,030 |27,728 |14,730 |10,192 | | |
31,178 |24,049 |13,433 |7,594 |31,200 Template:TBA |
28,057 |22,998 |8,304 |5,713 |27,500 Template:TBA |
23,985 |20,038 |5,321 |4,825 |24,200 20,300 |
20,223   |11,976   |4,504   |4,238   |21,100 12,700 |
13,384   |8,448   |2,688   |4,068   |13,500 8,800 |
6,185   |5,298   |1,717   |1,996   |7,100 5,800 |
5,724   |5,525   |888   |1,561   |5,700 5.500 |
6.376    |5.731    |style="background:#CCCCCC"     style="background:#CCCCCC"     6.345 5.540 Total production of the 807 reaches 185.190 units.
Total output of the C8 hits 143.761 units. |


References