Citroën Evasion
| Company type | Collaborative automotive project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | March 1994 |
| Defunct | June 2014 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Large multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) |
| Parent | Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, Lancia |
The Eurovans represent a series of multi-passenger vehicles developed collaboratively by Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, and Lancia at the shared Sevel Nord manufacturing facility located in France. While the manufacturers themselves never officially used the Eurovans label, this designation was popularized by automotive journalists. Production commenced in March 1994, concluding for Fiat and Lancia variants in November 2010, and for Citroën and Peugeot models in June 2014. These vehicles fall within the large MPV category.
These vans demonstrate very limited technical and aesthetic variations, serving as a prime example of badge engineering. Their mechanical components and structural design are common with Sevel Nord's commercial van lineup, including the Citroën Jumpy (also known as Dispatch), Fiat Scudo, and Peugeot Expert.
The initial generation comprised the Citroën Evasion (sold as Citroën Synergie in the UK), Fiat Ulysse, Lancia Zeta, and Peugeot 806. In the subsequent generation, all models except the Fiat Ulysse were rebranded as Citroën C8, Lancia Phedra, and Peugeot 807.
First generation (1994–2002)
Introduced in June 1994, the first generation Eurovans targeted European consumers seeking a smaller alternative to larger American vans such as the Chrysler Voyager. They featured sliding doors on both sides at the rear and maintained a uniform body length, contrasting with rivals that offered extended versions.
The vehicles were nearly indistinguishable from one another, with differences mainly limited to grille designs, rear tailgate styling, wheel options, badges, and interior trim levels. A minor facelift was implemented in October 1998.
Inside, the layout incorporated a gear lever mounted on the dashboard alongside a handbrake situated next to the driver's seat. This configuration eliminated the central console, enabling easy movement between front seats. Seating arrangements included two fixed or swivel front seats, three individual removable seats in the middle row, and either two removable individual seats or a three-seat bench in the third row.
Engines
Initially, all first-generation Eurovans were equipped with PSA's XU and XUD powerplants before transitioning to the newer PSA EW/DW engine. Most transmissions were five-speed manuals; however, a four-speed automatic option was available exclusively with the 2.0 16-valve EW petrol engine.
| 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 | Unavailable 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 | Not offered for 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 | Withdrawn 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; replaced earlier petrol engines from July 2000 onwards |
| 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 | Not available for Lancia Zeta; phased out by 2000 |
| 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 | Phased out 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 | Debuted January 2000 replacing 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 introduced in 2001 |
Citroën Evasion
The Evasion was marketed under the name Synergie in the UK and Ireland, while in New Zealand it retained the original Evasion designation. In October 1998, a facelift was introduced, which included a larger emblem, a redesigned front grille, and an updated rear bumper. Production numbers for the Evasion/Synergie exceeded 120,000 units.
Peugeot 806
Following Peugeot’s "x0x" naming pattern, the 806 model’s '8' indicated its position above the executive Peugeot 605 sedan. Released concurrently with the shift from "x05" to "x06" models, the 806 was positioned as a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) within Peugeot’s lineup.
Fiat Ulysse
Fiat’s Ulysse, named after the legendary Roman figure Ulysses, underwent a design refresh in October 1998. This update aligned its styling with the other Eurovan family members.
Lancia Zeta
The Lancia Zeta was marketed as the premium option among Eurovans, featuring a distinctive chrome grille and enhanced interior features. It was priced up to 20% higher than other Eurovans and did not offer the base engine options available on sibling models. The Zeta was not available for sale in the UK market.
Second generation (2002–2014)
The second generation of Eurovans debuted in 2002, beginning with Peugeot’s 807 in June followed by Citroën’s C8 in July. While maintaining the original platform and wheelbase, overall exterior length increased by nearly 30 centimeters to expand interior space. The redesign introduced a modernized exterior appearance and dashboard layout featuring centrally positioned instruments.
Each brand distinguished its model through unique front and rear styling elements, lighting designs, and interior color schemes. Seating arrangements were enhanced with middle and third rows capable of sliding fore and aft, plus adjustable seatbacks. A three-seat bench option remained available in the third row to provide greater passenger capacity or additional cargo room.
Fiat and Lancia versions were slightly wider than their PSA counterparts, with the Lancia Phedra also offering increased length. The C8 and 807 models received two facelifts—in February 2008 and again in 2012—to keep them competitive in the market.
To highlight its V6 engine introduction, Peugeot unveiled the 807 Grand Tourisme concept at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. This version featured upgraded interior appointments and mechanical enhancements while essentially representing a high-spec 807 variant.
Engine Options
The engine lineup included several iterations of the PSA EW/DW engine, paired with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. In late 2004, a six-speed manual transmission became available in the UK market. The top-tier models were equipped with PSA’s ES V6 powerplant.
All diesel engines were PSA’s HDi units; Fiat-badged versions carried JTD branding.
| Engine | Fuel Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque | Engine Code | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Later superseded by a 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 the 136 PS version; unavailable for Fiat or Lancia models |
| 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 variants |
| 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 | PSA ES engine#ES9 | Introduced in 2003; automatic transmission only |
| '2.0 16v HDi/JTD' | Diesel | 1,997 cc (1.997 L; 121.9 cu in) | [convert: needs another number] at 4000 rpm | [convert: needs another number] at 1750-2000 rpm | DW10 | Output varies by version |
| Engine | Fuel Type | Displacement | Power Output | Torque | Engine Code | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '2.2 16v HDi/JTD' | Diesel | 2,179 cc (2.179 L; 133.0 cu in) | 128 PS at 4000 rpm | 314 Nm at 2000 rpm | DW12 TED4 | Manual transmission only; six-speed available from 2005 |
| '2.2 16v HDi/JTD' | Diesel | 2,179 cc (2.179 L; 133.0 cu in) | 170 PS at 4000 rpm | 370 Nm at 1500 rpm | DW12 | Bi-turbo variant introduced from 2008 |
- Diesel power outputs cover multiple configurations across different versions
Citroën C8
Following Citroën's naming system, the C8 features a "C" prefix accompanied by a number that reflects the vehicle's size category.
Peugeot 807
The Peugeot 807 was introduced as the replacement for the earlier Peugeot 806 model.
Fiat Ulysse
Fiat continued using the Ulysse designation for its second-generation model. The Fiat Freemont served as its subsequent replacement.
Lancia Phedra
Consistent with Lancia's naming approach during the 2000s, the minivan was labeled Lancia Phedra, inspired by the mythological Greek character Phaedra. Its successor was the Lancia Voyager.
Manufacturing and Sales Data
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Remarks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 806 / 807 |
Citroën Evasion / C8 |
Fiat Ulysse I / II |
Lancia Zeta / Phedra |
807 | C8 | ||
| 1994 | 10,894 | 7,168 | 9,838 | ||||
| 1995 | 29,993 | 10,050 | 15,879 | 3,968 | |||
| 1996 | 20,658 | 12,236 | 20,767 | 3,331 | |||
| 1997 | 22,082 | 14,573 | 20,767 | 3,077 | |||
| 1998 | 19,785 | 17,500 | 21,539 | 2,490 | |||
| 1999 | 22,288 | 18,728 | 24,672 | 3,299 | |||
| 2000 | 22,406 | 17,451 | 10,377 | 2,265 | |||
| 2001 | 19,972 | 17,512 | 6,945 | 1,852 | |||
| 2002 | 14,933 | 11,970 | 9,063 | 5,232 | |||
| 2003 | 35,030 | 27,728 | 14,730 | 10,192 | |||
| 2004 | 31,178 | 24,049 | 13,433 | 7,594 | 31,200 | ||
| 2005 | 28,057 | 22,998 | 8,304 | 5,713 | 27,500 | ||
| 2006 | 23,985 | 20,038 | 5,321 | 4,825 | 24,200 | 20,300 | |
| 2007 | 20,223 | 11,976 | |||||
| (continued) | |||||||
| (continued) |
| (continued) |