Peugeot 806
| Company type | Collaborative automotive project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | None |
| Founded | March 1994 |
| Defunct | June 2014 |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | France , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Large MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) |
The Eurovans represent a range of multi-passenger vehicles developed by Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, and Lancia at the jointly operated Sevel Nord manufacturing plant in France. While these models were never officially labeled as Eurovan by their makers, the automotive media commonly adopted this term to collectively refer to them. Production commenced in March 1994 and concluded in November 2010 for the Fiat and Lancia variants, with Citroën and Peugeot versions continuing until June 2014. These vehicles fall under the category of large MPVs.
These Eurovans are prime examples of badge engineering, sharing key mechanical parts and body frameworks with Sevel Nord's light commercial vans, such as 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 market), Fiat Ulysse, Lancia Zeta, and Peugeot 806. The subsequent generation introduced updated names—Citroën C8, Lancia Phedra, and Peugeot 807—while the Fiat Ulysse badge was retained.
First generation (1994–2002)
Introduced in June 1994, the first generation Eurovans were more compact than American minivans like the Chrysler Voyager, which also vied for market share in Europe. Mimicking features found on vehicles such as the Toyota Previa and American minivans, these models incorporated sliding rear doors, a characteristic they shared with their commercial van counterparts. Unlike the "Grand" extended versions of the Voyager or the longer Renault Espace introduced in 1997, Eurovans were available only in a single size configuration.
Across different marques, Eurovans were nearly indistinguishable from one another, with variations mainly limited to grille designs, tailgate and taillight styling, wheel options, badges, and interior trim packages. A subtle refresh was implemented in October 1998.
Inside the cabin, a gear lever mounted on the dashboard alongside a handbrake positioned on the door side eliminated the need for a central console, facilitating easy movement between the front seats. Seating arrangements offered two fixed or swivel front seats, three removable individual seats in the middle row, and an optional third row featuring either two individual seats or a three-seat bench.
Engines
Initially, all first-generation Eurovans utilized PSA's XU and XUD powerplants before transitioning to the newer PSA EW/DW engine series. Transmission options were predominantly five-speed manual gearboxes, except for the 2.0 16-valve EW petrol variant which offered an optional four-speed automatic.
| 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 | Excluded from 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 used in 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 | Available with 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 | Introduced January 2000 as new HDi engine replacing previous diesels |
| 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
Known as the Synergie in the UK and Ireland markets, the Evasion name was retained in New Zealand. In October 1998, this model underwent a facelift that introduced a larger emblem along with redesigned front grille and rear bumper elements. Production of the Evasion/Synergie exceeded 120,000 units.
Peugeot 806
Following Peugeot's naming pattern "x0x," the '8' signified its classification above the executive 605 sedan in terms of size and category. Released during Peugeot’s shift from the "x05" to "x06" series, it was aptly named "806".
Fiat Ulysse
The Fiat Ulysse, named after the legendary Roman figure Ulysses, also received a design update in October 1998 to harmonize its appearance with other Eurovan models.
Lancia Zeta
Lancia marketed the Zeta as the upscale Eurovan option, distinguished by a unique chrome grille and premium trim levels. It omitted entry-level engines and was priced up to 20% higher than other Eurovans. Notably, the Zeta was not offered in the United Kingdom.
Second Generation (2002–2014)
Introduced in 2002, the second-generation Eurovans included the Peugeot 807 (debuting in June) and Citroën C8 (launching in July). Although the floorpan, wheelbase, and suspension setup remained consistent with the previous generation, exterior dimensions such as front and rear track widths expanded considerably, increasing overall length by nearly 30 centimeters to enhance cabin space. The refreshed styling presented a more modern exterior along with an updated dashboard featuring centrally positioned instrumentation.
Model distinctions became more evident through unique front-end designs, rear styling, lighting configurations, and interior color palettes. The middle and third-row seating incorporated fore-and-aft sliding mechanisms and adjustable backrests for improved adaptability. A three-seat bench option persisted in the third row to maximize passenger capacity or cargo room.
Fiat and Lancia versions were marginally wider compared to their PSA counterparts; particularly, the Lancia Phedra measured longer than other models.
Throughout production, both Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807 underwent two facelifts—in February 2008 and again in 2012.
To highlight its new V6 powerplant, Peugeot showcased the Peugeot 807 Grand Tourisme concept at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. This model featured a luxurious four-seat interior alongside mechanical and aesthetic enhancements, positioning it as a flagship within the lineup.
Powertrains
The engine range comprised several variants of the PSA EW/DW engine, available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. From late 2004, a six-speed manual transmission became available in the UK market. The highest-spec models were equipped with the PSA ES V6 unit.
All diesel engines employed PSA's HDi technology, whereas Fiat models bore the JTD designation.
| 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 | Subsequently replaced by a 140 PS version |
| 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 | Unavailable on 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 versions |
| 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 | Introduced in 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 | [convert: invalid number] between 1750-2000 rpm | DW10 series | |
| 2.2 16v HDi/JTD | Diesel | 2,179 cc (2.179 L; 133.0 cu in) | [convert: invalid number] at 4000 rpm | [convert: invalid number] between 1500-2000 rpm | DW12 series | Manual transmission only; six-speed gearbox introduced in 2005; bi-turbo variant from 2008 |
Citroën C8
Following Citroën's naming convention, the C8 combines the letter "C" with a digit that represents the vehicle's size category.
Peugeot 807
The Peugeot 807 replaced the earlier 806 model, maintaining the brand's foothold in the minivan market segment.
Fiat Ulysse
For its second generation, Fiat retained the Ulysse name before transitioning to the Fiat Freemont, a deliberate update to its minivan range.
Lancia Phedra
Lancia adopted the Phedra name for its minivan, inspired by mythological themes. This model was eventually succeeded by the Lancia Voyager, indicating a repositioning strategy.
Production and Sales Data
Aggregate| 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 | |
| 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 | |
6.345 |5.540 | | ||||||
| 4.190 |3.721 | |
4.500 |4.100 | | ||||||
| 3.721 |3.790 | |
2.788 |2.760 | | ||||||
| 2.670 |2.726 | |
1.714 |1.586 | | ||||||
| style="background:#CCCCCC" | | style="background:#CCCCCC" | | style="background:#CCCCCC" | | style="background:#CCCCCC" | | 5 | |||
| 363,734 | 269,216 | 191,413 | 65,681 | 145,652 | 67,098 | ||
During the early 2000s period of highest output levels among these brands surpassed 100,000 units annually on a combined basis. The Peugeot 807 topped production with totals exceeding 360 thousand units by 2015 while Citroën’s C8 achieved over 269 thousand units.
From the late 2000s onward sales diminished due to evolving consumer preferences and strategic adjustments within PSA Group and affiliated marques.