• Petrols and diesels axed in 2022
• Electric power only now
• Range a little disappointing

Performance has never been a Rifter strong point, with acceleration adequate at best. Petrol and diesel engines with a range of power outputs were available up until 2022, when the range went all-electric.

Petrol and diesel engines

Rifters initially came with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines with between 75 and 130hp. We’d recommend at least 100hp for family hauling duties, with the 130hp versions of the petrol and diesel the best.

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Electric power

All e-Rifters come with a 136hp electric motor fed by a 50kWh battery pack. Performance is adequate enough with 0-62mph taking around 12 seconds, with the heavier seven-seat version proving slower than the shorter five-seater.

It’s quite nippy off the line and around town, but performance tails off noticeably as you approach motorway speeds. Top speed is limited to a mere 84mph to preserve battery life.

Take the official range of around 170 miles with a sizeable pinch of salt, you’re only likely to get that around town in favourable weather conditions. In mixed driving with a bit of motorway work, we found around 120 miles was a more realistic figure. As with all electric cars, range will drop in winter.

The e-Rifter can charge at up to 100kW, meaning a 10-80% top up takes just 30 minutes on a CCS rapid charger than can support it. Those with a regular wallbox will need around seven and a half hours to get from 0-100%.

We haven’t driven an electric Berlingo with Advanced Grip Control, a traction control system with settings for off-road situations. Combined with specific mud and snow tyres, it’s a system that works well in other Peugeots albeit not as well as four-wheel drive.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Grippy and secure
• Light steering
• Not much fun in the bends

Peugeot has focused on comfort rather than driving thrills with the e-Rifter, no bad thing for a family bus. Soft suspension provides a comfortable ride on most surfaces, although you do feel severe potholes and pimples with a bit of a thump.

The small steering wheel and light, quick steering takes a little getting used to, but its precise enough and makes the e-Rifter feel dartier than the Combo Life and Berlingo. Grip levels are good and body roll is well contained for something so high sided. It’s not particularly agile or fun when pushed though, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Ford S-Max are better bets here.