Your space or mine?

The Citroën e-SpaceTourer is roomy, comfy, and surprisingly smooth for its size. It's what India didn't know it needed

- HORMAZD SORABJEE

In India, sometimes you just need space. Lots of it. That’s where the Citroën e-SpaceTourer comes in. The giant electric people-mover from France might soon find its way to India, thanks to a new trade agreement that lowers import duties on UK-built cars (variants of this model are built in the UK).

I drove e-SpaceTourer in France to see if this van-with-windows has what it takes to win hearts (and hotel fleets) here. Let’s be clear: The e-SpaceTourer doesn’t try to be pretty. At more than five metres long, it’s a rectangular box on wheels. But that’s the point. It is all about function over form. While SUVs flaunt their curves and chrome, this Citroën is refreshingly honest about what it is: A vehicle designed to carry lots of people, comfortably.

It might be what India needs. Between the family-friendly Toyota Innova and the much bigger Force Urbania bus, there’s not much choice. The e-SpaceTourer offers six-to-nine seats in different layouts.