Citroen Jumper is a versatile and reliable commercial vehicle that has been serving professionals for 30 years. From its debut in 1994 to its latest generation in 2019, the Jumper has evolved to meet its customers' changing needs and expectations. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and achievements of the Citroen Jumper and how it became a leader in the commercial vehicle market.
The Origins of Citroen Jumper
The Citroen Jumper was born in 1994 due to a joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat. The project codenamed Sevel (Société Européenne de Véhicules Légers), aimed to create a range of light commercial vehicles that could compete with the likes of Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter. The Jumper was the Citroen version of the Sevel range, including the Peugeot Boxer and the Fiat Ducato.
The first generation of the Jumper was available in various body styles, such as a van, minibus, chassis cab, and flatbed truck. It also offered different wheelbases, heights, and load capacities, ranging from 8 to 17 cubic meters and 1,000 to 2,000 kg. The Jumper was powered by petrol or diesel engines, with power outputs from 69 to 128 hp.
The Jumper was designed to be practical, robust, and economical. It had a spacious and ergonomic cabin with numerous storage compartments and a folding passenger seat that could be used as a desk. It also had a low loading sill, wide sliding side doors, and rear doors that could open up to 270 degrees. The Jumper was equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), driver airbag, and immobilizer as standard safety features.
The Jumper was well received by the market and won several awards, such as the International Van of the Year in 1995 and the Best Large Van by What Van? magazine in 1996 and 1997. It also became popular among motorhome manufacturers and converters, who appreciated its flexibility and reliability.
The Evolution of Citroen Jumper
The Citroen Jumper underwent two major facelifts, in 2002 and 2006, before the launch of the second generation in 2007. The facelifts introduced cosmetic and technical changes, such as new headlights, bumpers, grilles, and dashboards and improved engines, transmissions, and suspensions.
The second generation of the Jumper was based on the same platform as the first one but with a completely new design and more advanced features. It had a more modern and aerodynamic look, with a large chrome chevron on the front grille and a curved bonnet. It also had a more comfortable and refined interior, with better sound insulation, air conditioning, and a new radio system. The Jumper also offered more options for customization, with 600 versions available, including new body styles such as dropside truck, tipper truck, and Luton van.
The Jumper also improved its performance and efficiency, with new Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliant engines, ranging from 100 to 180 hp, and a new six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual gearbox. It also introduced new technologies, such as an electronic stability program (ESP), hill start assist, lane departure warning system, and rear parking sensors.
The Jumper continued to win accolades, such as the Best Heavy Van by What Van? magazine in 2008 and 2009 and the Best Base Vehicle by Motorhome Monthly magazine in 2009 and 2010. It also expanded its presence in international markets, such as Russia, Brazil, and China, where it was sold under different names, such as Citroen Jumper, Citroen Jumpy, and Citroen Fukang.