2019 (19) Peugeot Rifter BLUEHDI ALLURE wheelchair & scooter accessible vehicle WAV

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2019 Peugeot Rifter Allure 1.5 diesel 5-speed manual wheelchair & scooter accessible vehicle WAV

The Peugeot Rifter short wheelbase (SWB) is the most excellent progression from the long-standing, heavily converted and highly rated Peugeot Partner and is a stunning all-around improvement on its predecessor. As a WAV or wheelchair accessible vehicle, it lends itself perfectly for the job, and there have been some minor improvements that make it superior to the Partner and many other WAVs. However, there is still plenty of entry and internal height, with great external views all around for the wheelchair user as long as they are not too tall in their wheelchair.

The driver is treated well, with a generous specification to include an 8-inch touch screen entertainment centre, Bluetooth and cruise control. There is no satnav as standard, but it's straightforward to mirror your smartphone with the generously sized screen. DAB radio is included, plus a handy USB port just where you need it, and you can stream your music from your phone. The screen is also the command centre for much of the Rifter's controls, so you can electronically switch off or adjust many of the vehicle's features.

Like its predecessor, the Partner, all Rifters come with a wheelchair winch, which is now fitted under the floor so more space and less ugly to look at, and the winch can't get in the way of a wheelchair user's footrests. Previously winches were mounted on the Partner's floor in a WAV, which presented a problem for wheelchair footrests coming fully forward. Of course, this also prevented the wheelchair user from coming between the second-row seats. With an underfloor winch, the footrests for the wheelchair can come further forward, and with the increased legroom, which also came with the new Rifter, this combination is a vast improvement for most wheelchair users. There is an inspection plate for easy access in the unlikely event it should fail.

Rifters are built with one or two second-row seats, and one can be added or removed if need be. Of course, the gap between two second-row seats is not particularly large because the vehicle isn't large but is much greater if you only need one rear seat. Still, with two, there is enough room for most wheelchair users to get far enough forward to be comfortable between their fellow travellers and feel included. Given that most wheelchair users can sit between the two second-row rear seats, the Rifter truly has a central wheelchair position, which is quite a rarity in the WAV industry. Most vehicles' design does not allow for this unless you buy a much larger WAV like a VW Caravelle or Ford Tourneo Custom, so this is a big win for a medium-sized WAV. Another big plus for the Rifter conversion is the rear passengers get generous legroom on the comfortable and pleasing coach-built seats in this well thought out WAV.

SMV loves the smooth new gearbox, a generous specification, the underfloor winch, ample second-row wheelchair user legroom, the higher driving position, and the new pretty front end.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn't quite right for you. We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, short term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs.