Citroën Evasion

Design and key characteristics

The Evasion adopted the typical 1990s MPV silhouette: a tall roofline for headroom, a roomy cabin and a practical, straightforward exterior. Most versions offered seating for six or seven passengers, with rear seats that could be folded, tumbled or removed to increase load capacity. Sliding doors on one or both sides improved access in tight parking spaces and made the car convenient for families and shuttle operators.

• Body type: five-door MPV with sliding rear doors
• Seating: flexible 6–7 passenger layouts with removable or folding seats
• Layout: front-wheel drive architecture shared with sister models
• Powertrains: a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, available with manual and some automatic transmissions

Development and production

The Evasion was produced as part of a joint venture between several European manufacturers to share development costs and components. It was built alongside related models at the Sevel Sud plant in Italy and shared its basic structure with vehicles such as the Fiat Ulysse and the Peugeot 806, while being visually and technically differentiated by brand-specific styling, trim and equipment. The Lancia Zeta is another closely related variant from the same cooperative programme.

Equipment, safety and variants

Specification levels varied over the model range and production run. Common equipment included multiple seating arrangements, practical storage solutions and options such as air conditioning and radio. Safety features evolved during the lifetime of the Evasion: later versions offered driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking systems and improved passive protection compared with early 1990s MPVs. Many versions included dedicated anchor points or fittings to secure child seats.

Use and market role

During its production life the Evasion was used predominantly as a family car but also found use as a people-mover for small commercial operations, taxis and airport shuttles. Its combination of space and comfort made it a practical alternative to small vans when passenger carrying was required. The platform also proved suitable for conversions, including basic camper and mobility adaptations.

Successor and legacy

Production ended in the early 2000s as MPV design trends and safety standards advanced. The Evasion was effectively replaced in Citroën’s line-up by more modern MPVs that offered updated styling and equipment. Today the Evasion is remembered for its practicality and for being part of a notable era of cross-manufacturer collaboration in the European automotive industry.