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IN BRIEF
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Accessible without sacrificing comfort, the Citroën Holidays Pack Max BlueHDi 180 EAT8 embodies the brand’s new philosophy: a well-equipped converted van, sold directly by Citroën, based on the SpaceTourer and transformed by Bravia Mobil. With its pop-up roof, integrated kitchen, comprehensive driving aids, and a BlueHDi 180 engine paired with the EAT8 transmission, it promises easygoing weekends. It offers a carefully crafted atmosphere, electric autonomy supported by a solar panel in Pack Max, and solid performance, while accepting some compromises in storage, water tanks, and rear seat comfort.
A SpaceTourer base signed by Bravia Mobil and a smart pricing strategy
The Holidays relies on the SpaceTourer platform and assigns the layout to the Slovenian specialist Bravia Mobil. This collaboration allows for one of the most accessible converted vans on the market under automotive manufacturers. The simplified range follows Citroën’s recent strategy: a base version powered by a BlueHDi 145 with manual transmission, followed by the Pack Max at the top of the range, featuring the BlueHDi 180 engine and EAT8 automatic transmission. As a VASP vehicle, it is exempt from ecological taxes. Maintenance is recommended every 2 years or 50,000 km and the warranty covers 2 years unlimited mileage.
Design, dimensions, and everyday practicality
Recently restyled, the van features a sober presentation and some dedicated markings. Its dimensions — 4.98 m long and 1.99 m high — facilitate urban life: access to parking limited to 2 m and classification as a light vehicle at tolls. The two sliding doors multiply ventilation and access possibilities, particularly to certain cupboards from the outside. The large tailgate includes, in Pack Max, a very practical opening window for loading or ventilation without lifting the whole assembly.
Life on board: lounge, sleeping arrangements, and storage
The layout is based on a classic organization, centered around a kitchenette in the middle of the van and a pop-up roof freeing the upper sleeping area. The rear bench transforms into a lower bed, while the front seats swivel to create a lounge area. The wooden furniture inspires confidence with its quality assembly and absence of squeaks in daily use. Only the roof can be louder at high speeds, with perceptible aerodynamic noises beyond around 110 km/h. The trunk, unhindered by the bed mechanism, offers good capacity, and the bench can be moved forward to create more space. The removal of this bench is possible, but its weight makes the operation laborious.
Kitchen and onboard autonomy: essentials, but a reduced water capacity
The kitchen offers a 2-burner stove, a sink, and a top-opening refrigerator. The latter, with a capacity of 16 l, requires the removable table to be used as a real work surface when cooking. The storage in this block remains limited, with few dedicated drawers. For water, a 10 l clean water container fits under the sink, paired with a 10 l waste water tank of the same size: capacities below the segment average, encouraging more frequent refills. A pleasant surprise in Pack Max: a cold outdoor shower with its own 25 l tank extends the action radius outside of camping. The gas bottle is stored in an accessible cupboard from the outside.
In terms of energy, the auxiliary battery of 95 Ah is complemented, in Pack Max, by a 120 W solar panel that extends autonomy off-grid. A generic control panel allows access to battery levels and some functions, but the water display requires a visual check of the tank. The Webasto diesel auxiliary heater ensures more comfortable nights. Onboard, there are several outlets: USB-C (five), USB-A (two), one 12 V, and one 230 V dedicated to Pack Max, plus a lamp and a USB outlet in the roof. The provided blackout curtains are limited to the windscreen and front windows; additional accessories will be welcome to darken the lower sleeping area. Rails allow for later addition of an awning, chairs, and other outdoor equipment.
Sleeping comfort and manipulation
The lower bed (approximately 190 × 115 cm) comes from deploying the bench. Two extensions located beneath the seats help finish the bedding, but their handling requires a bit of practice. Above, the upper bed of the pop-up roof (195 × 120 cm) rests on a cup-spring mattress providing very satisfactory support. Access requires some contortions, as often is the case with this type of vehicle. A handle facilitates closing the roof, although its position risks bumping into you if not careful.
Infotainment and connectivity
The multimedia system revolves around a central 10-inch screen integrating navigation in Pack Max. The interface, while not futuristic, remains intuitive, and you can rely on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. A second digital display serves as a combined instrument behind the steering wheel, with very good readability. The induction charger is handy but not the fastest, especially when a smartphone uses CarPlay simultaneously. Compatibility with the MyCitroën app allows you to locate your vehicle; however, no specific functions for the layout are integrated there.
Driving and performance of the BlueHDi 180 EAT8
At the wheel, you find the design of commercial vehicles and the SpaceTourer: hard plastics but effective layout, physical ventilation controls, and well-labeled steering wheel buttons. The driving position is not perfect: slightly offset steering column, cramped right knee space, and no real armrest integrated into the door. On the road, the suspension setting clearly favors comfort; you avoid jostling this van weighing around 2.3 t and you enjoy a serene pace.
The four-cylinder 2.0 BlueHDi 180 (177 hp, 400 Nm) provides convincing acceleration for a van, and the EAT8 automatic transmission smoothly shifts, with rare jolts. The 0 to 100 km/h claim flatters the technical sheet; in practice, we are slightly beyond, which remains very acceptable for the category. The turning diameter of around 12.4 m is not the shortest, and you appreciate all the more the rear camera included in Pack Max. Driving aids compliant with GSR2 standards are included, with lane keeping and over-speed alert active at startup but easily adjustable, as well as adaptive cruise control for the highway.
Consumption, tanks, and road autonomy
The BlueHDi 180 EAT8 engine claims mixed consumption of around 7.9 l/100 km. In real life, consumption frequently approaches 9 l/100 km depending on the profile (more in the city, less on the road), values consistent for a performing converted van. The 70 l tank easily allows more than 750 km between refuels, while the AdBlue tank reaches a little over 20 l.
What we love… and what we accept
We first note the well-placed price for a vehicle sold directly by Citroën, the quality of the furniture assembly, the comfort of the suspension, the rich equipment of the Pack Max (solar panel, heating, shower, 230 V, navigation), and the solid performance of the BlueHDi 180. On the flip side, some compromises: rear bench could be improved in support and manipulation, kitchen not very practical due to lack of storage and work surface, 16 l refrigerator and 10 l water tanks limited (not including the 25 l shower</strong), no awning or chairs provided, driving position could be better, and turning diameter is on the higher end.
Getaway ideas and travel inspirations
This van with its compact dimensions and pop-up roof lends itself to a variety of outings. In the city, change from the classics and discover a more peaceful and economical viewpoint to admire Paris by consulting this good plan: a less crowded place to contemplate the capital. After the road, treat yourself to a wellness break in a carefully selected spa around Paris: addresses to unwind.
Want sun and heritage? Head south with the Holidays towards Occitanie and its gems, starting with Albi: paths, visits, and leisure to plan here: activities around Albi. Car enthusiasts will also appreciate a detour into the history of Citroën commercial vehicles, like this story honoring the 40 years of the C15 and an audacious journey to Mongolia: a memorable adventure in a C15.
For those curious about rare objects and industrial stories, an unusual reading about a Peugeot family sword will add an unexpected touch to your evening stop: discover here. All these ideas to fully exploit the qualities of the Citroën Holidays Pack Max BlueHDi 180 EAT8 during nearby or distant getaways.
