Who would want to buy an LCV with two powertrains and no load space?
- Citroen sells the Jumper / Relay LCV in an unconventional configuration with two front ends.
- Each cabin has its own powertrain and gearbox, allowing the vehicle to be driven both ways.
- This 2-in-1 van is aimed at motorhome/camper builders, halving transportation times and costs.
Like most large vans, the Citroen Jumper / Relay is available in numerous configurations with different lengths, heights, and bodystyles, catering needs of professional buyers. While we are quite familiar with most of the different versions, there is an unconventional ‘Back to Back’ option featuring two conjoined front ends facing away from each other.
While the two-headed LCV looks like a fun project by a digital artist, it’s actually something you can buy. Each of the two cabins comes with its own drivetrain, which means that technically, the vehicle can be driven both ways, as long as the other half is left in neutral (unless you’re in the mood for never-ending burnouts). The chassis are joined by a temporary structure, strong enough to hold them together for as long as needed.
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So why does Citroen make a van without any sort of load space at the back? The answer is actually quite simple: logistics. Some commercial customers, like motorhome and camper builders, only need the front end of each vehicle to use as a base for their projects. Ordering them in a 2-in-1 configuration halves transportation times and costs, benefiting both the seller and the buyer.
The body-colored grilles over unpainted plastic bumpers show that the model is based on the recently facelifted Jumper / Relay that debuted last year alongside Stellantis’ extended family of updated LCVs. Equipment is pretty basic, including 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights (no taillights), tinted windows, manual A/C, and 5-inch displays for the infotainment. Still, buyers can always upgrade each cabin with more features and aftermarket bits during the conversion.
The Back to Back model is exclusively available with two identical 2.2-liter BlueHDi four-cylinder turbodiesel engines, each one producing 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS). Power is transmitted to the front wheels (of each side) via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Pricing for the Citroen Relay Back to Back starts from £36,018 ($44,993) in the UK. It is not clear if this amount stands for each of the two halves or for the entire thing, as this would make it a bargain. For a good measure, the cheapest version of a conventional Citroen Relay Chassis Cab starts from £36,882 ($46,082) in the same market.
Believe it or not, the Citroen Jumper / Relay is not the only light commercial offering this unusual option. A quick online search reveals that the Peugeot Boxer twin and the rival Renault Master have also been displayed in Back to Back versions in motorhome shows.