The Campster by Pössl, built on the Citroën SpaceTourer base, occupies a niche that few vehicles address correctly: that of the family MPV capable of transforming into a compact van without structural compromise. Its length of less than five meters, rigid pop-up roof, and VP approval make it a dual-use tool whose technical subtleties deserve careful examination.
Pop-up Roof of the Campster: Mechanics and Thermal Insulation
The pop-up roof of the Campster is not just a simple textile bellows on hinges. The upper panel remains rigid, preserving acoustic and thermal insulation when the roof is closed. The peripheral fabric, tensioned by gas struts, provides sufficient headroom to sit up in the upper bed without neck compression.
We observe that this design choice has a direct impact on the overall height with the roof closed, which is under two meters. The vehicle fits into almost all underground parking garages, a decisive advantage for daily use in urban areas. With the roof raised, the interior height at the center of the upper sleeping area remains usable for two adults.
The lifting mechanism requires particular attention to maintenance. The gas struts lose pressure after several years of intensive use. The seams of the peripheral fabric, exposed to UV rays, are the main fatigue point. In the used market, this is the first item to inspect before any transaction, as replacing the fabric represents a significant cost.
Considering the transformable Citroën Campster requires checking the condition of this pop-up roof as much as that of the engine.
Pössl Layout on SpaceTourer Base: What Distinguishes the Campster from a Removable Kit
Pössl, the number one German manufacturer in Europe in the compact van segment, integrates the layout at the factory. The kitchen unit, auxiliary electrical circuit, and furniture are permanently fixed, with anchoring points sized for the SpaceTourer base. The difference with a removable conversion kit like Tchao Tchao or equivalent is structural.
A factory-integrated layout guarantees compliance with passive safety standards. The furniture is designed not to become projectiles in the event of a collision. Removable kits, on the other hand, rely on their own weight or straps, which poses a problem in the event of a high-speed accident.
The kitchen unit of the Campster includes a gas stove, a sink with a water reserve, and compact storage space. The plumbing remains rudimentary (soft tanks, foot or electric pump depending on the versions), but functional for stays of a few days. The Vanster, its more modular variant, takes this logic further with a multifunction removable box but sacrifices the convertible rear bench seat.
Interior Modularity: Seats and Sleeping Areas
The rear bench seat of the Campster converts into a double bed by tilting the backrest. The mechanism is simple and quick, but the resulting mattress has a junction in the center that may bother sensitive sleepers. Adding a dedicated mattress topper compensates for this flaw.
In MPV configuration, the Campster accommodates up to seven passengers with individual seats or a bench depending on the version. Switching from one configuration to another takes a few minutes, without tools. This versatility remains the main argument against traditional converted vans, which are too bulky for daily family use.
Diesel Engines of the SpaceTourer: Real Consumption and Payload
The Campster relies on the diesel engines of the SpaceTourer, available in several power levels. Real mixed-use consumption consistently exceeds manufacturer values, especially with the roof raised on the highway where aerodynamic drag increases significantly.
The payload is a critical parameter. The Pössl layout, pop-up roof, kitchen unit, and water tanks reduce the original payload of the SpaceTourer. In practice, there is limited margin left for luggage, camping equipment, and passengers. We recommend weighing the vehicle in its actual operating condition before going on vacation with five people.
- Check the actual empty weight (and not that of the technical sheet, which often excludes options) before each loaded departure
- Prefer lightweight accessories: melamine dishes, aluminum folding chairs, soft cooler instead of a compressor fridge
- Monitor the pressure of the rear tires, often under-inflated compared to the actual load
Campster in the Compact Van Market: Positioning and Alternatives
The segment of compact vans with pop-up roofs has become denser since the launch of the Campster. Volkswagen California, Mercedes Marco Polo, and Pössl variants based on Mercedes (Campstar, Vanstar) occupy the same niche at generally higher prices.
The Campster remains the most accessible entry-level compact van among factory-converted models. Removable conversion kits are cheaper to purchase but do not offer the same finish or passive safety. In the used market, the value of the Campster remains stable, supported by strong demand for compact recreational vehicles in France.
The continuous growth of the vanlife market in France reinforces this trend. Buyers are looking for a unique vehicle capable of handling daily commutes and weekend getaways without owning two vehicles. The Campster precisely meets this requirement, provided one accepts its limitations: reduced water autonomy, minimal kitchen space, and sleeping comfort inferior to that of a six-meter converted van.
The choice between Campster and classic van comes down to a matter of priority. If the vehicle spends more time in the city than camping, the compact format of the SpaceTourer prevails. If itinerant stays regularly exceed a week, a larger van offers superior daily living comfort.
