For a long time, sending the Citroen van resisted classification of light commercial vehicle market in the United Kingdom. It was more than the cultivation of compact van but not so large as to impinge on the territory of the panel truck in the class above. As a relatively unique compromise between flexibility and transport capacity, had a wide success. The current model is easier to understand, will head to head with vehicles more petite side panel van range. It's a tougher gig, but there is confidence that the Citroen Dispatch is up to the challenge.
The 3m3 load volume of the original Dispatch left a glaring hole in the Citroen light commercial vehicle range. The Littlest version Relay panel van could carry 8m3 and this left a 5m3 window in which rivals such Vivaro Vauxhall and Volkswagen's Transporter could make hay. Send current plug this gap, nestling up beneath the Relay model series with varying amounts of cargo ranging from 5m3 to 7m3. Payload options of 1.000 kg and 1.200 kg, ensure that the mission can cope with more weight than before, as well as the region has taken a much greater level of diversity thanks to two load lengths (L1 and L2), two roof heights (H1 and H2) and three engine choices. On top of that a bit much, buyers also get the choice of panel van, van window, cab and platform Combi body.
The modern Citroen Dispatch range is mix and match that potential players waiting in the panel van, but a key factor behind the success of their mission was the way operators found it compact and tractable in the way of smaller, more car-like trucks from heading down. Citroen was obviously acutely aware of this, rather than cloning the look and feel of top competitors small panel van, the Dispatch manages to remain a little different.
"Citroen knows better than anyone how to sell goods in the United Kingdom"
The frontal styling borrows quite substantially from the current range of Citroen cars and even the latest models of Peugeot. The task for the uninitiated, is the product of a collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat, which has itself spawned the Peugeot Expert and Fiat Scudo. The grille displays the Citroen double braid that twists hit the parallel bars and chrome under the multi-part bumper juts forward imposingly. A deep swage line runs from the lower edge of the large, elongated headlamps into the window line, continuing down the flanks. The design is undeniably distinctive but showing modern in some respects is more stupid than others.
In profile, the long front overhang of the Dispatch is highlighted and this contributes to a turning circle that, at 12.2, almost a meter bigger than a Vauxhall Vivaro of equivalent capacity. The mission, however, hit back at, or more accurately, the lack of it. Citroen is at pains to point out that the standard roof H1 version is only 1942 mm height and drop to 1894 mm when the optional air suspension set. This means that they will be able to squeeze under height restrictors on urban car parks will be refused entry to most other panel vans. The sliding side door on each side is a further advantage in situations where space is limited and businesses have access load. They open wide enough to accommodate a Euro pallet and take advantage of the low loading height of 562 mm that can be cut by 71 mm, although dip during the self-leveling suspension.
Anyone jumping from another small panel van in the mission you will notice how much lower the driver sits in the Citroen. This makes access far simpler and ideal for delivery drivers who are constantly climbing in and out of their trucks, but something is lost in terms of visibility. It can be difficult to see over the extended bonnet when parking, especially because the driver sits far back from the base of the windshield. In general driving, the mission feels solid and is easy to thread through traffic, largely thanks to a size that is just larger than a typical family sedan. The brakes respond with assurance and body roll during cornering is enhanced by its low center of gravity. The gear changes, though not class-leading in fact, is a sizable improvement over the old Dispatch and the suspension gives it a good combination of comfort and stability.
The cabin area is designed with special attention to the firm, supportive seats and a respectable amount of storage space to hold remains under control. The capacity of the three positions requested but, as so often happens in small panel vans, the legroom for the middle pier severely restricted by the dash-mounted shifter. The mission, the switch occupies the space where the middle passenger's knee should be so if the third member of the crew you work happens to be Heather Mills-McCartney or Long John Silver, it may be better to make other arrangements.
The three options are all HDi engine engines diesel common-rail and take a beating for the sake of fuel economy. The 90bhp 1.6-liter unit delivers over 39mpg on the combined cycle and has more than enough puff to get a lightly loaded Dispatch moves along briskly. The 2.0-liter will be a better bet in larger models of both, I'd probably settle for the 120bhp option. Here you can get the same fuel economy as that of the 1.6HDi but with a full 300Nm of torque at 2.000 rpm. The range-topping 136bhp engine delivers 38mpg and 320nm torque. It is faster but can not justify the price difference in the eyes of many buyers.
Equipment levels look generous with Citroen offers title-grabbing Smartnav satellite navigation system as standard along with ABS, EBA, driver airbag, a CD stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls and electric windows. The LX derivatives get the self-leveling suspension, along with other desirables. With these and other factors taken into account, the task seems obviously good value van - but what you expect from Citroen;
The initial mission, with its blend of compact van and small grades panel van, was quite unlike anything else on the market but this model is more conformist. The extensive range means that it will appeal to most companies, but has a tougher job convincing on the merits, because some accomplished small panel van rivals are now directly comparable with the Citroen. The mission continues to provide an easy, MPV-style driving experience but lacks a bit in quality, both actual and perceived, when pitched against the very best. This may not matter.
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