DISPATCH IS IDEAL PARTNER FOR UK PROFESSIONALS

Citroen reckons that this third generation Dispatch van is its most important commercial vehicle introduction for two decades. Jonathan Crouch checks out what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

The Dispatch is Citroen's idea of what a medium-sized van should be and goes up against some tough LCV rivals in this sector like Ford's Transit Custom and Volkswagen's Transporter. Style, size and technology are all factors that now rank in this much improved third generation model's favour though, in a package that has much to offer in its tightly-fought segment.

Background

With this latest generation Dispatch, Citroen aims to almost double its market share in the LCV sector, so this van had better be very good indeed in this MK3 model guise. This is Citroen's new-generation Euro6-compatible entry in the volume medium-range van sector, where VW Transporters, Vauxhall Vivaros, Mercedes Vitos, Renault Trafics and Ford Transit Custom models rule the roost. Taking on this lot isn't something you'd want to do single-handed, so the French brand has chosen to share this design not only with its partner Peugeot's Expert model, but also with Toyota's Proace and Fiat's Talento: all these vans share the same platform.

The previous generation version of this vehicle didn't significantly trouble the main players in this segment. This MK3 model though, has got itself sorted out, with more sophisticated design and larger load volumes that rival anything in the class. You get clever design, proven engines and low running costs in a package that certainly works on paper. Whether it'll cut the mustard day-in-day-out though is what we're here to find out.

Driving Experience

Citroen reckons that the handling on this MK3 model Dispatch is much improved, narrowing the dynamic gap in this regard to the class-leading Transit Custom. Engine choice in a Dispatch is pretty straightforward, provided you've a clear idea of the kind of work you want it to do.

Sensibly, all the Euro6 units on offer are diesels and if your needs are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 95bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi unit may well be quite sufficient: this engine's also offered with 115bhp. For heavier payloads and longer journeys however, you'll be needing the 2.0-litre BlueHDi model which gives you a lot more pulling power and is available with either 120, 150 or 180bhp, the most powerful unit mated to the brand's efficient EAT6 auto transmission. Citroen also claims that refinement is much improved this time round.

Design and Build

This Dispatch may share much under the skin with its Peugeot Expert PSA Group stablemate but visually at least, it has its own distinct personality, Citroen's designers having gone for a fluid, softer face with a short bonnet and high headlamps. Visually, it's quite hard to pigeon-hole this vehicle into a particular market category. You can see that it's bigger than something like a Berlingo or Kangoo-sized Peugeot Partner but you might question whether it has the volume to take on medium range vans of Transit or Vito size. As we'll see, it has.

On board, Citroen's designers have concentrated on improving ergonomics and driving comfort this time round. You get the usual high seating position and three-person bench. And there's certainly more cab storage space - 49-litres of it in the standard van version. Providing you haven't bought in with entry-level trim, the first thing you'll probably notice about the restyled interior is 7-inch colour touchscreen that's now been added. It can work with voice control and offers the usual 'phone and media features, plus an optional 3D Navigation system.

Market and Model

Pricing for his Citroen is, as you might expect, pretty much identical to that of its Peugeot stablemate. That means VAT-exclusive asking figures that'll probably see you paying somewhere in the £17,500 to £26,500 bracket for your Dispatch, depending upon the bodystyle you choose. As well as the usual panel van, there are Platform Cab and Crew Van options. Van customers get a choice of 'Compact, 'Standard' or 'Long' body lengths. Buyers choose between 95, 115, 120, 150 and 180bhp versions of the brand's familiar BlueHDi diesel engine.

Equipment levels are a lot more complete than they used to be for Dispatch owners. All models now get twin front airbags, a DAB radio, Bluetooth 'phone compatibility, cruise control with a speed limiter and twin sliding side doors. As usual, there's a full steel bulkhead and a three-person front bench.

Practicalities & Costs

Buyers choose between three key Dispatch bodystyles - panel van, Combi van (with second and third row seating) and Platform cab (for various conversions). Most will want the panel van, which claims best in class interior space and comes with a choice of two wheelbases - one at 2.92m specific to the smaller 'XS' version and the other at 3.27m common to the 'M' and 'XL' variants.

As for carriage capacity, the biggest 'XL'-spec van version can take up to 6.6m3, while the mid-range 'M' version manages 5.8m3 and the 'XS' model 5.1m3. Depending on bodystyle, the loading length varies between 3.32 and 4.02m and there's 1.26m of width between the wheelarches. The 'XS' and 'M' models get 1.90m of interior height, this increasing to 1.93m in the 'XL' variant.

As for running costs, well depending on BlueHDi diesel engine choice, you'll manage between 45 and 55mpg on the combined cycle and between 133 and 151g/km of CO2.

Summary

Make no mistake, this is the most important Citroen van we've seen since the launch of the original Berlingo twenty years ago. It forms the basis for a luxury MPV in the brand's passenger car range (badged the Space Tourer) and will be key in persuading many companies currently using Ford Transit Customs, Vauxhall Vivaros and Volkswagen Transporters that they really should be taking a closer look at what the Double Chevron brand has to offer in the medium range segment.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

VAN: Citroen Dispatch van range

ENGINES: 1.6HDi 95/115bhp / 2.0HDi 120/150/180bhp

GROSS PAYLOAD: 1,400kg

LOAD VOLUME: 5.1-6.6m3

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS / ESP / Ladder frame bulkhead / Three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners.