Citroen Dispatch - ABC Leasing

Car & Driving
The independent definitive Citroen Dispatch van video review
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    MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES(some text hidden)

    By Jonathan Crouch


    Ten Second Review word count: 59

    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 third generation model's favour though, in a package that has much to offer in its tightly-fought segment.


    Background word count: 177

    With this third 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, Vauxhall's Vivaro 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 word count: 260

    Citroen reckons that the handling on this MK3 model Dispatch has narrowed 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. If your needs are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 100hp 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 unit may well be quite sufficient. Otherwise, you'll probably be looking at a 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel with 145hp, which comes with the option of 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission. The top 2.0 BlueHDi 180hp version only comes in auto form. There's also a full-electric version, the e-Dispatch, which offers a 148 mile driving range with a 50kWh battery or a 211 mile range with a 75kWh battery. A key factor behind the success of the previous generation Dispatch was the way it remained compact and wieldy in the manner of smaller, more car-like vans from the class below. This model's bigger of course, but it retains much of that same usability around town and rides much better thanks to revised suspension and a stiffer EMP2 platform. Special wishbone filtering dampens the impacts of our country's terrible tarmac and the variable stiffness springs and shock absorbers deliver surprising levels of comfort whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Citroen also claims that refinement is much improved this time round. We also like the 'Driving time warning system' which flashes up a dash warning after two hours of uninterrupted driving at speeds of 40mph and above.


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    Scoring

    Category: Compact Car

    Performance
    70%
    Handling
    70%
    Comfort
    80%
    Space
    60%
    Styling
    70%
    Build
    70%
    Value
    80%
    Equipment
    80%
    Economy
    80%
    Depreciation
    50%
    Insurance
    70%
    Total
    71%
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