Citroen Dispatch
Citroen Dispatch: Versatility at Its Best
The new Citroen Dispatch has made waves in the commercial vehicle market, offering a blend of versatility and efficiency that's hard to beat. This innovative van has caught the attention of businesses and professionals alike, with its impressive features and competitive pricing. As more companies look to optimize their operations, the Dispatch stands out as a solution that combines practicality with cost-effectiveness.
With a range of finance options and attractive lease offers available, the new Citroen Dispatch is within reach for many businesses, big and small. Its performance on the road, coupled with its spacious interior and advanced technology, makes it a top contender in its class. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at the Dispatch's design, capabilities, and the features that set it apart from the competition, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.
[caption id="attachment_47208" align="alignnone" width="700"] Citroen Dispatch Crew Van[/caption]
Design and Styling
The new Citroen Dispatch boasts a design that combines functionality with modern esthetics, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking a versatile commercial vehicle.
Modern Exterior Citroen Dispatch
The Dispatch features a refreshed front end that brings its styling up to date and reinforces its personality. The bold Citroen badge, seamlessly integrated between the headlights, creates a sleek and distinctive look. The front design is characterized by a 50/50 split between the body-colored bonnet and the black plastic grille, which not only contributes to the van's lighter weight but also gives the impression of a friendly smile.
Refined Interior
Inside, the new dashboard has been designed with both refinement and practicality in mind. It offers additional storage areas, catering to the needs of professionals who require ample space for their tools and equipment. The ergonomically shaped front seats provide excellent support and a commanding view of the road, ensuring comfort during long drives.
Size Options
The Citroen Dispatch is available in two body lengths: M and XL. The M version measures 4.95m in length, while the XL extends to 5.3m. Both variants maintain a consistent height of 1.935m, allowing access to most car parks and underground facilities. This feature sets the Dispatch apart from many competitors, offering enhanced versatility for urban operations.
Version
Length
Width (incl. door mirrors)
Height
M
4959 mm
2204 mm
1904 mm
XL
5309 mm
2204 mm
1935 mm
The Dispatch also offers impressive loading capabilities, with load lengths of 2,510mm and 2,860mm for the M and XL versions respectively. The Moduwork feature allows for the storage of materials up to 4,024mm long in the XL model, further enhancing its practicality for various business needs.
Performance and Efficiency
The new Citroen Dispatch offers a range of engine options that cater to various business needs, combining power with efficiency. The van's performance characteristics make it a versatile choice for different operational requirements.
Engine Options Citroen Dispatch
The Dispatch comes equipped with a selection of diesel engines, providing a balance between power and fuel economy. The 1.5-liter diesel engine is available in two power outputs: 102hp and 120hp. For those requiring more power, there are two 2.0-liter diesel options offering 145hp and 180hp respectively. The 145hp variant, with its 340Nm of torque, is particularly well-suited for heavy-duty work and comfortable high-speed driving.
Both engine sizes come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, for those preferring automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter engine is available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which also provides an additional 22lb/ft of torque.
Electric e-Dispatch
Citroen has introduced an all-electric version called the e-Dispatch, catering to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The e-Dispatch offers two battery options:
50 kWh battery: Provides a range of up to 143 miles (WLTP cycle)
75 kWh battery: Offers an extended range of up to 196 miles (WLTP cycle)
The electric variant delivers 100 kW (136 hp) of power and 260 Nm of torque, available from 0 mph. It has a maximum speed of 80 miles per hour and provides a smooth, silent driving experience without gear shifts.
Fuel Economy Citroen Dispatch
The Dispatch boasts impressive fuel efficiency across its range. The most efficient engine, the 120hp 1.5-liter diesel, achieves up to 45.8mpg in official tests. Even the least efficient variants manage over 40mpg, making the Dispatch one of the most economical medium-sized vans in its class.
For the electric e-Dispatch, charging times vary depending on the charger power. A 7.4kW home charger can fully charge the 50kWh battery in approximately 7 hours 30 minutes, while an 11kW charger reduces this to 4 hours 45 minutes. Fast public chargers can provide an 80% charge in just 30 minutes for the smaller battery.
Versatility and Practicality
The new Citroen Dispatch stands out for its exceptional versatility and practicality, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of business needs. Its flexible design and innovative features cater to various operational requirements, enhancing its appeal to professionals across different sectors.
Cargo Capacity
The Dispatch offers impressive cargo capacity, with load volumes ranging from 4.6 to 6.6 cubic meters, depending on the model. It comes in three sizes: XS, M, and XL, each designed to accommodate different cargo needs. The load lengths vary from 2,160mm in the smallest version to 2,860mm in the largest, providing ample space for various types of cargo.
The van's interior dimensions are equally impressive, with an internal height of 1,397mm and a width of 1,628mm (1,258mm between the wheel arches). This spacious design allows for the transportation of two Europallets, even in the compact XS model, making it particularly suitable for urban and rural operators who value maneuverability without compromising on capacity.
Moduwork Feature
One of the Dispatch's standout features is the Moduwork system, which significantly enhances its versatility. This innovative design includes a load-through bulkhead and a folding side passenger seat, effectively extending the load length up to 4,024mm in the XL version. This feature is particularly useful for transporting long, narrow items such as planks, pipes, or ladders.
The Moduwork system functions by allowing the outermost passenger seat to lift and fold away, revealing a hatch in the bulkhead. This creates an additional 1,160mm of load length in what would otherwise be the footwell. Importantly, this feature doesn't compromise passenger comfort, as the middle seat can still be used, or folded to create a convenient table.
Towing Capabilities
The Citroen Dispatch boasts impressive towing capabilities, further enhancing its versatility. It has a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500kg for a braked trailer, placing it among the best in its class for medium-sized vans. For unbraked trailers, the towing limit is 750kg.
These towing capabilities make the Dispatch suitable for a wide range of applications, from transporting heavy equipment to pulling trailers loaded with materials. It's worth noting that while a towbar doesn't come as standard, it can be added as a factory option, providing a 13-pin connector plug for easy trailer connection.
Technology and Safety Features
The new Citroen Dispatch comes equipped with an array of advanced technologies and safety features, designed to enhance the driving experience and ensure the well-being of its occupants.
Infotainment System
At the heart of the Dispatch's technology offerings is a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The van features a large 10-inch HD central touchscreen display, providing easy access to various functions. This system includes Citroën Connect Nav, a 3D navigation system that offers real-time traffic information, details on service stations, car parks, and weather conditions. The Mirror Screen function allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their compatible smartphones, accessing apps through the vehicle's touchscreen.
Driver Assistance
The Dispatch boasts an impressive range of driver assistance features, making daily business driving safer and more convenient. These include:
Adaptive Cruise Control: This system uses a camera to detect the vehicle in front and maintains a safe distance, automatically adjusting speed.
Head-Up Display: A segment-first feature that projects essential driving information onto a transparent screen in the driver's field of vision.
VisioPark 180° parking camera: This system provides a comprehensive view around the vehicle, simplifying parking maneuvers.
Grip Control: An advanced traction control system that optimizes front-wheel traction according to the terrain type.
Hill Start Assist: This feature prevents the van from rolling back on steep slopes, holding it in place for about 2 seconds.
Safety Equipment Citroen Dispatch
The Citroen Dispatch is equipped with numerous safety features to protect both driver and cargo:
Active Safety Brake: This system detects potential collision risks and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react.
Lane Departure Warning System: It alerts the driver if the van crosses road markings without signaling.
Blind Spot Monitoring: This feature uses LED indicators in the door mirrors to warn of vehicles in the blind spots.
Traffic Sign Recognition: The system detects and displays speed limits and other road signs.
Driver Attention Alert: It analyzes driving behavior and warns the driver if it detects signs of fatigue.
These advanced technologies and safety features make the new Citroen Dispatch a reliable and secure choice for businesses, enhancing both productivity and peace of mind on the road.
Conclusion
The new Citroen Dispatch has proven itself to be a game-changer in the commercial vehicle market. Its blend of modern design, impressive performance, and cutting-edge technology has a significant impact on businesses looking to optimize their operations. The Dispatch's versatility, from its range of engine options to its flexible cargo space, makes it a top pick for a wide variety of professionals.
To wrap up, the Citroen Dispatch stands out as a well-rounded solution for businesses big and small. Its combination of practicality, efficiency, and advanced features positions it as a strong contender in its class. Whether you're after a reliable workhorse or a tech-savvy mobile office, the new Dispatch has what it takes to meet your needs and help drive your business forward.
FAQs Citroen Dispatch
What is the most efficient engine available in the Citroen Dispatch?
As of January 2023, the most efficient engine in the Citroen Dispatch is the 120hp 1.5-liter diesel, which boasts the highest official economy at 45.8 miles per gallon (mpg). The slightly less powerful version trails just behind at 0.1 mpg less according to official figures.
How does the Citroen Dispatch perform in terms of handling and comfort?
The Citroen Dispatch offers a dynamic driving experience that was considered top-notch until the Ford Transit Custom emerged. While it may not feel exactly like driving a car, it provides commendable steering quality and effectively minimizes body roll, making it a pleasure to drive in the medium van category.
Between the Peugeot Expert and the Citroen Dispatch, which is superior?
Choosing between the Citroën Dispatch and the Peugeot Expert depends on your priorities. The Dispatch excels in technological features and versatility, whereas the Expert is favored for its sleek design and driving comfort. Nevertheless, both vans are highly functional and can be adapted to meet diverse business requirements.
Which Citroen Dispatch model is considered the top of the range?
The Citroen Dispatch XL 145ps BHDI Driver Edition is the premium model within Citroen’s medium van lineup. This version, being the largest, offers significant load space and features a well-equipped cockpit designed for comfort during travel between jobs.