Price: t_22,540 Engine:Euro-4 2.2-litre common-cailturbo-diesel Power/Torque:1'181102%m Transmission: Six - speed manual 3,500kg
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Payload:1,575kg Load volume: 10.5cm' If fast and frenetic delivery is your game, then the Relay will not disappoint you.
The 2.2-litre engine's peak power comes in at 3.500rpm, with maximum torque arriving at 2.000rpm and, like the Fiat, it responds well to its neck being wrung.
The dash-mounted six-speeder is close to hand, making it feet right to push on, but it is a touch hotchy between the gates.
Power delivery is smooth and consistent, although the engine does at times sound unrefined.
Most commented upon by C/S.4's testers was the weighty steering, a plus for one tester who described the Relay's handling as "heavy — but in a good way with a solid and communicative feel". It also received considerable praise for its fine roadholding, coping with the ever-tightening turns of our Welsh test route with serious composure arid minimal body roll.
However, at times the challenging route prompted a few creaks, particularly in the region of the A-pillars, when cornering.
Criticised by our testers for its poor seat comfort, confusing heater dials and overly "plasticky" appearance, the Relay had one of the least favoured interiors.
The storage available is a positive, and the spacious interior, with good overall visibility, helps scrape back points. So, too, does the
soft-touch flooring a welcome change for the usually hard-edged commercial sector but the small bump just fore of the accelerator pedal means your right foot is rarefy settled.
Clearly, great time and effort has gone into getting some aspects of the Relay right.
The driveability and performance are among its better qualities, but imperfections make living with it over an extended journey tiresome.
Cabin storage space certainly won't be an issue, but its usefulness is q uestionable.
From setting the benchmark not all that long ago the Citroen Relay is now starting to look a little bit frumpy when compared to its competition.