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LONGTERM TEST CITROEN C15D

15th February 1990
Page 26
Page 26, 15th February 1990 — LONGTERM TEST CITROEN C15D
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• It's now more than three months since we took delivery of our latest longterm test van — a Citroen C15D. So far it's clocked up just under 21,000km (13,000 miles), taking CM staffers to such exotic destinations as North Yorkshire, Wales and Devon. It has also been picked as a class winner in our 1990 Tester's Choice (CM 1-7 February), thanks mainly to its enormous load volume, generous payload and competitive value for money.

Prize winning productivity is a praiseworthy attribute for any commercial vehicle. But productivity and driver appeal do not necessarily coincide, and by using the C15 as a general-duties runabout we are combining the views of a number of CM staffers. Judging by their comments, even award winners have their faults.

The first and most common criticism has been of the C15's plastic seats, which have progressed from being hot and sweaty to cold and clammy as the weather has deteriorated. Fabric seat covers would hardly be a major modification. Fortunately even our tallest testers found plenty of head and leg room.

In fact, everyone who has driven the vehicle has commented favourably on the experience. Even those who normally only drive cars found the van easy to handle: the steering is light and responsive as is the gear shifting, and the stalkmounted controls fall easily to hand.

Large rear doors allow excellent access to the Citroen's cavenous load space and do not leak even in a car wash.

FAIR CRITICISM

Some drivers have criticised the brakes for their lack of feel, or sense of urgency, although even when fully laden the brakes locked the wheels during full-pressure track tests. The van's narrow tyres are inflated to 2.7bar (39psi) at the front and 4.5bar (65psi) in the rears. When unladen these high pressures can combine with the underused suspension to make the van skip across the road surface if a bump is hit when cornering. This effect is exagerated in the wet, as is the sudden tendancy to go from underbreaking to wheel-lock.

Following running-in, fuel consumption form the 1,769cc OHC diesel engine has averaged 6.381it/100km (44.3mpg), despite regular rush-hour crawls round the M25 and lots of town traffic. Drivers have soon discovered that the engine will pull most gears around town and that there is little to be gained from screaming it in the lower ratios. The aerodynamics — or lack of them — ensure that, even when empty, most of the journey on an open road is done with the right foot on the floor; and easing back soon results in slowing below the pace of surrounding traffic.

Overtaking on the open road is not helped by the van's limited acceleration at higher speeds.

Running costs are very low on the Citroen as it only requires a service every 10,000km (6,000 miles) — twice the interval on the Bedford Brava it replaced as our longterm test vehicle. The initial service was at 1,600krn (1,000 miles) and cost £25.79, with the first full service running up a bill of £36.44. At 19,200km (12,000 miles) the third service was carried out, costing £55.07 to bring the total servicing costs to date to £117.30 which will see the van through to 28,800km (18,000 miles). Five litres of oil has been added in top-ups between services.

During the recent torrential rain the diesel engine has inspired great confidence. Not only does it spring into life first time every time (after pre-heat), but it also keeps going On flooded roads where those wide-eyed car drivers who normally speed past us keep grinding to a halt. Most satisfying!

Bad weather has also highhghted another feature of the van: its excellent heater. While it takes a bit of getting used to, it will deliver warm air within a couple of kilometres of starting on a frosty morning. The van's poor aerodynamics is

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