Mercedes finally unveils details of new Citan van
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By George Barrow
HAVING RELEASED design sketches, and given CM exclusive access to its early prototype during winter testing, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its new Citan city van on the eve of the RAI Show.
Although not at the show – it will be officially unveiled at the IAA Hannover Show in September – the head of Mercedes-Benz vans, Volker Mornhinweg, revealed details of the new Renault Kangoo-based van ahead of its launch in the UK in January 2013.
The Citan will be available in three GVWs up to 2.2 tonnes, three wheelbase lengths – compact (3,940mm), standard (4,320mm) and long (4,710mm) – and three body designs: panel van, combi van and crew bus. Panel vans will be capable of carrying up to 800kg at the maximum 2.2-tonne GVW. Four engine outputs will be available, with three turbo-diesel models fitted with particulate filters delivering 67hp (55kW), 88hp (66kw) and 109hp (81kw), while the supercharged petrol engine develops 112hp (84kW) and will wear the Blue Efficiency badge as standard and be equipped with stop/start technology, low-rolling-resistance tyres and a batterypowered management system. Diesel models will also have the option of taking the Blue Efficiency package.
Fuel consumption figures are not available, but Mercedes is quoting 56.5mpg as a benchmark for the most efficient engines.
All models will be fitted with fiveand six-speed manual transmissions at launch, although Mercedes says an automatic version is possible. There are no plans to introduce hybrid or electric versions of the Citan despite it being based on the Kangoo platform, which has recently been launched with an all-electric model. ESP will be standard on all models.
Mercedes expects uptake to be brisk and forecasts sales of more than 10,000. Prices are unavailable, but will be towards the higher end due, in part, to its premium, car-like, interior.