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The French manufacturer Is a heavy-hitter in the UK thanks
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to a comprehensive LCV range and a sales position that sits in the upper echelons of the market. A key reason for this is the success of its Relay Launched in 2006, the latest version is another joint effort with sister company Peugeot and Italian manufacturer Fiat. Its arrival was seen as a significant advancement over the previous model with a new cabin, improved drivel ine and tweaked chassis the standouts.
The company has also been keen to emphasise the enhanced build quality, reflected in improved CAP residuals, which allows it to threaten the Germans on the quality front.
Drivel me Offering 120hp from its 2.2 litres, the Peugeot's engine was neither particularly refined nor punchy, but it did mate well with the standard six-speed box, offering a level of flexibility through the gears. The change itself was competent enough, though a slight notch mess from first to second was reported, as was a clear dislike of the off-side handbrake lever.
However, there was also a feeling that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts as the Relay provided a decent driving experience with all the elements working in harmony on the road.
Dynamics The Citroen garnered further praise for the way its chassis behaved, with a notable thumbs up for its road holding characteristics and well weighted, precise steering. It cornered with assurance and could be hustled along without worry, though the damping could have been a little more refined as it tended to crash into bumps.
Braking was less decisive; drivers commented on the lack of sharpness on deceleration, while the exhaust pipe outlet, positioned halfway along the wheelbase, was ripe for a pranging. Cabin There was plenty of praise heaped on the instrument layout and storage with fold-up clipboards, multiple storage cubbies and overhead shelving.
However, our drivers were less impressed by the quality of the plastics used and the cab dimensions. The driving position in particular felt cramped for taller occupants. Coming off the same production line as the Citroen Relay, the pucato differs from the French brand in the use of its own Multi-jet engine, tested here in 23-litre/120hp guise. This addition helped boost its standing among the testers with several commenting on its smooth operation and accessible power delivery, helping it to joint second in the dr[veline category.
What worked against it was the lack of a bulkhead -the only contender in our test group to be supplied without one. This caused ils ranking to drop significantly in the noise sub-section, and ultimate! in terms of dynamics.
riveline I is no secret that CMis a big fan of Fiat's Multi-jet range of engines, t ut would our team of journalists and professional van drivers feel the same? The general consensus was yes, thanks to its high coring in the 'driveab lity' category with particular praise forthcoming for its smooth power delivery and surprising urge for this edium-level power rating.
However, there were mixed emotions over the gear ratios, with ome feeling they could be better spaced -though a thumbs up as given to the actual shift.
namics
Cbut on the road the Ducato found favour in the ranks thanks to its Composure and handling. It remained flat and unruffled through the
ends and changed direction with accuracy thanks to the well eighted steering.
However, the rear suspension was rather hard for some tastes, r ducing compliancy over rougher roads. It could certainly have been better refined when cruising at high speeds, when the road urface made its presence felt, Cabin The driving position is a little cramped for taller people, but once settled the instrument layout and design lift the cabin's ambience. The offside handbrake wasn't appreciated by some and the forward visibility suffered due to the enlarged A-pillar, Out extra large wing mirrors were excellent.