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MOVING UP A CLASS
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Citroen is launching its latest version of the Dispatch into a market sector that is as competitive as it gets.
But does this enlarged contender do enough to succeed against the big boys?
Having had the small-to-medium van kingdom to itself with the Dispatch, Citroen — along with its Sevel partners Peugeot and Fiat — has taken the bold step of moving up into the Vivaro/Transporter/Vito class for a slice of the more lucrative and larger medium van sector.
In doing so. Citroen is entering a highly competitive market. So while the move makes good business sense, the upgunned Dispatch needs to be on the money if it is to succeed.
On paper it makes a good case. It comes in two wheelbases and two roof heights, with power coming from two common-rail turbo-diesels — a I.6HDi producing 90hp and a 2.0HDi with either 120 or 136hp. Payload and loadspace come in at 988kg/1,188kg and 5/7m3 respectively.
As well as the standard panel-van configuration, the line-up includes a window van, platform cab and combi (with rear seats). Standard equipment includes electric windows, steering-wheel-mounted CD/radio controls, ABS with EBA (Electronic Brake Assist) and twin sliding side doors. Options include a full-height steel bulkhead, selflevelling suspension, traction control and rear parking assistance. Like every other Citroi..'n CV, the Dispatch comes with a three-year subscription to Trafficmaster's Smartnav navigation system and Trackstar vehicle tracking system — a package said to be worth up to £2,000. Servicing intervals have been increased and now stand at 20,000 miles, while the warranty is three years/100,000 miles.
Prices start at £13.670 for the 1000 1.6HDi 90 Ll H1 and top out at £16,905 for the 1200 2.0HDi 136 L2H2. We've gone for the 1200 2.0HDi 120 L2H2 priced at £16,220.
Productivity
A step up in weight will always have an adverse effect on fuel economy but the Dispatch makes a good fist of it: a laden run produced 35.5mpg, putting it second in our comparison group behind the Mercedes Vito with 38.7mpg. Unladen the Citroen kept its place in the pecking order though the figure improved to 38.7mpg.
The high-roof and long-wheelbase options made our Dispatch a serious load carrier with a payload of 1,200kg and load volume of 7.0m3.This space is reached via the twin sliding side doors and rear doors that initially open out to 90'; releasing a particularly poorly designed catch allows them to swing 1110. open to 180°. Access is further aided by a full-length rear step and commendably low load deck.
The interior is protected by half-height panelling while load retention shouldn't be a problem with six tie-down points. A parcel shelf over the cabin is useful for smaller items, working gear and the like. However, the construction of the load area has a somewhat lightweight feel —the doors don't open and close with that reassuring Germanic clunk.
On the road With such stiff competition out there in the driving stakes, the Dispatch has its work cut out if it wants to make an impression — but by and large it manages to come away with its reputation intact. Like the rest of the Citroen range this model is a capable load carrier, taking a full consignment in its stride without feeling overburdened. Running on motorways and A-roads it feels precise and light, tracking straight and seemingly unaffected by crosswinds, while remaining controllable and forgiving through the corners.
The steering lacks feel at speed but this lightness is welcome around town, where the Dispatch's competitive turning circle allows for tight manoeuvring. The company's '2.0HDi engine, one the best in the sector, offers plenty of low-down torque and spins with ease to the red line. It is also commendably quiet, remaining in the background unless pushed.
However this ability is let down by the sloppy six-speed gearbox that carries over the less endearing characteristics of the previous Dispatch— for such a recent vehicle, the gates are not very well defined.
Braking is helped by the EBA function doesn't help when judging the distance to the front of the vehicle, but the wide range of seat adjustment and position of the dash-mounted gearshift help offset this shortcoming.
In terms of practical storage the enlarged Dispatch is up to par but doesn't bring anything new to the party either.The door bins are not particularly large and while the individual overhead cuhbies with lid are useful, a single roof shelf would be more so.
There are also a couple of cubbies and a cup-holderbut unlike the bigger Relay, with its myriad of compartments, the Dispatch fails to make full use of the available space.
Once on the move the large windscreen gives excellent forward vision, while the large "In term of practical storage, the Dispatch is up to wing mirrors do their job effectively offering decent rear visibility. • par but doesn't bring anything new to the party"