Staying power
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We've had our eye on the Citroen Dispatch XTR+ since we tested it back in February 2009.To put it into context, the XTR+ is Citroen's answer to the Transit all-wheel drive and even some of its pick-ups. It comes with a limited-slip differential and heavy-duty suspension, underbody protection and Michelin snow and ice tyres — not exactly standard kit for what is traditionally an urban commercial vehicle.
Regardless, we know there are operators who venture off the relative safety of the blacktop to deliver parcels or shuttle engineers to far-flung substations and that's why we've opted to run it for the next three months.
Around town, the Dispatch feels like any other van and we've quickly gotten used to its unique character and mannerisms. For its size, the Citroen is surprisingly nimble thanks to light steering and a tight turning circle and what's more is that it also fits into most underground car parks. But to drive it around town all the time would be defeating the point of this van and over the coming weeks we'll be giving it a full shake-down on the muddy off-road section at our test track — and when we do, we'll tell you all about it.
With 5,430 miles on the clock already. the Dispatch has been around the block a bit, but the good aspect is that a) we don't have to run it in, and b) any niggles with fit and finish would be easier to find. Again, we'll keep you updated.
So far everything seems to be in working order, which is actually a huge accolade considering this vehicle has been on test with countless titles over the past 18 months. One aspect of the Dispatch that we already dislike is the handbrake position, which is set between the driver's door and seat.
In other news, the Dispatch was nominated in Motor Transport's Fleet Van of the Year category and that's definitely telling you something positive about our long termer. Say hello to GY09 VDP, the second addition to our long-term fleet. For a time now the Toyota Hilux has been a firm favourite in the pick-up sector of the LCV market and it's easy to see why. Interior fit and finish, strong engines, practicality and proven reliability (forget what you read in the national papers,Toyotas are still dependable).
We chose the range-topping Invincible with it's greyish-leather seats, touchscreen sat-nay system and automatic gearbox to assess whether it truly can lay claim to being a commercial vehicle underneath all those luxurious trimmings.
Although size is important, it does have its limitations especially here in London, where (parking) space is at a premium.
The turning circle is roughly the same as that of the HMS Ark Royal and, without rear-parking sensors, parallel parking has to be approached with caution.
On the road there's very little to complain about with your backside firmly sat in the leather seats: it's oh-sosimple to cover long distances. Mind you, we've noticed that the side bolsters on the driver's seat are beginning to show signs of premature ageing, with one or two scuff marks and creases evident.
While we're on the subject of interior features, the sat-nay system has taken a bit of getting used to.
It's not as intuitive as certain portable alternatives, but once you've figured out how to re-route, cancel and punch-in a destination on the touchscreen, it's actually a decent system.
The 3.0-litre 171hp turbodiesel is arguably this vehicle's party piece and, like the Citroen Dispatch, comes with a limited-slip differential to improve off-road traction and reduce wheelspin on-road. As the Hilux has just arrived we haven't had a chance to take it off road, but with such a powerful engine, plenty of low-down grunt and a low-range gearbox, we fully expect it to dominate any obstacles Watch this space. Ian Tonkin The versatile 1.6-litre 106hp diesel engine, with five-speed manual transmission delivers, although occasionally acceleration doesn't respond after a lull at the traffic lights, or setting off at a roundabout from a gradual rolling start.
That aside, the low-seating position remains the only issue of note and CM believes it needs a little elevation to match its size, if only to reduce the space at the top of the huge windscreen. As we approach 15,000 miles on the clock, the Connect is due for its first service' so hopefully we'll have that annoying loose mechanism in the scatback sorted. Kevin Swallow