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Dispatch 1200 120
Page 34
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Price: f 16,370 Engine: Euro 4 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-dieset Power/torque: 120h p/300N m Transmission: Six-speed manuat GVW: 2,932kg Payload: 1 ,188kQ Load volume: 6.0m' One of the newest vehicles in our line-up, the current Dispatch has moved up half a size in its latest guise to contend this highly competitive category.
Based on a people-carrier. the Citroen boasts 2008 Van of the Year award credentials and is one of the most up-to-date entrants in the test.
But our version also came with no bulkhead, never of benefit when testing for driver comfort.
Distinctive in styling and low-slung in stance, the Dispatch doesn't look like a typical van, having a far less workmanlike shape than Ford's Transit. However, this hides one of the most competitive load areas in the class.
Driveline
Citroen's 2.0-litre unit has long been renowned for its smoothness, and this was noted by one driver, but others thought it lacked • a certain something in the 'trousers department' feeling a little gutless at times.
Torque delivery took a while to kick in, with not much happening until above 2,000rom, and this wasn't helped by a six-speed shift deemed 'imprecise' in its action. However gear spacing was fairly even, enabling you to work up the ratios without losing momentum.
Dynamics
Mixed reactions here, with one camp finding the driving experience competent, if uninspired, with another describing it as 'ghastly'. What did become apparent was that, while everything worked well on its own, there was a lack of cohesion overall.
The section down the country roads in Wales required a level of concentration to string bends, gear-changing and engine performance together, and the Citroen didn't feel as wieldy and surefooted as we have come to expect from the French manufacturer.
Cabin
Again, there was a blend of good and bad in the Dispatch's interior, with several finding the driving position a little cramped due to the protruding gearshift position and limited seat travel.
There was also restricted footwell space, which further aggravated the feeling of reduced room.
This contrasted with the general dash layout, which was easy to navigate and provided plenty of practical touches.
The verdict
We thought the Citroen would be in contention but after the feedback came in, it was obvious our drivers thought differently.
There seems to be some confusion as to whether Citroen is a car or van, with its low driving position and long nose pointing to the former and its overall size pointing to the latter.
This is not a bad light CV by any means, and on a different day could have gained more points, but the lack of synchronicity to its drive knocked it down a peg.