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New Citroen Dispatch
‘The Versatile All-Rounder’
The new Citroen Dispatch range has been described as the ‘versatile all rounder,’ with a choice of no less than 27 variants and higher levels of standard equipment. Van Ireland recently met up with Citroen to find out more
 ‘More choice, more technology’ is the slogan attributed to the new Dispatch, and it is certainly warranted. Operators can choose from a range of panel vans, combis and window vans. Short and long wheelbase versions are also available for the first time here, as well as standard and high roof models.
Clearly, there is something here to suit virtually any transport application in the mid range LCV sector.
Interestingly, too, the new Dispatch also benefits from low, 6E-8E insurance ratings and extended service intervals of up to 20,000 miles.
The new Dispatch retains the proven passenger car size road footprint, accessibility and performance advantages while adding advanced technology to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
It has been designed to appeal to a wider range of UK operators and showcases a variety of technological innovations to raise comfort and safety standards and increase operational efficiency.
Improved efficiency
The Citroen Dispatch is the first compact panel van in the UK to be fitted as standards with Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking systems. It is estimated that the standard fitment of Trafficmaster Smartnav provides major time, fuel and efficiency gains, which are worth some £2,000 per year vehicle. In addition, it also delivers safety benefits, thanks to the driver being able to be guided to delivery/collection points, without the stress of getting lost.
Other major technological benefits include standard ABS and EBA, which are complemented by the optional availability of ESP with traction control and Electronic Roll Mitigation.
As a first in this sector of the LCV market, new Dispatch LX vans are fitted as standard with pneumatic, self levelling rear suspension with a lowering facility. This provides the comfort benefits of improved ride, while the self-levelling facility optimises road holding regardless of the vehicle’s load. In addition, the lowering facility allows the deck height to be dropped to just 491mm for ease of loading/unloading.
 Stylish and practical
The new Dispatch not only looks good, but its clean, bold, aerodynamic lines are also practical. To protect it when it is out on the streets, the new Dispatch has all-round, wide protective side mouldings and big, multi-piece bumpers.
It also retains the benefits of compact external dimensions. In standard roof format, it has a low overall height of 1,942mm with standard suspension (1,894mm with optional pneumatic suspension)). Also in L1H1 format its overall length is similar to that of a large family car, making it a practical proposition for urban use, with its ability to park on a meter and go in most multi-storey car parks, which normally have a 1950mm height limit.
For maximum loading efficiency, new Dispatch has large, twin side load doors. At the rear it has big, side-hinged doors, while a tailgate is optionally available on H1 panel, Combi & window vans and is standard on Combi SX versions.
Low loading height has always been a key feature of the Dispatch range and the new model continues to offer this easy loading ability. The load deck height is just 562mm with standard suspension – 23mm less than that of the previous model – and drops by a further 71mm on models fitted with pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension.
Carrying capacity
Compared with the previous model, new Dispatch has an up to 75 per cent larger load compartment, with up to 25 per cent longer load deck lengths. Additional load length is available for long items, such as pipes, electrical conduit or lengths of timber, thanks to the optional overhead storage tunnel. This unique feature allows long items to be loaded from the rear, through the optional bulkhead and into the cab.
It also offers even better load accessibility through the wider and higher side and rear doors, allowing three-way accessibility for loading ISO pallets or other items. In addition, a full width rear step is fitted and the load compartment is panelled to waist rail for load space protection. A ladder frame bulkhead is also fitted as standard behind the driver’s seat, with the option of a full bulkhead.
The largest payloads which the new Dispatch can offer are up to 33 per cent more than those of the previous model, with a choice of 1,000kg or 1,200kg ratings.
Euro IV engine range
In the UK the new Dispatch is offered with a choice of three fuel efficient, smooth running Euro IV HDi diesel engines. All three new Dispatch power units offer the benefits of impressive levels of performance and driveability, coupled with extended service intervals of up to 20,000 miles excellence fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Matched with a five speed gearbox is a 1.6Hdi 90hp diesel, delivering peak torque of 180Nm @ 1,750rpm, which is suitable for both town and long distance operations. In the Dispatch application the 1.6Hdi engine delivers exceptional fuel figures, with a combined cycled figure of 7.21/100km (39.2mpg).
Both of the higher power 2.0Hdi diesels available in the new Dispatch are mated to six speed gearboxes. The 120hp 2.0Hdi, which has a peak torque rating of 300Nm developed at 2,000rpm also delivers impressive fuel figures, with a combined figure of 7.21/100km (39.2mpg).
 Comfort & equipment
New Dispatch models have a spacious and comfortable cab, with multi (lumbar, rake, reach and height) adjustable woven cloth trimmed driver’s seat and dual passenger seat. The large windows provide a wider field of vision and let in plenty of light. Access to the cab is easy as, unlike many other vans, the Dispatch’s low floor does away with the need of a step, improving accessibility. The driver also benefits from a height adjustable steering wheel.
As standard all Dispatch models have a very high level of equipment including electric front windows, tinted windows, automatic illumination of cabin lighting, internal adjustment of door mirrors and remote control operation of the stereo radio/CD via steering wheel mounted controls.
You’ll also find generous stowage for paperwork and other day-to-day essentials. There are large door pockets, a big over-windscreen storage shelf, a lockable glove box, cup holders and other small storage compartments. In addition, all models have a handy 12 volt socket on the dashboard and another in the rear load compartment.
Prices start at just over £13,500 plus VAT and delivery charges. A value for money, versatile all rounder? We reckon so!
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