Automotive News

Citroen Dispatch Van Review

source: Citroen

Updated 2022 | published 22 February 2017

Citroen Dispatch Review

The latest Dispatch uses the same PSA platform as the Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4 SpaceTourer, and as a result, this is a van that’s more like a car to drive than many rivals. The single roof height on offer means that all versions should be able to fit in a standard multi-storey car park, too. But the other benefit is that Citroen has been able to add its latest safety and driver assist technology to the Dispatch.

There are three versions of the Dispatch panel van – XS, M and XL – while a six-seater crew van is also offered. There are two wheelbase lengths, and the rear suspension can be fitted with variable stiffness shocks and springs to cater for different loads.

All engines in the Citroen Dispatch are Euro 6 emissions compliant. There are 1.5 and 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesels on offer, with the former in BlueHDi 100 guise, while the 2.0-litre comes in 120, 150 and 180 forms. The 1.5 BlueHDi has a six-speed manual, while the BlueHDi 120 comes with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto, the BlueHDi 150 is six-speed manual only, and the BlueHDi 180 only comes with the eight-speed auto.

Entry-level models are powered by a 1.6-litre 94bhp diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Citroen has also launched the e-Dispatch, an all-electric variant that offers 136bhp and two battery options: a 50kWh version with 148 miles of range, or a larger 75kWh battery that has a WLTP range of up to 211 miles.

The Citroën Dispatch is available in three lengths, but there’s only one roof height. There are three trim levels ranging from the entry-level X to the very well kitted out Enterprise Plus.

Driving

Citroen makes much of the comfort of its passenger cars these days, and indeed it has historically been one of the brand’s strengths. With the arrival of the new Dispatch, Citroen can justifiably claim its place as one of the comfort leaders in the van sector.

The pliant ride can be attributed to the new EMP2 platform, and the fact that PSA engineers started from the premise they’d need to make a smooth-riding MPV version. All the vans benefit from engineering choices made to achieve that goal.

As well as the comfortable ride, cabin noise is muted too. You do get a bit of boom through the standard metal only bulkhead when driving with an empty load bay, but it’s not overly intrusive and the insulated version improves things still further.

The seats are comfortable, with plenty of adjustment in all directions even for tall drivers, and you get a good view out across the bonnet. The bonnet may be high, but the nose’s squared-off feel from behind the wheel makes the Dispatch easy to place when parking or manoeuvring. The high waistline and bonnet combined with a relatively low roof also creates a sort of letterbox view out of the cabin, but it’s not detrimental to visibility. Drivers may find the mirrors a little on the small side though – they are more like MPV mirrors, with no wide-angle glass to help you keep an eye on your blind spots.

Interior

The cabin is now much more car-like and there’s been a massive improvement in the quality of the plastics used and the appearance of the dash and steering wheel.

Entry-level X models come with cruise control, remote central-locking, DAB radio with Bluetooth and connections for USB and auxiliary devices. It’s a good starting point for what is an affordable and competitively priced van. Middle trim level Enterprise vans add one-touch electric windows, air conditioning, a 7.0in touchscreen, automatic lights and wipers, electric heated mirrors and storage under the passenger seat.

Moving up to range-topping Enterprise Plus adds exterior trim upgrades, including body coloured bumpers and LED daytime running lights, as well as more useful kit, including front and rear parking sensors with a rear camera, electric folding mirrors, and a 3D Connected navigation system with voice recognition.

Storage is quite limited with just a small radio-sized hole, an open glovebox and a narrow shelf just above that. The real storage is in the split level door pockets, and under the seats on the Enterprise and Enterprise Plus vans.

Despite hampering visibility, the low driver’s seat makes the Dispatch one of the more comfortable mid-sized vans. The steering is height adjustable and there’s ample forward and backward travel in the seat with good support for your thighs and lower back.

Passenger and Cargo Space

source: Citroen

With three lengths to choose from, the Dispatch offers more choice than most vans in this class. The compact XS model measures 4600mm and competes with large city vans such as the Renault Kangoo Maxi and Nissan NV200. It has a maximum storage area length of 2160mm.

The standard size M van measures up at 4950mm with a 2510mm load length, and the largest XL version is 5300mm front to rear and can transport a 2860mm length. All three vans can be fitted with a folding front passenger seat and load-through bulkhead hatch to provide an additional 1160mm of usable space for pipework or lengths of wood.

As well as panel van versions, there is a combi minibus with three rows of seats and space for nine passengers, a six-seat crew van and a platform cab for specialist conversions.

Load volumes equate to 5.1m3, 5.8m3 and 6.6m3 respectively for the three body sizes. The overall height of the Dispatch is 1940mm with an internal load height of 1397mm.

Depending on the model you choose, the new Dispatch is up to 150kg lighter than the previous generation, and the Peugeot-Citroën partnership is more pleased that the van’s kerb weight now compares favourably to the opposition, giving the Dispatch a best-in-class payload of 1498kg for a 3.1-tonne van and up to 1100kg for lower-rated 2.6-tonne vans.

Twin side doors are standard, and there’s a really smart optional hands-free load space opening system. If you wave your foot under rear bumper at the side of the van you wish to open, the side door will open. It’s not foolproof and you may look silly doing it, but on a wet day when you don’t want to put boxes on the floor, it’s a great way to get the doors open.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has improved significantly with the introduction of the Euro 6 BlueHDi engines. The most fuel-efficient unit is the 114bhp 1.6-litre, which returns 55.3mpg officially and has CO2 emissions of 133g/km. The entry-level 94bhp engine with manual transmission has an official figure of 51.3mpg, while the range-topping 178bhp engine is does 46.3mpg.