Mercedes-Benz Citan Tourer (2015 – 2021) Review

Mercedes-Benz Citan Tourer (2015 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5

+Cheapest way to get a seven-seater Mercedes-Benz, available with a petrol engine.

-Interior is dated and unsophisticated compared to Ford Tourneo Connect and Volkswagen Caddy, feels too much like the Kangoo.

It's no secret that the Citan - the smallest van in the Mercedes-Benz range - is based on the Renault Kangoo. You only have to look at the basic shape to realise both are the same van. But unlike the Kangoo, you can get an MPV version - called the Citan Tourer.

Originally called the Traveliner, it is available with seven seats if you go for the extra-long body and represents the cheapest way to get a people carrier with the three-pointed star on the bonnet (well grille). The last time the brand had anything like this was when it launched the short-lived Vaneo.

It's very much in the mould of the original Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo Multispace. In other words a practical, unpretentious and versatile mover that's not ashamed of its van-based origins. If anything the fact it is a van should give buyers plenty of confidence in the build quality and durability.

The looks are nothing to get excited about. In fact the Citan is quite ungainly, especially with the extra-long body as shown in our pictures. If it's style you're after it may be best to look elsewhere. To make it look a little nicer you'll need the optional £695 Appearance Pack which replaces the black plastic bumpers and steel wheels with body-coloured bumpers and mirrors plus 16-inch alloys.

It's a similar story inside with a solid but drab cabin layout in the front. It's fairly utilitarian but also fuss-free, so while there are few bells and whistles, everything is incredible simple to use. The aftermarket-looking stereo is awful though with fiddly buttons. At least it offers good sound plus you can connect your iPod to it.

A 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine is available but most Citan Tourer's are chosen with a diesel. The CDI unit pulls smoothly and while it's no ball of fire, it's a relaxed and quiet enough engine, albeit it not as good as the TDCi in the Ford Transit Connect which has more power and better refinement.

It's difficult to make a case for the Mercedes-Benz Citan compared to the Caddy Maxi Life or Tourneo Connect. Both are better alternatives that are cheaper and come more generously equipped. While the Citan may carry the Mercedes badge, the truth is it feels too much like a Kangoo.

It's dated inside and while the rear is practical, it's not as versatile or as user-friendly as the Ford. The van-based people carrier game has moved on. And it seems the Citan Tourer has been left behind.

What does a Mercedes-Benz Citan Tourer (2015 – 2021) cost?