CV Show 2016: New Citroen Dispatch to make UK debut

Citroen will launch the all-new Dispatch at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2016. The van gets a new platform, lower running costs and more safety kit than ever before. Towing and payload capacities have also been increased. The Dispatch will reach showrooms in the autumn.

The all-new Citroen Dispatch panel van will be offered in three load lengths - XS, M and XL - and all will carry a payload of 1400kg, with side-sliding doors and a maximum load width of 1.26 metres between the rear wheel arches. 

The maximum load length for compact versions will be 3.3 metres, but this will increase to more than 4.0 metres with the long wheelbase vans. All will carry three Euro pallets with ease and hands-free sliding side doors will be available as a paid-for option.

Under the bonnet the Dispatch is offered with the choice of seven diesel engines, split between 1.6 and 2.0-litre units. It's claimed that the 1.6 115PS engine will return 55.4mpg and 133g/km of CO2, while the powerful 2.0 180PS unit will provide an official 48.7mpg and 151g/km. All engines will use Adblue additives and be linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the powerful 2.0-litre will be aligned with a six-speed automatic.

The cabin has been modelled on a mobile office design, with  the central arm rest lowering to provide a pivoting table with an elastic and adhesive strip to keep objects in place (such as laptops or tablets). In addition, special holders for smartphones and tablets are available as accessories. 

A seven-inch touchscreen will also available as an option, with 3D navigation, voice recognition and media connectivity. The system is supplied by TomTom and will include free lifetime map updates and traffic alerts. 

Safety kit has been upgraded - all vans score five star NCAP - with automatic city braking, driver tiredness alerts and adaptive cruise control. UK pricing and specs are still to be confirmed though, so it isn't clear what is and isn't fitted as standard.

As well as launching the new Dispatch at the NEC, Citroen will be showing off its updated Berlingo range at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2016 also. The updates will include an all-new Euro6 engine line-up, with improve fuel economy and lower emissions. 

 

Essential knowledge: 10 things you need to know about the new Citroen Dispatch