Item: Citroen Dispatch
Rating: 5
Author: What Car? Team

Citroen Dispatch

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

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.

Although the Dispatch is a very competitively priced van that beats much of the competition on sticker price and for standard equipment, we’d still urge buyers to consider which engine and trim they need. &nbsp;The 114bhp 1.6-litre is our choice for efficiency and refinement, and unless you really want some of the smarter equipment, such as alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights, we’d stick with mid-level Enterprise trim. It adds useful features, such as additional storage, over the base X trim.

The optional Park Assist 180 system is also worth adding because it has a reversing camera that zooms in on objects to give you a clearer idea of how much space you have. And, if you’re really feeling flushed for cash, the head-up display is a nifty option that is as likely to impress as it is be genuinely useful.

For all the latest van reviews, news, advice, and videos visit our dedicated van section&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/vans">here</a>

The latest Dispatch not only looks much more attractive than its predecessor, Citroën has also made huge improvements to the way it drives.

Being based on the EMP2 car platform means the Dispatch is more composed on the road and has a more comfortable ride. Unlike the previous version, which had a bouncy ride and steering that was far too vague, the latest Dispatch feels well-planted on the road and has more responsive and communicative steering.

The most powerful version of the new 2.0-litre engine has plenty of pulling power, helping it to feel at home both pootling around built-up areas and at cruising speed on a motorway. However, the 1.6-litre 114bhp is our engine of choice because it returns the best fuel economy with a claimed 55.4mpg, its power delivery is smooth and, even fully laden, it still has just enough grunt to make decent progress.

The Dispatch has a decent seating position now&nbsp;too. The old model’s driver seat was badly offset from the steering wheel, which caused fatigue very quickly, but in the new Dispatch the driver sits directly behind the steering column. The seat is lower than before, which adds to the passenger car vibe, but also adversely affects visibility. The side mirrors are small, too, so not great for reversing or monitoring blind spots.

The Citroën Dispatch, along with its siblings, the Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace, stood for all that was bad about badge-engineered vehicles – until the&nbsp;French pair were revitalised to set them their own brand identities. &nbsp;

Citroën and Peugeot aim the Dispatch and Expert vans at the middle to upper end of the market to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito. In contrast, the Toyota Proace is more of a fleet-focused van, although plenty of owner-drivers buy them.

The latest version of the Dispatch is the first with its own individual look on the outside. It’s been updated elsewhere, too, with a smart interior and cleaner engines, but it&nbsp;shares everything from the bonnet backwards with its two siblings – only the front two panels and headlight clusters vary between each of the vans.

Entry-level models are powered by a 1.6-litre 94bhp diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. (if it's the Citroën e-Dispatch <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/electric-van">electric van</a> you're looking for, by the way, we have a full separate review <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/dispatch/van/review/n22958">here</a>)

It can also be had with an automatic, but we wouldn’t recommend it. There’s also a higher-powered 114bhp version of the 1.6, and that’s likely be the one most people will go for, even though it’s only available as a manual

If you’re after a bit more power, there’s a larger-capacity 2.0-litre diesel engine with three power ratings of 121bhp, 148bhp, and 174bhp – the most powerful of these has an automatic gearbox and steering-wheel-mounted paddles for changing gear.

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.

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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.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

DISPATCH

The latest version of Citroen’s medium-sized panel van has its sights set on the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter. We reveal how it compares

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&nbsp;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.

An all round very attractive van both from its looks, purchase costs, practicality and total cost of ownership. You’ll need to make some compromises, but it’s a wise choice for fleets or owner-drivers.


Medium Van

Citroen Dispatch review

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Review of Citroen Dispatch interior by the expert What Car? team. Compare in car entertainment system, driving comfort and visibility with similar cars.

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.,

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