The new Dispatch will appeal to a wider range of UK operators and showcases a variety of technological innovations, which are designed to raise comfort and safety standards and increase operational efficiency. The new Dispatch boasts modern styling to complement the high profile image of the many UK businesses that will choose this advanced light commercial vehicle range. It not only looks good, but the clean, bold, aerodynamic lines are also practical - with large protective side mouldings and big bumpers the new Dispatch is well protected when it’s out on the streets.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, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Matched with a five speed gearbox is a 1.6HDi 90hp diesel which is suitable for both town and long distance operations. Both of the higher power 2.0HDi diesels available in the new Dispatch are mated to 6 speed gearboxes. There is a choice of a 120hp 2.0HDi and a 138hp 2.0HDi engine, equipped with Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS).
The Dispatch cabin takes its inspiration from the world of passenger cars, while also emphasising the ergonomics necessary for commercial vehicle activities: it becomes an extension of the office. The design of the dashboard sets the highest standards in driving pleasure for drivers of the new Dispatch. The driving position is designed to be comfortable, functional, ergonomic and modern.The cabin of the new Relay is designed to provide maximum comfort-in-use for the occupants, and valuable assistance during periods of intense activity. The new Dispatch provides continuous support for the user. The controls and indicators fall naturally to hand or are easily visible, thus helping the driver to concentrate on the road. Large windows create a bright interior with a wide field of vision for all the occupants. The understated interior design, of consistently high quality, places the emphasis on comfort, ease and convenience, to create a real feeling of safety.
As befits a new model, the Dispatch has been engineered to provide very high standards of occupant protection and impact resistance. The body includes a reinforced cantrail, a front bumper with an impact absorbing metal beam, high strength front sub frame, reinforced engine mountings and a steering column that retracts by over 80mm in the event of a heavy impact. Other key safety features include height adjustable front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters. A driver’s airbag is standard across the range, while front passenger airbag, side airbags and curtain airbags will be optionally available, dependent on model.
For maximum loading efficiency, new Dispatch has twin, side load doors. At the rear it has big, side-hinged doors, while a tailgate is optionally available on both panel van and combi versions. With a choice of short and long wheelbase models and standard and high roof configurations the new Dispatch offers considerably greater load compartment volumes than the current model’s 4.0cu.m. The short wheelbase standard roof new Dispatch has a load compartment volume of 5.0cu.m and the long wheelbase standard roof van has 6.0cu.m, which increases to 7.0cu.m with the high roof version. Similarly, payloads have risen from the current model’s 900kg maximum to 1,000 -1,200kg dependent on model.
The exciting new Citroen Dispatch range is now on sale in the UK, offering no less than 27 body configurations and bringing numerous financial, efficiency, comfort and safety benefits. With a choice of panel vans, Combis, window vans and a unique, long wheelbase platform cab, the new Dispatch range offers a model to suit virtually any transport need in the mid-range LCV sector.
