The new Citroen Relay represents a major advance for both the company and its customers. To succeed in one of the most hotly contested sectors of the light commercial vehicle market, new Relay makes full use of the benefits of innovative, premium quality design and engineering. Modern, distinctive styling sets new Relay apart and introduces a range of practical benefits.At the front end, the substantial bumper assembly provides effective frontal impact protection and incorporates two inset steps to enable the driver to reach up and clean the large windscreen. Another practical feature of the front bumper is its three-part construction which minimises accident repair costs. Significantly the latest Relay brings the operational and cost saving benefits of improved productivity, greater model choice, attractive pricing and premium residual values. In addition, it takes Citroen into the 4.0 tonne gvw sector for the very first time.Citroen has paid particular attention to ensuring that driver and passengers have a safer, more comfortable and practical working environment. An industry-first is the fitting, as standard, to all new Relay panel vans; of Trafficmaster Smartnav GPS Satellite Navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking systems. Trafficmaster Smartnav GPS Satellite Navigation makes the driver’s job easier, while the operator benefits from the reduction in wasted mileage and shorter journey times. All models have a dual passenger seat, which incorporates a drop down desk unit. In addition, electric windows and heated electrically operated mirrors are standard together with an RDS stereo radio and CD player. There is a multitude of in-cab storage areas to provide a generous amount of space for paperwork, sunglasses, drinks and other day-to-day necessities.
All panel vans are fitted with a large, single nearside sliding door, which is full height on both low and medium roof height models and is wide enough to load a standard ISO pallet. Full height twin rear doors, which are available in glazed or unglazed formats open out to 180 degrees as standard and can be optionally specified to open a full 270 degrees to fold back against the body sides. There are four available gross weights designated as 30 (3.0 tonne gvw), 33 (3.3 tonne gvw), 35 (3.5 tonne gvw) and 40 (4.05 tonne gvw). The four available lengths are designated as L1 (short), L2 (medium), L3 (long) and L4 (extra long) and the three roof heights are H1 (standard), H2 (high) and H3 (extra high).
As well as being closer to the ground for easier loading, all new Relay panel vans offer larger internal body dimensions than the models they replace. The smallest new Relay, the L1H1 panel van can be specified in 3.0, 3.3 and 3.5 tonne gross weights - this panel van body configuration is expected to be the best seller in the range. As such Citroen has ensured that this Relay model offers more than its competitors, with a high payload and a load space volume of 8.0cu.m, which is significantly greater than the majority of its rivals.
Fitted to all new Relays is an advanced fuel efficient, common rail, high pressure injection Euro IV HDi diesel engine. The 2.2HDi engine is available in both 100hp (74kW) and 120hp (88kW) versions. The largest engine is a 3.0HDi 160hp (115kW) unit. These new HDi engines, like all other modern Citroen diesels, can run on up to 30 per cent bio-diesel, without modification. The 100hp engine is matched with a 5-speed gearbox, while the two higher power units are fitted with six-speed, all synchromesh gearboxes.The new Relay options range covers safety, comfort and practicality and includes air conditioning, a choice of bulkheads, electric foldable mirrors, extended mirrors, upgraded audio equipment and a choice of communication packages.
Cruise control, a speed limiter, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are also available. All models are covered by Citroen’s unique, flexible two year unlimited mileage/three year 100,000 mile warranty package, which underlines the range’s premium quality credentials.
