The new Euro 5 2012 Citroen Dispatch Crew Van

Citroën has launched a new crew cab version of its Dispatch van to add to its refreshed 2012 van range. The new model boasts six crash-tested seats, a 125bhp Euro 5 engine with a 6-speed gearbox and – importantly – a 1,067kg payload.

This last point is important as Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager explains:

“Duty of care considerations and rising fuel prices are among the key reasons why businesses are increasingly specifying crew vans. With its combination of 1,067kg payload, 6 seats and a large load compartment, the Dispatch Crew Van meets most operator needs in this growing LCV market sector.  Most importantly, as the Dispatch Crew Van has a payload of over 1,000kg, it is possible for VAT-registered business customers to reclaim the VAT paid on the vehicle.”

The new model is officially designated as the Euro 5 Dispatch HDi 125 6-speed manual L2H1 1200 Crew Van and costs £21,120. The newly launched Euro 5 HDi 125 engine provides the Dispatch Crew Van with a combined fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg (6.8l/100km) and CO₂ emissions of 179g/km.

The Dispatch Crew Van’s seating is configured in two rows of three, with the second row of seats incorporating an integral bulkhead which has been tested to ISO 27956 for load shifting protection.

The 3 person second row bench is designed and tested to comply with EU Whole Vehicle Approval safety standards also includes adjustable headrests and three-point inertia reel seat belts.

The load area has a length of 1.7m, although a recess under the second row of seats allows objects up to 2.11m long to be carried. Payload is 1,067kg and the van’s GVW is 2,880kg. The Dispatch Crew Van is well specified and includes Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation, Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking, electric front windows, remote central locking, trip computer, RDS radio and CD player.

It’s a pity that Citroën has not seen fit to specify either air-conditioning or opening rear windows are standard; both are extra options that would be very handy when transporting six sweaty blokes on a hot summer’s day…