High-specification sports vans have become popular in recent years, thanks in part to the step change in performance and sophistication that makes today’s vans so easy and pleasant to drive — and quite stylish at the same time.

Although models such as the Mercedes Vito Sport-X do provide additional performance, the Sports moniker is usually more about styling and specification levels than outright horsepower.

The newly launched Mercedes-Benz Citan Sport appears to fit into this category.

The Citan Sport is available on long wheelbase panel van models of the Citan, with both 109CDI and 111CDI engines, and features a generous specification level. Highlights include a choice of six metallic paints, colour-coded bumpers, wing mirrors and tail-light trim and 16-inch multispoke light alloy wheels.

There’s also air conditioning as standard (still surprisingly rare on vans), a leather-trimmed steering wheel, Sport mats and badging, daytime driving lights, and chrome trim elements, such as front grille, sidebars and tailgate trim.

The Citan Sport is now available from £199 per month and includes a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, MobiloVan UK, which keeps drivers and passengers mobile in the event of a breakdown or warranty repair taking more than two hours, as well as Mercedes’ Service24h roadside assistance service.