Citroën has announced a number of updates and additions to its popular Berlingo and Relay Ready To Run ranges. The new models will be on show at this year’s CV Show, which is expected to be well attended.

Here’s a summary of the latest additions.

Relay ‘Ready To Run’

The Relay-based range of off-the-shelf conversions have proved popular with Citroën customers. The firm has now added three new models to the range:

• A new ‘Plant & Go’ small plant carrier
• A new car transporter
• Two new Crew Vans

Plant Carrier & Car Transporter

The Plant & Go small plant carriers and the car transporter will both be converted for Citroën by KFS Special Vehicles. Both have been designed to offer class-leading payloads and to provide cost-effective solutions to what are often seen as expensive requirements.

The Plant & Go carrier has been specifically designed to eliminate the need for a trailer. As well as cutting costs, this also simplifies driver licensing requirements. Younger drivers no longer have full trailer entitlement as standard, meaning an additional B+E test is needed before they can tow.

The Plant & Go carrier takes advantage of the low chassis height available with the front-wheel drive Relay and the load area has a floor height just 530mm from the ground. Removable lightweight alloy sideboards double up as loading ramps and help the vehicle achieve an impressive 1,860kg payload.

The new Relay car transporter is aimed at vehicle logisitics and dealer stock movements.

A payload of 1,760kg is enough for the vast majority of cars. The transporter’s 3.5t rating means that operating costs will be low and drivers won’t need any additional licensing.

Crew van conversions

The two new crew van conversions are being produced by CoTrim for Citroën and are available in L1H1 and L3H2 configurations — short and long wheelbase with low or mid-height roofs.

They provide comfortable seating for a driver and five passengers plus load space. The short wheelbase model provides 1,500mm of load floor length, while the longer L3 model has a load length of 2,535mm. Additional space under the rear seats is available subject to height restrictions.

The Crew Vans’ rear seats have been designed and tested to comply with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards. The integrated, moulded bulkhead has been tested to ISO 27956 for load restraint protection.

The Relay Ready to Run Enterprise L1H1 is competitively priced at £20,450 + VAT, while the larger L3H2 is available at £26,250 + VAT.

Berlingo update

Citroën’s small van remains a popular choice with SME customers and enjoyed a sector market share of 19% last year, making it the most popular van in its class.

The Berlingo range has been refreshed for 2016. The updated models will make their debut at the CV Show and will be available from May onwards.

Here’s a summary of the changes:

• An all-Euro 6 engine lineup, including a new BlueHDi 75 engine
• Two new, stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise models
• A new, high-value Berlingo Enterprise option pack

The switch to Euro 6 is no surprise. From September, it will be a legal requirement. However, the engines sound promising and it’s good to see Citroën is continuing to provide a petrol model. The new engine range will comprise:

• VTi 95 PS petrol engine
• BlueHDi 75, 100 and 120 PS diesel engines

The firm will also launch two new Berlingo Enterprise model vans at the CV Show.

These new, range-topping Berlingo Enterprise models are based on the newly launched BlueHDi 75 manual L1 625 van and the BlueHDi 100 S&S manual L1 850 van.  Additional equipment fitted to these stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise vans includes:

• Air conditioning
• Touchscreen audio pack
• Anti-theft alarm
• Rear parking sensors
• Connecting Box (Bluetooth®/USB port)

In addition, Citroën is introducing a Berlingo Enterprise Pack, which available as an option for just £800 + VAT on any Berlingo LX van. The Berlingo Enterprise Pack includes the same equipment as above.