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David Cameron lives with a fleet-spec Citroën Relay for a week, and is impressed with most aspects of this unusual-looking newcomer.
Specification
Model tested Citroën Relay 30L1H1 100
Price as tested £15,150+VAT
Engine 2,198cc
Torque 250Nm at 1,500 to 2,800rpm
Power 100hp at 2,900rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual
GVW 3,000kg
Payload 1,155kg
Fuel consumption 32.9mpg
The all-new Citroën Relay, like its Peugeot Boxer and fiat Ducato siblings, is radically different to the van it replaces. In fact, the new family of Sevel vans looks like nothing else on the road.
Externally, the most distinctive features are the huge front bumper and high-mounted boomerang headlamps, both ofwhich have been designed to save the operator money. The bumper is in three segments, allowing it to be replaced in sections, and the headlamps are positioned high enough to avoid low-speed collision damage.
Whether or not you like the front-end appearance, you have to admire its nonaggressive stance. Unlike the VW Grafter, which has the ability to give children nightmares, the Relay has a far more pedestrianfriendly look to it.
The front-wheel drive Relay comes in four GVWs, these being 3.0, 3.3, 3.5 and 4.05 tonnes. The latter is a completely new weight for the UK market, and takes Citroën into the world of O-licences and tachographs. There are three wheelbases, three roof heights and four body lengths to choose from, meaning panel van load volumes range from 8cu m to 17cu m. There's a new family of Euro 4 2.2-litre HDi diesel engines, rated at either 100hp or 120hp. And the range is topped with a 3-litre 160hp lump.
For the purpose of this test we opted for a low-roof, short-wheelbase fleet spec van, choosing the entry-level lOOhp engine.
Inside story
It is only a short climb into the Relay's spacious cab and access is helped by a well-positioned grab handle.
A driver spends more time in his van than in his own bed, so if s vital to have a comfortable seat-and the Relay doesn't disappoint. It has lumbar support and an armrest, and immediately feels comfortable. Our opinion didn't change after some seriously long stints behind the wheel either. There is a sprung version on offer too, and having tried it at the vehicle's launch...