Content area
Full Text
Citroën Nemo 1.4 HDi LX
Citroën has plugged a gap in the LCV market that many didn't know existed, so will the diminutive Nemo manage to create a space for itself?
Commercial Vehicles and risk taking are two subjects that are not readily associated.
Of course, a new version of a vehicle that's been running for a couple of decades will always be something of an unknown quantity on its launch, but the general status quo will remain - models have defined sizes, and manufacturers have a generally defined hierarchy.
So, when the PSA Group (Citroën and Peugeot) announced a joint project with fiat to produce a subcompact van, it raised a few eyebrows.
Either the vehicle manufacturers knew something we didnt regarding viability, or it's a bold leap into the unknown, and chiselling out a new size category by squeezing in a model with 2.5m^sup 3^ load area between existing products that boast 1.0m^sup 3^ and 3.2m^sup 3^ areas.
Nonetheless, all aforementioned companies are pinning high hopes on this little urban runabout, and already there are signs of it making an impact.
Renault has taken up the challenge with a smaller version of its new Kangoo, which sports a reduced 2.3m load volume, along with the standard 3.0m^sup 3^.
Ctroën's version, branded Nemo, is powered by either a 1.4HDi 70hp common-rail turbo-diesel engine or a 1.4 petrol unit with 75hp.
Both engines boast a five-speed manual shift, while the HDi can also be specced with an electronically controlled manual gearbox, which has been christened SensoDrive.
Available in two trim levels, the X includes driver's airbag, ABS, and MP3-compatible CD/radio, although, surprisingly, no remote central locking.
The uprated LX version gets all the aforementioned features, as well as a separate load compartment locking facility, front electric windows and door mirrors with heating, height adjustable driver's seat complete with lumbar support and nearside sliding door.
Options include a Bluetooth system to connect with mobile phones and offside sliding doors, as well as a full and half-height bulkhead, cruise control with speed limiter, air-con and rear parking sensors.
Prices start at £7,995 for the petrol X version and rise to £9,915 for the HDi LX SensoDrive. For our test, we've gone for the HDi LX manual, which...