With almost too many large vans to choose from, the Citroen Relay has carved its niche, proving to be a stalwart companion for users across the UK. At Crusader Vans we have looked on as the amazing Citroen Relay has undergone many transformations, adapting its body and engines to meet the growing needs of a demanding market of large van users. In this Citroen Relay review we’ll take a look into the various facets of this truly venerable van, exploring its evolution, current standout features, and the driving experience that it more than delivers on.
A Decade of Evolution
The Citroen Relay’s journey began in 1994 alongside the Peugeot Boxer based on an old FIAT Ducato. It was the beginning of a long journey until 2006 when a new look model was launched and since then, it has not merely endured but thrived, benefiting from a handful of facelifts to enhance both its exterior and engine capabilities. The Relay is a tremendously popular large van, like its smaller sibling the Citroen Berlingo, it does what it says on the box. Its more than just a large van, available in Tipper, Dropside, and Luton variants, presenting users with a choice of reliable engines: 110bhp, 130bhp, and 160bhp. As from day one, its platform, shared with the Fiat Ducato, Vauxhall Movano and Peugeot Boxer means it must compete with itself. So, what makes the Citroen Relay such a good all round large van?
Start at the Front
The front end view of the Relay tells you that this is a superb van and you are immediately drawn to its large headlights, dominating grille composed of durable plastic and metal, and an enlarged and very visible Citroen badge. The front has been, cleverly built with three panels, not only to add to its distinctive appearance but also to help with easy panel replacement, a testament to Citroen’s practical engineering that keeps the wheels on the road.
Another standout feature is the large windscreen, providing exceptional visibility for the driver, a crucial aspect for safety on Britain’s busy roads. The Citroen Relay has been thoughtfully designed and engineered ensuring safety and functionality are placed side by side with legendary French sophistication that Citroen is renowned for.
Cabin Comfort: Basic Yet Functional
Stepping up into the cabin, the Citroen Relay has a straightforward and functional driver and passenger space. While the relay is not loaded with extravagant technology and luxuries, the practical cabin design prioritises functionality to ensure productivity is maximised. The spec was to create a workhorse not a luxury car. Standard features include Audio system with Connecting Box (DAB digital radio with steering mounted controls, Bluetooth handsfree system and USB) USB socket, dash clipboard, remote central locking, emergency braking assistance, electronic stability control, and ABS
The ‘Enterprise’ model, the most popular Citroen Relay leased with Crusader vans, comes manyl features as standard such as air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a touch screen infotainment system. The emphasis on practicality extends to the large amount of storage within the cabin – two gloveboxes, a lockable compartment suitable for a laptop or tablet, and various shelves and cubbyholes. The unconventional placement of the handbrake adds a touch of quirkiness to the functional layout, but of course, this is a Citroen!
Cargo Versatility: Relaying Roominess
As a large van you would expect a lot of space on in the cargo area, and the Citroen Relay doesn’t disappoint. The popular L3 H3 model, capable of carrying up to 1500kg, boasts a length of 3705mm and a height of 2172mm. If you need something the larger, the L4 H3 model takes space to the limit with an impressive 1995kg payload. The van is a real winner when it comes to its four available lengths (4963mm to 6363mm) and three heights (2254mm to 2764mm), catering to diverse cargo needs.
The cargo bed has plenty of lashing points and extra storage is available above the bulkhead. With ply-lining the huge cargo hold is given an extra practical touch and this is offered at no extra cost.
To make access easy, the rear doors of the Relay open to an impressive 260 degrees, although it may require more than one hand for ease of operation. A sliding side door on the nearside comes as a standard feature, and for added convenience, an optional second sliding door is available on the offside.
On the Road: Driving Dynamics
Behind the wheel of a 2-litre BlueHDi, 6-speed manual Citroen Relay, the driving experience unfolds akin to an advertisement for a tranquil holiday resort. The robust 2-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, available in three outputs (110bhp, 130bhp, and 160bhp), delivers a potent yet economical performance.
Despite its size, the Citroen Relay is relatively nimble and easy to drive its size, seamlessly navigating sharp turns with a surprisingly responsive turning circle. The colossal windscreen, previously mentioned for its visibility benefits, improves the driving experience, providing an unobstructed view of the road ahead. In a world where large vans often struggle with agility; the Citroen Relay stands as a defies what many would at first assume.
Is a Citroen Relay worth Leasing?
The simple answer is “Yes”. At a time where the market is flooded with vans overflowing with the latest tech and extravagant cabins, the Citroen Relay takes a different route. While it may not boast cutting-edge features or opulent interiors, it compensates with unparalleled functionality and load space. It caters to a specific demographic that prioritises utility over unnecessary frills.
The Citroen Relay emerges as a reliable workhorse, a robust and versatile companion for professionals navigating city streets or facing challenging work environments. Citroen’s unwavering commitment to delivering a dependable and adaptable work companion positions the Relay as a standout choice for those seeking a large van that excels where it matters most – in getting the job done.
