New Citroen Relay Review
Citroen vans have gained a solid reputation for being extremely popular in the world of commercial vehicles. Known for their reliability, trustworthiness, and excellent functionality, they serve as ideal work vans with features suitable for both professional and personal use. However, the Citroen van lineup is diverse, offering various models to suit different needs.
Among these is the new Citroen Relay, first introduced to the UK light commercial vehicle market in 2006. This large van completed the manufacturer’s LCV lineup and underwent significant updates in 2014. The second generation of the Citroen Relay van received a facelift with cosmetic updates, including a new grille that aligned its design more closely with the manufacturer’s passenger car range.
Originally, this model was offered with 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines. With the advent of the Euro 6 emissions regulations, the manufacturer updated the engine range of the new Citroen Relay to a more environmentally friendly 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel. This updated engine is available in three power outputs: 110hp, 130hp, and 160hp, making the Citroen Relay van a versatile and compliant choice for businesses looking to meet current emissions standards.
Why Choose the Citroen Relay Van for Sale
The Citroen Relay, a standout in the large van category, holds its own against other competent models like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Volkswagen Crafter. But why should the Citroen Relay van for sale be your choice when considering a large model? It is a prime example of the qualities that make Citroen vans so popular. In this blog, we’ll explore in detail the top four reasons why the new Citroen Relay stands out. Our goal is to give you the best possible understanding of what makes the van an excellent choice, providing insights that will help you appreciate its unique features and capabilities.
Versatility
Versatility is a key strength of the new Citroen Relay, making it a highly suitable choice for both business and personal use. The large van is offered in various dimensions to meet diverse requirements. It comes in four lengths, three wheelbases, and three heights, allowing you to select the version that best fits your specific needs. This range of options underscores the adaptability of the Citroen Relay van, ensuring that whether you’re looking for a vehicle for extensive cargo needs, a mobile workspace, or personal projects, there’s a model designed to suit your preferences perfectly.
Dimensions | Height | Width | Length |
L1H1 | 2,254mm | 2,050mm | 4,963mm |
L2H1 | 2,254mm | 2,050mm | 5,413mm |
L2H2 | 2,524mm | 2,050mm | 5,413mm |
L3H2 | 2,524mm | 2,050mm | 5,998mm |
L3H3 | 2,764mm | 2,050mm | 5,998mm |
L4H2 | 2,524mm | 2,050mm | 6,363mm |
L4H3 | 2,764mm | 2,050mm | 6,363mm |
The new Citroen Relay stands out in its class with its impressive dimensions, particularly the H3 versions, which boast a class-leading load height of 2,172mm. This height surpasses that of its competitors, the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter, by approximately 30mm. Furthermore, every Citroen Relay van for sale comes standard with a full-height steel bulkhead, adding to its robust and practical design.
In terms of options, the new Citroen Relay offers seven different silhouettes, with load areas ranging from 8m³ in the L1H1 model to an expansive 17m³ in the L4H3 model. Payload capacities vary from 1,115kg to 1,900kg, placing this model among the best in its class for capacity. However, it’s important for potential buyers to note that the largest Relay vans weigh over four tonnes. For those with a standard driving licence issued before January 1st, 1997, which allows driving vehicles up to 3,500kg, additional tests may be required to operate these larger models. If you are uncertain about your driving licence categories, it’s advisable to check your driving licence information and learn how to add higher categories to your licence if necessary.
Robust, Durable & Reliable
Before its release, the Citroen Relay van underwent a comprehensive testing program, ensuring its components could withstand heavy-duty use. The manufacturer rigorously tested the latest model, covering over 4 million kilometres in conditions that mimic real-world heavy usage. A key aspect of this testing involved using tyres of a common and cost-effective size. This strategic choice means that when it comes time for tyre changes or repairs, the process is neither time-consuming nor expensive. The durable nature of the new Citroen Relay ensures that even in the event of a tyre puncture, your van will be back on the road quickly and without significant cost, making it a reliable choice for those who require a robust and long-lasting vehicle.
The new Citroen Relay’s durability is not just a claim; it’s a proven feature, backed by extensive testing. Engineers conducted over 500,000 door slams as part of this testing, specifically to assess the new higher strength door hinges. Additionally, the sliding side door(s) of the Citroen Relay van have been enhanced with reinforced rails, redesigned runners, and improved door locks, all contributing to its increased security and longevity. The braking system in the second-generation Relay has also been refined to be more effective and quieter, further enhancing its overall performance.
Cost-effectiveness is another key aspect of the new Citroen Relay. To help reduce running and repair costs over time, it features a cleverly designed front and rear bumper, assembled from three separate pieces. This modular design means that if a section gets damaged, only that specific part needs to be replaced, rather than the entire bumper, saving both time and money.
Since the introduction of the 2.0-litre Euro 6 engines in 2016, the Relay has improved its service intervals from 25,000 miles to an extended 30,000 miles or two years, whichever occurs first. This extension not only reduces maintenance frequency but also contributes to lower long-term ownership costs, making the Citroen Relay van an even more appealing choice for those looking for a reliable and economical commercial vehicle.
Interior Space
As mentioned above, the Relay’s load area can reach up to 17m³ in the largest version. Every Relay comes with a nearside sliding door as standard which opens up to 1,250mm wide – this is enough space to fit a Euro pallet in either length- or width-ways.
In addition, the class-leading load width of 1,870mm (1,422mm between wheel arches) can easily accommodate a Euro pallet or 8×4 sheet completely flat, even in the smallest configuration.
In the cabin, there are 13 useful storage spaces including an overhead compartment and two separate bins on both of the front doors. When there’s no one sitting in the middle seat, you can fold the back down to reveal a table with two cup holders and a clip to keep any paperwork in place. There’s another clip incorporated into the centre of the dashboard which you can use to organise delivery notes, invoices or any other paperwork.
If you’re not using your phone for directions, there’s a dedicated little cubby hole as well as a small glove box. A second lockable glove box is located in the centre with enough space to store a laptop or tablet.
Range Of Formats
The Citroen Relay large panel van can also be purchased as a crew van, chassis cab and in a range of ‘Ready To Run’ conversions including tipper, dropside and Luton. In fact, the Ready To Run programme won the ‘Best Conversion Range’ title at the 2017 Trade Van Driver Awards.
It’s estimated that around a quarter of customers purchasing light commercial vehicles have specialist requirements to fulfil their business needs. The pioneering Ready To Run programme provides ready-bodied conversions on the Plus range of the Relay 35 Chassis Cab that meets European standards and has a maximum gross weight of 3,500kg.
The Citroen Relay tipper and dropside both offer easy loading and unloading on site with an open load bed that is perfect for transporting a mix of loads and equipment. Alternatively, Luton conversions provide additional storage space to the standard panel van by using space above the cab and leaving the load area free from intruding wheel arches.
If you think that the Citroen Relay van – either as a panel van or conversion – is a perfect fit for your business, search our stock online today or get in touch with the team.