The Citroen Relay van has been on the UK market for almost 20 years. Over this time it has gained a worthy reputation for exceptional comfort, intuitive technology, multiple engine and accessory options, as well as being available in the ever increasingly popular electric version. 

These qualities, which we’ll explore in more detail as we go, provide a very good reason why the Citroen Relay is an outstanding choice for business owners. Serving as one of the largest vans in its class, it can be used for many different trades. The van is versatile, practical and hugely competent. Available in an array of wheelbases, heights, and designs, every Relay model excels in cargo capacity, while also boasting attractive aesthetics, ample features, and powerful engines. Read through our Citroen Relay specs page to become fully versed in all of its qualities. 

Citroen Relay: Best Choice for Which Businesses?

‘Trim-It’ has ordered 60 Citroen Relay vans following its appearance on Channel 4’s The Money Maker show. The mobile barber business, which already has this model on its fleet, requires the additional vehicles to support the rapid growth of its business.

This is just one example of the type of business making use of the Citroen Relay. Ideally, the model is perfect for professionals who work long shifts in urban areas or who travel regularly between towns. 

This can encompass the likes of plumbers, builders, electricians - The Citroen Relay range is available in 4 lengths and 3 heights, has a payload of up to 1870 kg, a loading volume of up to 17 m3, with 4 GVWR (total authorised weight) to support up to 4 tonnes. Meaning jobs requiring the haulage of tools is no bother. 

Small scale transportation businesses - Despite its powerful style, the Relay provides a peaceful driving experience. In the cabin, enjoy absolute calm thanks to enhanced soundproofing. With its suspension, drive how you want without being disturbed by bumps in the road.

Trades with training - vans such as the Citroen Relay L2 H2 140PS BHDI Enterprise comes with 3 seats in the cockpit so there's enough room for you, a colleague and the apprentice. This new van also has a touchscreen with a navigation system so struggling to find that out of the way job will be a thing of the past. It's perfect for those bigger jobs and suits any professional in need of a practical van with a lot of load space.

New Citroen Relay: Utility

The Relay stands out in its category for its exceptional capacity to haul goods, boasting a cargo volume ranging from 8 to 17 cubic meters or a maximum weight of 2,310kg. It offers a spacious cargo area that can extend up to 4.1 meters in length and 2.2 meters in height, with a width that is among the broadest in its class at 1.87 meters. With options including four different lengths, three types of wheelbases, and three heights, the Relay is available in 43 different configurations such as the panel van, chassis cab, crew cab, back tipper, box van, and flatbed model.

Loading and unloading bulky items is made simpler with the Relay, courtesy of its notably low loading threshold, which ranges from 49cm to 60cm above the ground, one of the lowest in its segment. Every model comes with a sliding door on the nearside as standard, allowing for the loading of a Euro pallet through the 1.25m-wide entrance – and there's the possibility that a previous owner chose to add an additional sliding door on the opposite side for added convenience. A steel partition comes standard in all models, with the back doors being fortified to minimise potential damage.

Citroen Relay Interior

The cabin, designed to accommodate three passengers, offers ample space and features an ergonomic layout of controls along with 13 different storage compartments. Highlights include a clipboard for documents situated on the dashboard, a 22-litre compartment above, cup holders, sizable door bins, a storage area beneath the passenger seat, and a convertible desk. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility towards the front and sides, enhancing safety and driving ease. Both the driver's seat and the steering column can be adjusted in height, allowing for a tailored driving experience. An armrest is available to enhance comfort on extended trips. Standard in-vehicle entertainment includes a DAB radio equipped with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, with the addition of controls mounted on the steering wheel for convenient operation while driving. Browse our full range of new Citroen Relay vans here. 

Performance of the New Citroen Relay

Driving the Relay offers a top-tier experience within its category, characterised by a smooth ride and adept handling, especially notable during cornering where it remains stable. The steering is both light and precise, contributing to a relatively small turning radius for its size, which simplifies parking and manoeuvring. However, the van's height may restrict access to certain car washes and parking structures. It's important to note that the heavier models exceed four tonnes, classifying them as trucks, which requires a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence for operation and may also necessitate a tachograph.

Models from 2016 and newer are equipped with a robust and quiet 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, available in power outputs of 109bhp, 128bhp, or 158bhp, with the latter two generating 258lb ft of torque. Prior to this, the engine options included a 2.2-litre diesel with four cylinders and 16 valves, producing either 100bhp or 120bhp, and a more powerful 3.0-litre diesel engine at 157bhp, with the 2.2-litre variants capable of achieving up to 35 miles per gallon. The latest versions of the Relay feature front-wheel drive and are paired with a six-speed manual transmission, without the option for an automatic gearbox.

Citroen Relay Reliability and Running Costs

Citroen has made significant efforts to minimise the Relay's ongoing operational expenses. This is evident in design choices such as a tri-segmented front bumper, which allows for partial replacement in case of damage, reducing repair costs. The bumper is ingeniously designed with integrated steps for easy access to clean the windshield. The selection of tyres also reflects a commitment to affordability and availability, ensuring replacement costs are kept low.

The latest engine models boast impressive fuel efficiency, capable of achieving up to 48.7 miles per gallon, coupled with extended service intervals set at every two years or 30,000 miles, underscoring the Relay's reputable durability. The components used in the most recent Relay models have undergone rigorous testing to verify their reliability. 

 

Is the Citroen Relay a good van?

In conclusion, the Citroen Relay emerges as an unparalleled asset for business owners, blending robust performance with economical operation. Its versatility across various trades, coupled with its adaptability in configuration and capacity, makes it a reliable partner for a wide array of professional needs. The thoughtful design, from its segmented bumper to the ergonomic and feature-rich cabin, underscores Citroen's commitment to both practicality and driver comfort. The Relay's performance credentials are equally impressive, offering a seamless drive, commendable fuel efficiency, and a proven track record of reliability.

For businesses looking to elevate their operational efficiency, the Citroen Relay stands out as a smart investment. Whether you're expanding your fleet or selecting your first business van, this new van offers a compelling blend of utility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. We invite you to explore the Citroen Relay further and discover how it can integrate seamlessly into your business operations.

Contact us today to speak to a member of the sales team and experience first-hand the difference a Citroen Relay can make to your business.