Citroën C15 (85-05) - Review

Launched back in 1985, the kooky Citroen C15 embodies everything that people love and hate about the French maker. As with the 2CV car, this van is as French as garlic and snails and looks like it might tip over at any minute while negotiating bends. But for all its faults it has many plus points too, as will be attested by the myriad of C15 owners who still use ancient examples to ply their trades. For starters it undercuts every other van on the market on price and its 1.9-litre diesel powerplant should prove economical and long-lasting. Citroen sold no fewer than 1.2 million C15s worldwide during its production run, so that many people can’t be wrong.

Creature comforts are few and far between. The seats are squashy and unsupportive and items such as central locking and electric windows don’t exist. Drivers wanting to adjust their mirrors have to reach out of the windows and do it manually. At least the C15 does feature a radio/cassette player with a detachable front as standard.

Every criticism of the C15 must be tempered with the words: ‘What do you expect for the price?’ Two models are available, 600kg and 765kg payload versions, but be warned that the 600 doesn’t have power steering and therefore will prove a real chore to drive. Although the 1.9-litre engine produces just 60bhp at 4,600rpm and 78lb-ft of torque at 2,500rpm, the little van is light, with gross vehicle weights of 1,545 and 1,710kg, so doesn’t really feel underpowered, unless negotiating a steep hill with a full load on board.