Citroën Dispatch (96-06) - Review

The normally-aspirated 1.9D model will carry up to 815kg, while the 2.0HDi will take up to 900kg. This gives the Dispatch a lugging ability competitive with the Ford Transit Connect. The load floor length is 2050mm and offers a maximum width of 1430mm above the wheel arches and a minimum if 1190mm between them. Load height is 1410 in the centre of the van, while the height for access via the rear doors is 1260mm and 1290mm at the side door. Door widths are 1060mm at the rear and a minimum of 810mm at the side door. The total load volume of the Dispatch is four cubic metres. If you're looking at the five-seat Combi, the load floor length with the rear seat in place is 980mm and with the rear seat folded it reaches 1220mm. All Dispatches also come with an overhead storage shelf in the front. Large sliding doors are available on both sides to allow easy access to the load area, along with rear doors that open to 180 degrees.

The Dispatch comes with a driver's airbag as standard as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Remote central locking is standard but you have to pay extra for anti-lock brakes.

Paying extra for the more powerful diesels is probably worthwhile because they make driving the van more effortless. Servicing shouldn't work out too expensive and the HDi engines ensure lower fuel costs.

The Dispatch does without some of the complex electrical gadgets fitted to Citroën cars so should suffer from fewer glitches. The diesel engines are capable of high mileage.