Citroen Relay review (1994-2006)
PROS
- Good value
- Good engines
- Wide range of applications
CONS
- Never quite a rival for the Ford Transit
Summary
Citroen's big panel van majored on value during its final year in production, with a version on price lists for under £10,000.
The Relay is the sister van to the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer and is available in a wide range of bodies and a broad range of engines.
The Relay can be specified right up to 3.5-tonnes gross vehicle weight, with medium and long wheelbases, offering up to 12 cubic metres of space and payloads up to 1,635kg.
There are also more powerful 2.2-litre and 2.8-litre engines on offer with up to 127hp.
The van was revised in 2002 and this version ceased production in 2006.
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As long as the model features an HDi engine, it will perform smoothly, strongly and surely – this is one of the best diesel engines around and powers not only this van but a host of other Citroen cars.
Ride and handling are up with others in its class, such as the Vauxhall Movano and Ford Transit, if not quite in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Meanwhile a dash-mounted gearlever proves slick and sure and power steering is nicely weighted to allow just enough 'feel' through the steering wheel.
A four-way adjustable driver’s seat and height adjustable steering wheel will allow all sizes of driver to get comfortable behind the wheel. A radio/cassette player comes as standard.
When the Relay was upgraded in 2002, better insulation was added so that at 70mph, noise levels were within three decibels of that of an average saloon car.
There is a plethora of cubby holes and storage spaces, including cola bins in each door and later models have a removable clipboard, an A4 storage compartment and a mobile phone holder.
Although the Relay is basically the same van as the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Expert, it could be argued that it was better value when new, thanks to various Citroen 'cashback' incentives offered
It meant that in its swansong year, the most basic version of the Relay could be bought for £10,000 before VAT - exceptional value for a large panel van. HDi engines are frugal, and insurance groups are competitive.
We've heard no horror stories about problems with this van.The number of old models still running suggest that it will provide good service for many years, especially in HDi format.
Unlike some of its rivals, the Relay never offered a driver’s airbag and ABS brakes as standard across the range until recently.
Both were on the options list, though, so it’s worth checking on the exact specification before making a purchasing decision.
The 2002 facelift saw strengthening of door components and locking/latch mechanisms, along with the standards fitment of an engine immobiliser, although an alarm remained on the options list.
