Citroën Relay (06 on) - Review

The latest version of the Relay is one of the best large vans around and a real alternative to the Ford Transit. It is a joint development with Peugeot and Fiat, so all three brands effectively have a vehicle as good as each other. However, Citroen has stolen a march on the other models by equipping the Relay with Trafficmaster's SmartNav satellite navigation and stolen vehicle tracking as standard. Available in four lengths, three heights and with a choice of three power outputs the Relay offers a good range of panel vans between three and four tonnes gross vehicle weight and comes with a range of new features. New for 2010 is the Enterprise specification, which includes rear parking sensors, air conditioning, Bluetooth handsfree kit and a full steel bulkhead.

The Relay offers a pleasant driving environment with good forward visibility and split door mirrors with lower sections that can be angled downwards - useful when parking in tight spots. Electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors are standard. The dual passenger seat includes a drop-down desk unit and the Relay also comes with a CD stereo as standard. In-cab storage includes two glove compartments (the central one is lockable and has room for a lap-top computer), a dashboard-mounted document clip and a couple of open and lidded compartments elsewhere in the dashboard. There are also generous door pockets, a storage area under the passenger seat and a 22-litre open overhead compartment. The driver's seat is comfortable and can be chosen with its own suspension - useful if you spend long hours on the road. The passenger seat isn't as comfortable, but that may be in line with its part-time nature - after all not all van users carry passengers. Adding Enterprise specification to the van means air conditioning is standard and on a hot day this makes quite a difference. The sun heats up the cabin thanks to the large windscreen, so a bit of cool air is a welcome addition.

The Relay is a good drive. Mainstream versions come with either 100bhp or 120bhp versions of a 2.2-litre HDi diesel, while the heavy duty versions are also available with a 160bhp 3.0-litre HDi. The lower power 2.2 HDi has a five-speed gearbox, but both higher power engines have a six-speed transmission. The steering is light and accurate, although lacking in feel. However, the Relay can be hustled along country lanes well enough quite safely. The brakes are responsive and the dashboard-mounted gearshift is easy to use and ideally placed. The ride is a little jittery when empty, which is to be expected but on the plus side, the Relay has a tight turning circle, which coupled with the light steering, makes low-speed manoeuvres relatively easy. The rear parking sensors included in the Enterprise package make parking a much easier exercise. The full bulkhead means high loads can be carried in safety, and also cuts out a bit of road noise. However, rear visibility is seriously compromised so it’s a good job Citroen has fitted rear parking sensors to help out when reversing into tight spaces.