Citroën Relay (06 on) - Review

Load volumes range from 8.0 cubic metres to 17 cubic metres depending on the version chosen, with payloads ranging up to nearly 2.0 tonnes. Citroen claims it is the widest van in its sector (between the wheel arches and maximum internal width), but it shares this accolade with its sister vans, the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer. It also has the lowest sill loading height in its class at 530mm, with an optional self-levelling suspension pack that includes a feature that can reduce the loading height to 460mm. The sizes are labelled as follows: 'L' refers to the length of the van, while 'H' refers to the roof height. The lowest, shortest relay, the L1H1, has a load length of 2,670mm, a load width of 1,870mm and a between-the-wheel-arches distance of 1,422mm. The standard roof van has an internal load height of 1,662mm. The medium wheelbase Relay L2 panel van has a load length of 3,120mm, and a load height of 1,662mm on the H1 or 1,932mm on the H2. This van can be specified in all GVW versions (3.0t, 3.3t, 3.5t and 4.0t) and with standard and high roof formats, giving respective load volumes of 10 cubic metres and 11.5 cubic metres. The long wheelbase L3 is available in 3.3-tonne and 3.5-tonne versions. In this version the load deck is 3,705mm and the H2 high roof at 1,932mm offers a capacity of 13 cubic metres. The longest relay panel vans are the 3.5-tonne and 4.0-tonne L4H2 and L4H3 versions, which come with 16-inch wheels and uprated heavy-duty rear suspension. The L4H2 versi

All Relays come with remote central locking, a driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes with emergency braking assistance (where sensors apply maximum braking force automatically in an emergency stop) and a stolen vehicle tracking system as standard. Optional extras include a passenger airbag, side and curtain airbags and electronic stability control (which can correct the van's line in a skid by reducing power and braking individual wheels). The stolen vehicle tracking system is Trafficmaster's Trackstar and all new Relays come with a free three-year subscription. They also have a months free access to the Safe Speed camera alert system. Other options include parking sensors, a rear-view camera for reversing, cruise control and a speed limiter.

Anyone who bought an entry-level version of the previous Relay towards the end of its life may be surprised to have to pay about 50% more for a new model. However, it is a much better van: more powerful, more spacious and better equipped. Don't forget satellite navigation is standard and Citroen also provides a transfer package with a year's free subscription to SmartNav for the second owner. Insurance ranges from group 5 to 7 and the HDi engines are economical. Resale values are much stronger than for the previous version and the van has been designed to minimise repair costs and downtime. Service intervals are up to 25,000 miles while the front and rear bumpers are in three sections so only one part may need to be replaced after a low-speed accident. SmartNav also comes with an alert when approaching London's congestion charging zone. If you specify the Enterprise model you save £310 off the list price of a Relay including all of the extra bits ordered separately.

The HDi engines in Citroen vans should be pretty reliable. There are plenty of old versions on the road well into six-figure mileages.