Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest generation compact van Citan, which, alongside the introduction of a new fully electric eCitan, is firmly aimed at the small trades and urban delivery markets.
Available at market launch as both a panel van and a five-seater Tourer variant (with long wheelbase and Mixto crew cab versions to follow ), the Citan is 4498mm long with a gross vehicle weight of up to 2,250kgs. Towing capacity is up to 1.5 tonnes and drawbar load is 75kg. Load capacity in the panel van is up to 2.9m3 with a load compartment length of 3.05 metres, large enough to fit two Euro pallets.
The easy-to-access panel van can be equipped with up to two sliding side doors, giving an opening clearance of 615mm wide by 1059mm high. The rear loading sill is 59cm high and rear doors can be blocked at a 90 degree angle or moved through 180 degrees to the sides of the vehicle.
In the Tourer model, rear bench seats can be folded down in the ratio of 1/3 or 2/3. A tailgate and rear window come as standard, with rear doors available as an option.
While noting that the Citan is expected to be available in Ireland in the latter half of 2022, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady, says the Citan and eCitan will appeal to the fleet, owner-operator and rental sectors in equal measure, "thanks to their attractive styling and appearance, compact external dimensions, generous internal space and high load capacity".
New Mercedes-Benz eCitan
At market launch, power will come from four-cylinder, 1.4-litre turbodiesel and 1.3 litre petrol engines, in three and two power ratings respectively. Diesel variants are the 75hp 108 CDI, 95hp 110CDI and 116hp 112CDI units, while the 102hp 110 and 131hp 113 account for the petrol models. All are Euro 6d compliant and feature ECO start/stop function.
Alongside six-speed manual transmission, the most powerful diesel and petrol models are also available with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT ). In addition to ABS and ESP systems, safety features, many imported from Mercedes-Benz passenger car ranges, include hill start assist, crosswind assist, the fatigue-warning system attention assist, and the Mercedes?Benz emergency call system as standard. Additional standard systems on the Tourer model include active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist and speed limit assist.
Six and seven airbags come as standard in the panel van and Tourer respectively. Driver comfort can be enhanced through the MBUX (Mercedes?Benz User Experience ) infotainment system. Available as an option, it features a seven-inch touchscreen, steering wheel touch control buttons, “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, smartphone integration with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and Bluetooth hands-free system and digital radio.
Aimed at customers requiring a commercial vehicle for inner city courier and delivery use, the eCitan fully electric model variant extends the electrically powered light commercial vehicle portfolio at Mercedes-Benz, joining the eVito and eSprinter.
With a peak output of 75kW/102hp and up to 245Nm torque, its electric power unit has a usable battery capacity of 44kWh, delivering a factory-quoted range of 285 kilometres. At rapid charging stations, the battery charges from 10 to 80 per cent in about 40 minutes, according to Mercedes-Benz.
