The new Mercedes-Benz second-generation entry-level van, Citan, has just gone on sale with a premium offering.
I drove all available variants recently on a range of roads and surfaces, both empty and with a load.
I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of both the 95 and 116bhp versions (similar engine to the A-Class ), even when laden. The fully adjustable leather steering, great wing mirrors (practically eliminating blind-spots ), ride comfort and overall premium feel, adds up to a very nice package.
There is no bare-bones entry model, rather a well-specified starter version priced from €23,245 plus VAT called the Pro version. Its arrival marks the entry by Mercedes-Benz in Ireland into what its commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady describes as the "highly-competitive" 1-tonne panel van segment.
Buoyed by the popularity of its large-capacity Sprinter and medium-size Vito series, the introduction of the new Citan into the line-up of Mercedes-Benz vans will create what Conheady believes will be "a strong premium product offering at all points in the panel van market".
“With its compact exterior and impressively-spacious interior, Citan is expected to achieve sales in sizeable numbers supported by a dedicated and ambitious dealer network,” Conheady adds.
In being chosen joint winner of last year’s International Van of the Year award, alongside the Renault Kangoo, the jurors are reported to have been influenced by "its numerous safety features" and by the inclusion of the MBUX infotainment system - that is the much-vaunted driver assistance device drawn from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. In addition, Citan has received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety standard rating.
Poised to extend Mercedes-Benz’s appeal among buyers who seek a holistic product proposition, Conheady also believes Citan will attract "strong interest" from SMEs, urban delivery users, small trades and the wider services markets.
The premium German manufacturer says the Citan is a Mercedes-Benz through and through. Stylish in design, and with an outer appearance that echoes its larger siblings, Sprinter and Vito, with hints of B-Class and other models from the passenger car side, its high-quality appeal is reflected throughout.
Impressive is its level of interior comfort with a completely changed dashboard, car-like steering wheel and seating, and the standard MBUX infotainment system and seven-inch driver information screen. There is also a good rear-view camera as standard. Door bins can hold 1.5-litre bottles while lidded storage is provided on top of the dashboard and under the centre armrest. Two trim levels are offered, the PRO and PRO +.
The €23,245 plus VAT is the Pro price with the Pro+ adding an extra €1,500 plus VAT. The Pro+ adds alloy wheels, LED headlamps (similar to the V-class ), colour coded bumpers and mirrors, keyless go, and electronic parking brake. There are eight body colours from which to choose, with metallic paint adding €600.
Initially available in standard wheelbase length, an extra-long wheelbase will follow later this year. The Citan is 4,498mm long with a gross vehicle weight of 2,235kgs. 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 1,806mm, 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 451mm wide by 1059 mm high. The rear loading sill is 59 cm high and rear doors can be blocked at a 90-degree angle or moved through 180 degrees to the sides of the vehicle.
Power comes from a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine in two power ratings – a 95hp, 110CDI and a 116hp, 112CDI. Both are Euro 6d compliant, feature ECO start/stop function and have a claimed WLTP combined fuel economy figures of 5.6 l/100km or just over 50 mpg. Coupled with six-speed manual transmission, models are also available with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT ). The latter version adds €2,500.
On the standard wheelbase model, the turning circle is just 11.75m – making it perfect for tight spaces. Standard safety elements include six airbags, fatigue-warning, attention assist and electronic stability control.
Additional optional items, many imported from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range are: Hill start assist, crosswind assist and active brake assist. A three-seat front bench is also an option, as are all-season tyres.
As with all Mercedes vans, a three-year warranty with unlimited mileage applies along with an inclusive service pack. The maintenance intervals are an impressive 30,000kms, or every two years.
More variants in the Citan pipeline are set to follow with increased wheelbases and the all-electric eCitan due towards the end of 2023 or early 2024.
The new Mercedes-Benz 1-tonne Citan van is a great package, and has great appeal, especially for owner operators. It may not compete on price with others for the major fleet manager buying a hundred vans for a utility, but it will be attractive as a more premium offering.
