We are the humans of 21st century. Improved technology and extremely powerful engine are our requirements while buying a vehicle. If you are in the market for a smart and practical van with a lots of bells and whistles, then you are nearly done.
Yes, man you are on the right page of the book. The van which you need is the masterpiece, the Citroen Relay. Alright, decide after reading this article. So, in order to check whether this vehicle meets your requirements, let’s have a look at this monster. The Citroen Relay has been a popular van for years. In 2014, an improved and updated version was unveiled in order to compete with its major rivals including Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter and this was updated in 2016 with the addition of Euro 6 diesel engines.
The Citroen Relay is a light commercial vehicle produced by sevel joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroen since 1980. The Citroen Relay is also called as Fiat Ducato. Since 1981, more than 2.6 million Fiat Ducatos have been produced. The Ducato is the most common motorhome base used in Europe; with almost two-thirds of motorhomes using the Ducato base. The Citroen Relay is significant in this sector for being one of the perfect vans to drive, putting it into contention along with the Ford Transit where few others can contend.
An awesome range of turbo diesel engines aids here no end, along with most based on the 2.2-litre Diesel Engine unit. They appear in 110PS, 130PS and 150PS guises and all come with a six-speed manual (non-automatic) gearbox as standard. The entrance-point 110PS 2.2 HDi is a really good bet for those who spend most of their time in and around the town. It proposes good low-rev shove and is smooth and quiet in use, although it does lack the extra poke of its more brawny sister units when it approaches to dealing with motorways and passing slower traffic.
If one mix up you’re driving between town and the open road quite more, the 130PS and 150PS 2.2-litre engines are the way to go. The power the Relay along with assured strength and construct light work of most conditions, with the more vigorous of the two the better choice for those who make complete use of the Relay’s considerable payload and towing capacity. Ultimately, there is the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 180PS that will be the choice of those who require long haul comfort, refinement and power. There is a trade-off between emissions, economy and performance with this motor, but if one need the extra wallop this engine offers, the cost equation will not put one off.
In 2016 Citroen downsized the engine choices, with the development of a 2.0 BlueHDi engine, with Euro6 emission standards and improved economy. Power outputs model from 110PS, 130PS and 163PS, with the latter providing 350Nm of torque. However, what might put one off the Relay is the amount of wind and road noise that can be audible in the cabin. While the engines are nicely quiet and keep themselves to themselves at somehow higher speeds, the amount of whistle and grumble from wind and road can leave one wishing for a set of earplugs. This is a real shame for the Relay, especially when the Ford Transit is observed for its quiet nature with its unique range of engines. Yet, at least the Relay’s motors are all fully fledged members of the Euro 5 emissions club.
The Citroen smartly pulls back credibility with its drive comfort, easing its way over the potholes of the UK’s road network along with aplomb. Longer wheelbase models provide a particularly supple ride, though all Relays build for a comfy place to spend any journey. It’s also a useful van to have on one’s side when it comes to taking corners.
The Citroen Relay has light, precise steering that aids the driver place the van on the road, so no danger of strolling over white lines or straying too close to the edge in this van. The steering is also fine when it comes to parking and positioning the Relay all thanks to its tight turning circle and simple to whirl steering wheel. There are standard back parking sensors on the Enterprise model, which makes reversing the Relay a much simpler task.
The improved longevity of the parts used in the new Relay should help its practicality and reliability, although it has never had a poor reputation in the market. The diesel engines in the range have been exceptional. Stability control, ABS, emergency braking and hill-start assist are all standard in Citroen Relay.
The interior of the New Citroen Relay looks pretty decent and better than the older one and is very functional too. The addition of a little touch screen display does make it feel more modern inside. If you can spend more £800, you can get air conditioning, touch screen auto pack with 5” color screen, cruise control with a speed limiter, rear parking sensors, steering wheel controls and the perimetric alarm. The parking sensors and the reversing camera are the good options as well so that you can park up without fear. The Relay comes up with three seats as standard including a pull-down table in the center.
To sum up, it can be surely said that the Citroen Relay is a pretty impressive van with well-built interior, extra powerful engine with a plenty of kit as well. So, it is a perfect choice for you if you are looking for a smart and decent van. Now the choice is yours!