Citroen Dispatch review

How big is the Citroen Dispatch?

The Dispatch van comes in two sizes, M and L with either a 4.98m or 5.33 m length body. Citroen sells it as either a panel van or as a double cab van with ither five or six-seats. Load volumes range from 5.1m3 to 6.6m3 for the largest version and there’s a maximum payload of 1,446kg thanks to a higher gross vehicle weight (GVW) for their biggest vans. Lower GVW vans can still carry at least 1,100kg.

What's it like on the inside?

There’s an all-new dashboard design and layout which ups the size of the current storage comparments. New ones have also been added in the central dash area. It gets a 10-inch infotainment screen as standard with connectivity for smartphone mirroring via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  

The steering wheel is also complete revamped to make way for more finger-tip controls, but it’s the hidden changes under the skin, linked to the steering, that make the Dispatch even better [see Ride and Handling].

The Citroen Dispatch’s BlueHDI engine is amongst the most efficient in the medium-van segment with a claimed fuel economy in excess of 50mpg. It also has an attractive starting price of £26,710 for the BlueHDI 120 engine with manual gearbox, which also just so happens to be the most fuel efficient of the range.

Is the Citroen Dispatch reliable?

On the whole the Citroen Dispatch is a very reliable van but there have been a few minor niggles over its long-life span. 2019 was a particularly bad year for recalls with issues from suspension to fuel pipes. Later models have so far proven to be a bit more reliable.

What engine does the Citroen Dispatch have?

The BlueHDi diesel engine range uses a 2-litre turbo diesel and is available as either a 120 or 145 option, producing 119hp or 144hp, respectively. It’s a powerful, fuel-efficient engine that works well in the Dispatch and is paired with a six-speed manual as standard or can be specified with an 8-speed automatic on the BlueHDI 145 engine. Even with the higher power model it’s not a particularly quick van, but there’s 300Nm of torque from the 120 and 350Nm from 145 which is ample to get even a heavy load moving.

Is it any good to drive?

Citroens tend to be soft and wallowy but the Dispatch actually uses the front end from their SUV range and has a much more purposeful demeanour about it as a result. It’s called the EMP2 platform and it’s been used on some pretty well regarded cars including the highly decorated Peugeot 3008. It means that the van has a passenger car-like quality to its steering and comfort, and although you can’t mask the fact that this is still a van, it goes someway to making it much more dynamic. The latest Dispatch has also had its electric power steering upgraded to allow it to have more driver assistance systems.

How safe is the Citroen Dispatch?

Because of the electrical steering upgrade, there are now more safety systems then ever before in the Dispatch. New driver assistance systems including Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a reworked Driver Attention Alert. Top trim models also get Dynamic Surround View which includes a reversing camera with Top Rear Vision so that you can see obstacles all around the vehicle, as well as blind spot assistant.

What trim levels are there?

The Dispatch is available in two trim levels, Enterprise and Driver. As standard, Enterprise versions get the 10-inch central touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring. There’s also a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and an armrest. A multi-function steering wheel control helps control infotainment and telephone calls. The higher-spec Driver model’s most notable addition is the Dynamic Surround View system mentioned above, but it also adds some nice aesthetic improvements body coloured bumpers and 17-inch wheel trims. The central touchscreen also gets upgraded to include 3D navigation with real-time traffic alerts.

Thanks to a stylish new front-end makeover, the Dispatch not only looks every inch the modern van, it also has the equipment on board to back that up. Decent levels of safety equipment and frugal engines are part of a well thought out overall package.

The new Citroën Dispatch is a benchmark in terms of versatility, with its compact size, unrivalled comfort and safety features, as well as an increasingly competitive range of engines – from the BlueHDi diesel to hydrogen. And then there is the ë-Dispatch that is even more efficient.

New Dispatch, the van that does it all! Spacious, with a load volume of up to 6.6m³, at ease in town with its compact size (it has a turning circle of 12.4 m and is 1.90 m high) and on the road with its powerful engines, it is suitable for all uses. And its new look makes it even more attractive.

MORE ELEGANT, MORE MODERN

New Dispatch features a new front end, with an optimised bumper for enhanced design and aerodynamics, new LED headlamps and a completely new radiator grille that incorporates the brand's new signature. On the sides of the vehicle, new wheel colours complete this overhauled aesthetic, as does a new Titanium Grey body colour.

The new elegant dashboard not only features a new design and inserts, it's also more practical. The size of existing storage compartments has been increased and new ones have been added, in particular on the upper section where the cup holders have also been designed to hold smartphones and the new upper storage able to accommodate tablets. Dispatch is a real extension of the office. The steering wheel is new, with various integrated controls (driving aids, telephone, radio, etc.) and can be heated.

EFFICIENCY THROUGH CONNECTIVITY

• A 100% digital 10-inch instrument panel features on the new Jumpy.While Jumpy comes with a black and white digital cluster as standard, it offers an optional 10" HD colour screen wherethe driver can customise the way key information is displayed.
• A large 10-inch HD central screen and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The new Dispatch comes as standard with an innovative 5-inch central touchscreen that controls audio and telephone functions. According to equipment, the new My Citroën Play infotainment system is based on a new 10-inch HD touch screen located in the centre of the dashboard. Inspired by the ergonomics of smartphones, ensuring ease of use and responsiveness, this touchscreen can be used to control the multimedia environment, such as music or the telephone, as well as the vehicle's configuration functions. In its most advanced version, available as an option, My Citroën Drive Plus, it incorporates connected 3D navigation that guides professionals on all their journeys and takes account of traffic conditions in real time.
• The 10-inch central screen wirelessly connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto .
• A handy wireless smartphone charger is located on the centre console, available as part of the Comfort pack, which also includes keyless entry and start and automatic climate control.

EVEN EASIER TO DRIVE

• An advanced function: Dynamic Surround Vision: seeing what cannot be seen. Because it's often difficult to get a precise idea of your surroundings when driving a panel van, the new Dispatch has been fitted with two cameras: one above the rear doors and one under the exterior rear-view mirror on the passenger side. Both are connected to the new digital central rear-view mirror, giving the driver a precise view of the rear and passenger side of the vehicle, both when driving and when parking. For even greater convenience, the central screen on the dashboard projects the Top Rear Vision reversing camera, which can be viewed at 180°.
• Technology that makes life easier: New on Dispatch, the Highway Driver Assist combines adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and lane centring assistance. It complements a range of technologies for greater comfort and safety, including driver tiredness warning, road sign reading, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, speed limiter…
• Power steering is now electric (instead of electro-hydraulic), to reduce the effort required and improve manoeuvrability.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ENGINES

Diesel, 100% electric and even hydrogen: the various engines with which the Dispatch can be equipped meet the needs and constraints of all professionals.

BlueHDi diesel engines are powerful and fuel-efficient, and are available in a wide range of power ratings: 120 bhp and 145 bhp combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 180 bhp with an 8-speed automatic transmission system (also available on the BlueHDi 145). The hydrogen engine with fuel cell offers zero-emission mobility with a generous range of more than 400 km (WLTP Mixt Cycle, currently being certified).

It might be one of five identical vans, but the Citroen Dispatch always manages to put in a good show with a high level of standard equipment, economical engines and competitive pricing.