The Citroen Relay large van has received a series of major updates for 2014.
Chief among these is a redesigned front end, more standard equipment than before and greater fuel efficiency along with extended service intervals.
A new look
Just like its sister vehicle, the Peugeot Boxer (which has undergone a similar overhaul for 2014 – read about it here), the Relay has had a serious nose job with wider headlights and front grille together with a more adventurous front bumper design. Citroen says the new bumper’s design will help reduce repair costs in the event of a low-speed bump.
Like the Boxer, the Relay’s body structure has been reinforced for greater rigidity which in turn means less road noise should filter through to the cabin.
In the cabin itself, there’s a new dashboard design, digital DAB radio and Bluetooth as standard.
Opting for the more plush Enterprise version adds air-con, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a CD player and a five-inch colour touch screen. A reversing camera is an option, along with active safety systems such as lane departure warning.
Improved fuel economy
Four 2.2-litre diesel engines are available, with power outputs of 110, 130 or 150 metric horsepower. All are matched with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The most economical choice is the e-HDi 130 engine with stop/start, which achieves a claimed 42.8mpg average in the shortest, lowest-roofed panel Relay 30 panel van.
All panel vans up to 3.5 tonnes in Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) achieve CO2 emissions below the 200g/km mark.
Another boost in terms of running costs is that service intervals have been increased compared with the old Relay. They are now set at two years or 30,000 miles.
On sale later this year
As before, the Relay is aimed squarely at Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operations as well as national fleets. There is the same wide range of variants available, including panel vans, with four load lengths and three roof heights, chassis cab, tipper and dropside models.
The updated Citroen Relay goes on sale in the third quarter of 2014. It will be revealed to the public at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham later this month.
