Citroen has announced some changes to its Dispatch medium van.
From May production onwards, all versions of the Dispatch will meet the latest Euro 6D Temp – also known as Euro 6.2 – emissions regulations, with the introduction of a new 1.5-litre engine and changes to the existing 2.0-litre models.
At the same time two new trim levels are being introduced.
What are the new Citroen Dispatch trim levels?
In addition to the existing X and Enterprise versions, the 2019 Citroen Dispatch range will also include new Worker and Driver trim levels.
If those names sound familiar it’s probably because you’ve been spending your time reading about the latest Citroen Berlingo small van, where the new specification labels were first introduced.
What’s fitted to the Citroen Dispatch Worker?
The Worker is intended for ease of use on tough work sites where traction may be limited.
As such, it includes the Grip Control enhanced traction control system plus mud and snow tyres as standard, and features suspension that gives a 20mm increase in ground clearance as well as a 20mm thick sump guard to protect the bottom of the engine from bumps and bangs.
Dispatch Worker models also come with the Moduwork load-through bulkhead with fold-down outer passenger seat and centre passenger seat that can be converted into a desk.
Maximum payload capacity is up to 1,400kg, one of the best figures available in the medium van sector. Prices for the Dispatch Worker start at £24,410 (excluding VAT).
What’s included with the Citroen Dispatch Driver?
The Driver model is aimed at owners or operators who spend extended periods behind the wheel.
To make their life better, it comes with extra insulation for both refinement and temperature control plus a whole host of additional equipment – including safety and assist packs with a number of active driver aids (featuring lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, to name but few of the safety add-ons), DAB digital radio, Citroen Connect Nav sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, blindspot monitors and a 180-degree reversing camera.
Unsurprisingly, it becomes the Dispatch’s range-topping model, with prices starting at £27,615 (excluding VAT).
Any other standard equipment changes for the 2019 Citroen Dispatch?
From May 2019 production onwards, all versions of the Dispatch come with the Citroen Connect Box as standard, an automatic response system that alerts the emergency services in the event of an accident. Alternatively you can alert them manually with the press of a button, or use the system to contact the Citroen support switchboard.
Buyers who also opt for the Connect Nav satellite-navigation can also get three years of connected services – such as live traffic updates – for free, using the Connect Box’s data connection. Previously you had to tether your phone to the system and use your own data contract to get these elements of the sat-nav to work.
What’s new for the 2019 Citroen Dispatch engine range?
All versions of the Citroen Dispatch now come with stop-start as standard.
The 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine options – which offer 120hp, 150hp or 180hp – carry on largely as before, except they now meet the latest emissions regulations ahead of the September 2019 deadline.
These regs include a new WLTP fuel economy testing procedure that’s supposed to be more representative of real-world driving. Citroen has not yet revealed the Dispatch’s results, but expect the official mpg figures to fall compared with the more lenient previous testing process.
Regardless, the Dispatch was and should remain one of the most fuel-efficient medium vans on the market.
The 120hp and 150hp engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard; the 180hp model is an automatic, which has been upgraded from the old six-speed unit to a new EAT8 eight-speed transmission, which should improve performance and economy, making these vans nicer to drive.
At the other end of the range, a new 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine replaces the previous 1.6-litre motor. This has been used for years in the Citroen passenger car range, and provides 100hp in the Dispatch van.
How much does the 2019 Citroen Dispatch cost, and when does it go on sale?
You should be able to order an upgraded Citroen Dispatch now – but as stated, production doesn’t start until May 2019. Not long to wait, but long enough that the Dispatch models on display at the CV Show 2019 won’t be to this latest specification.
As before, short (XS), medium (M) and long (XL) body variants of the Dispatch are available, and in addition to the panel van it is also sold as a Crew Van with extra seating. There is only one roof height.
Prices for the revised range start at £21,320 for an XS panel van in X specification, rising to £34,035 for a Crew Van in Driver spec in the M body length.
Also read:
>> Citroen Dispatch full review
