Arctic Van Test 2008: Citroën Dispatch

Until just a year ago the Citroën Dispatch would have been in a different class, facing competition only from within the Sevel partnership since the LDV Cub/Nissan Vanette Cargo faded away. But now the new generation has moved up into another class, and it is taking on some well-established rivals.

The Dispatch is the only contender not to have an extra step, making it much easier to get into than its more van-like competitors. There's plenty of space in the cabin, but the dual passenger seats are suitable primarily for children - not helped by the dash-mounted gear lever. It has the most passenger car-like cabin in this group, and it offers a good driving position thanks to extensive seat and steering wheel adjustability. Although not especially challenged this year, its cabin heating abilities didn't impress, nor did its noise levels.

Despite, or maybe because of, its soft nature, it scored well in driveability, both laden and unladen. Together with the Fiat Ducato, at 118hp, the Dispatch has the lowest power rating, but it is also the lightest. Whatever the power-to-weight issues, this example's performance was less than sparkling, not helped by tall gear ratios that seemed at odds with the engine. Where the Citroën did excel was in fuel economy - best by an Arctic mile. Its 37.7mpg overall was the same as its combined EU figure, and its linked CO₂ emissions figure was the only one to come under 200g/km. Its UK contract hire cost was also the lowest at £352. These combined to give the benchmark score for cost of ownership.

• Introduction
• Fiat Ducato
• Ford Tourneo
• Volkswagen Caravelle
• Mercedes-Benz Vito
• Conclusion