Citroen Dispatch Panel Van (2024 - ) review

The Dispatch is available in two sizes, M and L, coming with either a 4.98m or 5.33m length body. Citroen sells the Dispatch as either a panel van or as a double cab van with either five or six-seats (other Stellantis vans are offered in similar formats, although some are also offered in chassis cab formats). Load volumes range from 5.1m3 to 6.6m3 in the largest version and there’s a maximum payload of 1446kg thanks to a higher gross vehicle weight (GVW) for their biggest vans. Lower GVW vans in the range can still carry at least 1100kg, which is basically the magic number that most people desire any medium van to exceed. High weight carrying fleets and businesses don’t really need to look much further afield for a medium van solution, hence the perfect score for this section. It’s only available in one height option, but that one height option will allow access to height-restricted car parks and some multi-story car parks.

On the inside, there’s an all-new dashboard design and layout which increases the size of the current storage compartments – which is a good improvement on the previous generation, which wasn’t pokey but was certainly not blessed with masses of storage in the cabin. New cubby holes have also been added in the central dash area. This model gets a new 10-inch infotainment screen as standard with connectivity for smartphone mirroring via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel is also completely revamped to make way for more finger-tip controls, but it’s the hidden changes linked to the steering that make the Dispatch even better than previous generations (see the ‘Ride and handling’ section for more information on that).

The Citroen Dispatch’s BlueHDI engine is among the most efficient in the medium-van segment with a claimed fuel economy of over 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). Another great indication of why this van is a fleet operator’s dream.

Overall, 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. The vehicle is covered by a 3-year warranty provided by the manufacturer, which covers mechanical issues. It’s not the longest warranty period, but it’s there, and if you lease one of these new vehicles for 3 years your vehicle will be covered for the whole contract.

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. There are nippier medium vans out there, but they often compromise on payload… and it’s not like you’re going to need to race these things on a track!

Citroen’s medium vans have tended to be soft and wallowy, but the Dispatch 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.

Because of the electrical steering upgrade, there are now more safety systems than 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.

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. This van has already proved itself as a stalwart performer and durable medium van. There’s a lot to like about it and we recommend checking out this new-look Citroen Dispatch.