Our Verdict
A more than deserved joint-winner of the International Van of the Year Award for 2008, Dispatch offers a broad range of models to choose from and we welcome the standard fitment of ABS and the Trafficmaster Smartnav system.

Upgraded at the end of 2007, Citroën’s Dispatch now offers a much greater breadth of model options. It’s available with a choice of two wheelbases and roof heights, with the smallest one being noticeably bigger than its predecessor. It can be had as a panel van or platform cab, as well as passenger car nine-seater Combi.

Dispatch panel van version comes with two sliding side doors and twin side-hinged rear doors as standard. Load volume is either 5.0m³, 6.0m³ or 7.0m³ depending on the configuration; the high roof option is only available on the long-wheelbase chassis. Load length is either 2,254mm or 2,584mm and gross payloads range from 1,000kg to 1,200kg.

There are three diesel engine options, starting with a 90hp 1.6-litre which develops peak torque of 179Nm at 1,750rpm. Two 2.0-litre HDis complete the line-up; one rated at 120hp with the other capable of 136hp. Torque figures for these two versions are 300Nm and 320Nm respectively and the highest powered option comes fitted with a diesel particulate filter ensuring even lower CO₂ emission figures.

A five-speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels in the case of the 1.6 with the two 2-litre units benefitting from a six-speeder. Mainstay of the engine line-up is the 120hp 2-litre, but all three provide a smooth delivery of performance right through the rev-range, though on the motorway the 1.6 can feel a tad underpowered on uphill sections.

The modern cab has a light and airy feel and the driving position is comfortable, though there is a slight off-set to the fully adjustable steering wheel. The gearstick is fascia-mounted and set at a comfortable height, but sadly it does slightly impede cross-cab movement as well as restrict legroom for the centre passenger. There are plenty of storage pockets and two neatly placed cup-holders.

Dispatch has a good range of standard specification such as multi-button remote central locking, electric windows and one feature we really like is the Trafficmaster Smartnav package that is included in the on-the-road price. Citroën boasts an excellent comprehensive ‘One-stop shop’ service too that means a complete vehicle conversion can be arranged directly with the dealership.

As with every new Citroën van, Dispatch has the benefit of a three-year/100,000 mile warranty, with no mileage restrictions for the first two years.