Citroen Nemo Euro 5 UK launch

Citroën Nemo Euro 5 UK launch

Nemo goes to Euro 5 with a new 1.3HDi diesel engine, Stop & Start system as standard and payload rises to 660kg.

Citroën has replaced the 1.4HDi Euro 4 diesel engine it shared with Peugeot’s Bipper in favour of a 1.3HDi to take its compact front-wheel drive urban warrior to Euro 5. It’s the same engine powering Fiat’s version of the jointly developed van, the Fiorino.

The 1.3HDi brings with it more power, taking it to 75hp, but more importantly peak torque rises to 190Nm at a very low 1,500rpm. The previous powerplant produced 70hp and developed 160Nm at 1,750rpm. All new diesel Nemos come with a Diesel Particulate Filter and a Stop & Start system as standard to further reduce CO2 emissions.

Stop & Start automatically cuts the engine when the van comes to a halt and restarts it when the time comes to set off again.

As a result, compared to the 1.4HDi it returns a 10.5 per cent improvement in fuel consumption for the Urban Cycle at 55.4mpg and a 4.4 per cent reduction for the Combined Cycle, taking it to 65.7mpg. At the same time CO2 emissions are down to 113g/km, a drop of five per cent. Service intervals remain at 20,000 miles; something else to keep the wallet happy.

Citroën continues to offer a 1.4i petrol option for Nemo, now also Euro 5 naturally. This is primarily for the Ready to Run Duel Fuel petrol/lpg conversion, carried out by specialist company Nicholson McLaren Engines.

Increased Load Flexibility

As well as fitting a new, more efficient diesel Citroën also took the opportunity to include its folding Extenso passenger seat in the Nemo package. In essence this offers the potential to increase the load length on the nearside from 1,523mm to 2,491mm. It also means that the load space can be increased from 2.5m³ to 2.8m³ as the need arises; providing there is no passenger, of course.

To compliment this new standard feature, there’s a folding steel mesh full bulkhead available as an option at £189 (excl VAT) plus fitting. To compliment the additional load area flexibility, gross payload has increased to 660kg, providing 50kg more than the first generation Nemo.

Behind the Wheel
Fitting a stop/start system as standard to a compact urban delivery vehicle like Nemo is a no-brainer. The technology is tried and tested and works extremely well in practice. The additional torque endows Nemo with an even more frisky nature than it displayed previously, while at the same time improving fuel consumption.

Engine noise and vibration are well contained, but VansA2Z would have a solid bulkhead fitted, rather than a mesh one. Load flexibility may be diminished, bit it makes for a much quieter time. The air conditioning fitted as standard on the Enterprise-spec model will also work more efficiently.

Verdict
There was nothing inherently wrong with the first generation Nemo’s 1.4HDi, but anyone familiar with it will be impressed by its 1.3-litre Euro 5 successor; the best small-capacity common rail turbodiesel currently on the market. As an added bonus, fuel consumption is improved and payload has increased; a very constructive update to an already impressive package.