Citroen Dispatch L2H2 review: big van capacity with medium van costs

To keep up with all the new vans out there, Citroen is loading the Dispatch with extras – like the Trafficmaster sat nav and stolen van tracker

What’s hot?

• Well that amazing mpg figure for starters. Over 60mpg for a van this size is extraordinary.
• With 125bhp under its bonnet this van fairly flies along, although we didn’t manage to try it out up any steep hills with a full load on board.
• To keep it fresh against some red hot opposition such as the Ford Transit Custom and the new Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic, Citroen is now offering a range of new gadgets such as height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a tailgate, rear air suspension and a grip control pack. Can’t be bad!
• And don’t forget that the Dispatch also comes with a free natty Trafficmaster sat nav and stolen tracking unit, unlike any of its rivals.

What’s not?

• The Dispatch is an ageing product and to be honest ride and handling aren’t up to the newer rivals.
• The gearchange on our test van was a bit clunky and the steering a little wooly. Mind you to be fair, most drivers won’t notice and will be quite happy with what’s on offer.
• The driver’s seat lacked any lumbar support. It’s not particularly important for short haul stuff but anyone who undertakes lots of long journeys may find themselves with a twinge in the back.
• As we always mention, official fuel test figures are calibrated in a shed on a rolling road, so the mpg figure for this van will be the same as for the low roof equivalent which is blatantly nonsense once you get out on the road with a stiff wind blowing against you. So don’t be disappointed and come crying to us if you don’t manage to get 60mpg in real life.