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By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of this third generation mid-sized Dispatch van is very important to Citroen. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 82

The Dispatch is Citroen's idea of what a medium-sized van should be and goes up against some tough LCV rivals in this sector like Ford's Transit Custom and Volkswagen's Transporter. Style, size and technology are all factors that now rank in this third generation model's favour, especially in this updated form, though it shares most of its Stellantis Group design with competitors from Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and Toyota. Still, this package remains one that has much to offer in its tightly-fought segment.

Backgroundword count: 179

With this third generation Dispatch, Citroen has been aiming to almost double its market share in the LCV sector, so the early 2024 update to this design were very signifiant for the brand. This is Citroen's entrant in the volume medium-range van sector, where VW Transporters, Mercedes Vitos, Renault Trafics and Ford Transit Custom models often rule the roost. Taking on this lot isn't something you'd want to do single-handed, so the French brand has chosen to share this design not only with its partner Peugeot's Expert model, but also with Toyota's Proace, Vauxhall's Vivaro and Fiat's Scudo: all these five Stellantis Group vans share the same platform. The previous generation pre-2018-era version of this vehicle didn't significantly trouble the main players in this segment. But this MK3 model got itself sorted out, with more sophisticated design and larger load volumes that rival anything in the class. You get clever design, proven engines and low running costs in a package that certainly works on paper. Whether it'll cut the mustard day-in-day-out though is what we're here to find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 266

Citroen reckons that the handling on this MK3 model Dispatch has narrowed the dynamic gap in this regard to the class-leading Transit Custom. Engine choice in a Dispatch is pretty straightforward, provided you've a clear idea of the kind of work you want it to do. If your needs are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 120hp 1.5-litre BlueHDi 120 unit (paired with manual transmission) may well be quite sufficient. Otherwise, you'll probably be looking at a 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel with 145hp, which comes with the option of 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission. There's also a full-electric version, the e-Dispatch, which now offers a 217 mile driving range from its 75kWh battery (12 miles more than the equivalent pre-facelift model). A key factor behind the success of previous generation Dispatch models has been found in the way that this French LCV is able to remain compact and wieldy in the manner of smaller, more car-like vans from the class below. This MK3 model's bigger of course than those older designs, but it retains much of that same usability around town and rides much better thanks to supple suspension and a stiff EMP2 platform. Special wishbone filtering dampens the impacts of our country's terrible tarmac and the variable stiffness springs and shock absorbers deliver surprising levels of comfort whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Citroen's also done a lot of work to improve refinement. And we like the 'Driving time warning system' which flashes up a dash warning after two hours of uninterrupted driving at speeds of 40mph and above.

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