The Citan will now run alongside a pair of mid-sized Vito vans, a 109 CDI, 116 CDI Sport Dualiner, and 3.5-tonne Sprinter already in use with the company. All vehicles were supplied and are maintained by the Cardiff branch of dealer Euro Commercials (South Wales).
Launched in February, the Citan is the smallest van in the Mercedes range. The BlueEFFICIENCY package includings the ECO start/stop function, low rolling resistance tyres and optimised alternator and battery management systems. Mercedes claim that the result is a market-leading economy figure of up to 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 112g/km.
As a Dualiner model, Dragon’s new Citan is fitted with a split-folding bench seat behind the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, allowing it to carry up to five members of the company team. The Extra-long configuration still leaves a practical load compartment length of more than 1.3 metres.
Dragon Signs & Print managing director, Rhys Harrington, commented: ‘I’m a big fan of Mercedes-Benz vans. They’re reliable, practical, comfortable and cost-effective to operate, while they also convey an image of quality which can only reflect well on our own business.
‘We use the Sprinter for large external signage installations and the two Vito models for most routine projects, but even they’ve been too big on occasion, which is where the Citan comes in. It’s ideal as a little run-around for smaller jobs, and means that we’re able to restrict our fuel costs to an absolute minimum.
‘I also have a great relationship with the dealer. Product quality is important, of course, but so, too, is service – I’m a great believer in the idea that “people buy from people” and Euro Commercials look after us very well,’ he added.