Launched alongside sister models, the new Peugeot Boxer and the Fiat Ducato, the new Relay brings a stylish new front end and large high-mounted headlights incorporating daytime running lights, along with a bold new grille and chevron design as well as a large, multi-piece front bumper to minimise accident damage and reduce repair costs.
In developing new Relay, Citroën’s engineers have applied the latest technology and materials to raise the reliability of high stress usage items such as doors and suspension.
As a result of an intensive development programme, New Relay’s body structures incorporate multiple-point reinforcement to raise body rigidity, improve durability and also to lower noise levels.
The HDi diesel engine line-up has been revised and offers up to 15% better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions figures. All new Relay panel vans in the 3.0 – 3.5 tonne GVW sector now have combined cycle fuel economy of up to 42.8mpg and sub-200g/km CO2 emission figures.
Other operating cost reduction features include extended service intervals of up to 2 years or 30,000 miles. All New Relay panel vans have Citroën’s unique Trafficmaster SmartNav intelligent satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking, which provides further operational cost savings and efficiency gains.
The new model also offers higher levels of comfort thanks to new cab trim and a new dashboard layout. Comfort and practical features include a dual passenger seat, incorporating a drop-down desk unit. In addition, electric windows and electrically operated and heated door mirrors are standard, together with DAB radio; steering mounted audio controls and Bluetooth system. To ensure a comfortable driving position, the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach.
The line-up offers a wide choice of panel vans, which deliver large internal body dimensions including best-in-class load width between wheel arches of 1420mm and side door widths of up to 1250mm. Complementing these large load compartment dimensions is the new Relay’s very low load deck height.
The largest new Relay panel vans are the 3.5 and 4.005 tonne GVW L4H2 and L4H3 models, which have a load deck length of 4070mm. These are produced in “Heavy Specification” with 16-inch wheels and tyres, and uprated heavy duty rear suspension. In L4H2 format, the New Relay has a load volume of 15m3, which is increased to an impressive 17m3 for the L4H3 model.
Thanks to efficient engineering and extensive use of high tensile steel, the new Relay range is said to offer some of the highest available payloads in its class. New Relay panel vans offer a choice of payloads from 1140 to 1995kg.
There’s also new safety features. The new Relay’s standard ESC system can be optionally upgraded with Intelligent Traction Control and Hill Descent Control. A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) option is also available on all models including the Relay 40 heavy versions, where it is standard specification.
The new Relay is also available with an optional reversing camera coupled with parking sensors in the rear bumper. Other significant new options include tyre pressure sensors and additional LED front lighting.
Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s head of commercial vehicles & business sector operations, said: ‘When it goes on sale in the third quarter this year, New Relay will build upon the success of its predecessor which, even at the end of its production life, is still delivering high UK sales volumes. We expect the wide choice of new Relay variants – all offering class-leading load carrying practicality and low cost of operation, coupled with even higher standards of equipment – will increase its popularity with both national fleets and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses.’
To see the Relay in action, click here.
