Why Lease The Dispatch?
by: Alex BradleyAlex Bradley is a skilled writer and digital content specialist focusing on automotive and sports. He has a degree in Multimedia Journalism and previously worked for The Northern Quota as Head Sports Editor.
Citroen Dispatch Review 2023
The Citroen Dispatch is a medium-sized van that's perfect for businesses needing a versatile and practical van. With three body lengths and up to 6.6m3 of load volume available, the Dispatch is an excellent choice for sole traders.
Rivals to the Dispatch include the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Renault Trafic, and Volkswagen Transporter.
Our Citroen Dispatch review covers:
Citroen Dispatch Key Features
- Modern exterior design with good-looking front end
- Pleasant and practical interior
- Up to 6.6m3 of load volume
- Three diesel engines
- Two trims available
Citroen Dispatch Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Good diesel engines
- Three body lengths
- Car-like handling
Cons:
- The cabin could do with some improvement
- Poor visibility
- Front passengers may be cramped
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
Citroen is part of the Stellantis group, so the Dispatch follows the same design principles as other medium-sized vans like the Peugeot Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro. It has a large front end, slick LED headlights, and a boxy rear.
There's enough space for three people inside the Dispatch. The driver gets their own seat that comes with loads of adjustment, while the other two passengers share a bench. The bench is spacious enough for two adults, but they probably won't want to stay there for too long if they're on the larger side.
There's loads of storage, including a tray that drops down from one of the passenger seats, insulated under seat storage, and large door bins.
The Dispatch is available in three lengths: XS, M, and XL. We'd recommend XS if you usually find yourself in a city, while M and XL are more suited for those needing cargo space. Load volumes come in at 5.1, 5.8, and 6.6m3, while the maximum payload is 1,446kg.
You get twin side sliding doors as standard, and you can add an optional load-through bulkhead to accommodate longer items.
Interior and Trims
Climb inside the Dispatch, and you'll find a pleasant and comfortable interior. The dashboard is well-built, and everything is within reach of the driver, but it's probably not as premium as the Volkswagen Transporter or Ford Transit.
On the dash, you get a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has a DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Coffee Break Alert, and a USB socket. The system is decent and will fit the bill for your business, and you can add a sat-nav with the Driver Edition trim.
Two trims are available for the Dispatch: Enterprise and Driver Edition.
Enterprise has 16-inch steel wheels, twin sliding side doors, air conditioning, automatic lights, an adjustable driver's seat, a full steel bulkhead, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear parking sensor, cruise control with speed limiter, and remote central locking.
Driver Edition has 17-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights, VisioPark 180-degree parking camera, a dual passenger bench seat with a fold-up outer seat, and Citroen connect nav.
Power and Performance
Three diesel units make up the engine range for the Dispatch. Power outputs range from 75 to 106hp, and you can choose between a manual or automatic transmission (depending on the engine).
The entry-level unit is the BlueHDi 100, a 1.5-litre engine that tops out at 90mph. It's paired with a six-speed manual transmission and returns a fuel economy of 38 to 45mpg.
The BlueHDI 145 takes up the range-topping option. It's the unit for those who want a bit more power, coming with 106hp and topping out at 106mph. It's available with both a manual and eight-speed automatic transmission,
The Dispatch is comfortable and refined to drive, with the diesel engines providing plenty of performance. The van is engineered for agility and manoeuvrability, and thanks to its low centre of gravity, it feels planted on the road, which reduces body roll when cornering.
The suspension is nicely configured to ensure it deals with bumps well, and even with nothing in the rear, ride quality is still good. Additionally, the Dispatch's handling is precise and responsive, which makes scooting around town a breeze.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Citroen Dispatch start from £32,052.00 OTR* or to lease from £372.15 per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Citroen Dispatch? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest van leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.