New Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch vans revealed ~ station of gear

All-new versions of the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch mid-sized panel vans have debuted in France

2016-03-30 12:00

Peugeot and Citroen have revealed their brand new Expert and Dispatch vans at a special event at their Sevelnord plant in France. Both the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch will be based on PSA’s new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) and will boast improved efficiency and lower running costs from the range of BlueHDi diesel engines.

We’ve already seen these vans in MPV form when they were unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show as the Peugeot Traveller and Citroen Space Tourer, however this is the first time PSA has shown the panel van versions.

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The modular design of the vans is reflected in two wheelbases, which have been combined to offer three different body lengths. The smallest option is 4.60 metres, with medium and longer lengths at 4.95 metres and 5.30 metres respectively.

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The platform’s reinforced structure supports a payload of up 1,400kg and allows the vans to tow up to 2.5 tonnes. Both the Expert and Dispatch are also offered as double cabs and flatbeds.

Focus on efficiency

Efficiency is likely to be the main selling point though, as the range of BlueHDi engines combined with the weight savings gained from the new platform considerably cut emissions and improve fuel economy.

There are three 1.6-litre diesel engines, ranging from 95bhp to 115bhp, with the most frugal offering 55.3mpg and 133g/km CO2 emissions. There are also three more-powerful 2.0-litre diesels, with the range-topper offering 180bhp with 46.3mpg and 151g/km.

Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat said: “The innovative design allows us to offer best in class efficiency figures in terms of CO2 and fuel economy. It’s our trump card in winning over new customers in the LCV sector.”

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Both have been awarded the maximum 5-star rating in EuroNCAP tests, helped by a host of safety features on board, with adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, road-sign reading and recommendations, lane departure warning, driver attention alert and an active safety brake all available.

Linda Jackson, Citroen CEO, added: “The new Dispatch fully adopts the styling and personality of the car version, the Citroen Space Tourer. While we are confident of retaining our existing customers, there is the potential for new customers. We are aiming for the top step in Europe.”

Advanced technology features

Other tech on offer includes a 7-inch touchscreen with voice-operated connected 3D satellite navigation, a head-up display and a ‘Mirror Screen’ function that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink technology.

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The ‘Top Rear Vision’ system also makes parking easier, as when the vehicle approaches an obstacle the rear camera zooms in to provide a 180-degree seen from above angle for a more precise display of the remaining distance. Conventional front and rear parking sensors are also available.

In addition, both vans can come with unique hands-free sliding doors, which can be opened or closed with your hands full. The system will also close the doors then lock the vehicle automatically as you drive away.

What do you think of the new Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch vans? Let us know in the comments...

Pete Baiden

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