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Our Review
Citroën Dispatch 1000 1.6 HDi 90 H1 Enterprise Diesel Van Review
Twenty or so years ago things used to be simple – you either wanted a small van, a medium sized van or a big one. Times have changed and these days buyers are simply spoiled for choice. Citroën’s line-up includes the little C2 Enterprise Van, the slightly bigger Nemo, the excellent Berlingo, the Dispatch and the Relay. And what's more, some of these models are available in a variety of configurations: The Dispatch is offered in two wheel-base sizes (L1 and L2) and two roof heights: standard (H1) and high (H2). Its predecessor was restricted to just one wheelbase and one height. So it was with these thoughts in mind that we got to grips with one of the smaller models in the Dispatch range — the short-wheelbase, standard roof L1 H1 1.6-litre HDi diesel.
At a glance
The Citroën Dispatch will appeal to operators in the market for a panel van, though its compactness and drivability around town and in residential areas lends it the appeal of smaller, car-like vans from the class below.
The steeply raked frontal styling borrows from the current Citroën passenger car range. The radiator grille displays the familiar Citroën double chevrons and below that the multi-part bumper juts forward forming a blind spot. However, visibility through the vast windscreen and low-cut side windows is excellent while dual-pane, adjustable, fold-back wing mirrors come as standard. Front fog lights were neither standard nor optional on the Enterprise model we tested, although these are available on other models in the range.
Engines and spec.
The three engine options for the Dispatch are all HDi common-rail diesels and they take some beating on grounds of fuel economy, if not refinement. The 90bhp 1.6-litre unit returns over 40mpg with careful use on the Combined cycle and can hustle a light load along quite briskly. The 2.0-litre engines are likely to be a better bet in the larger models. The range-topping 136bhp engine delivers 38mpg and 320Nm of torque, and is quicker, but this may not justify the price premium in the eyes of some buyers.
Equipment levels look generous with Citroën offering the headline-grabbing Smartnav satellite navigation system as standard along with ABS, EBA, driver’s airbag, three height-adjustable front seats, remote central locking with deadlocks and dashboard control, rear parking sensors, a CD Stereo with wheel-mounted controls and electric windows. The LX derivatives get self-levelling suspension along with other desirables. Sensibly, alloy wheels are not available for the Dispatch.
Load area
Access to the generous 5.0m3 cargo area is by means of sliding doors on each side plus twin rear doors, both of which can be pushed through 90° and through 180° if you release the stays. They open to reveal a load bay with eight cargo tie-down points and doors that are panelled to half their height. As are the sides, but surprisingly there is no protection for the wheel arches. We liked the hard wearing flooring in the rear which in practice should prove easy to clean and maintain.
It's worth mentioning that an H1 Dispatch has an overall height of 1,942mm, which will enable it to squeeze into most multi-storey car parks which usually have a height limit of 1,950mm. That said, it’s worth double-checking a car park’s height limit before you enter, as some will be lower.
At the wheel
Get behind the wheel of Citroen’s Dispatch and it becomes the proverbial curate’s egg. On the positive side, the cab area has been thoughtfully designed to make best use of the available space. There is comfortable, supportive seating and a respectable amount of storage space to keep oddments in check. A three-seat capacity is claimed but, as so often in small vans, the legroom for the middle berth is severely restricted by the dash-mounted gear lever which occupies the space where the middle passenger’s knee should be.
Facilities for storing oddments include a cubby-hole, a pull-out cup-holder and a shallow shelf at each extremity of the facia, a shelf beneath the steering column, one beneath the controls for the RDS stereo radio/CD player — you'll find a set of remote controls on the steering column — and two lidded ones above the windscreen. There are shallow bins with a moulding to hold a flask or a bottle of water in each door and a tray beneath the passenger seat. On the down side, many of the storage areas are simply too small for drinks bottles, cans or mobile phones and not ideally situated.
One of the vehicle's big plus points is ease of cab access. Although the handbrake lever is unusually positioned - between the driver's seat and the door - it does not present an obstacle. The driver's seat is height-adjustable — it's got lumbar adjustment too — as is the steering wheel so most people will be able to achieve a comfortable driving position. Cross-cab movement is rather more problematic.
A Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation package comes as standard and allows your van to be tracked remotely if stolen. The screen can be removed and stored out of view in the glove compartment and a 12v power point means you can operate ancillary equipment with another one in the load area.
On the road
Anyone jumping from another small panel van into the Dispatch will notice how much lower the driver sits in the Citroën. This makes access far easier and is ideal for delivery drivers who are constantly climbing in and out of their vans. It can also be difficult to see over that extensive bonnet when parking, especially as the driver sits a long way back from the base of the windscreen. In general the Dispatch does feel compact and it’s easy to thread through traffic, thanks to a footprint that’s barely larger than a standard family saloon. Engine noise tends to be intrusive but the brakes respond with assurance and body roll when cornering is helped by that low centre of gravity. The gear change, though not class-leading in its accuracy, is an improvement over the old Dispatch and the suspension gives a well-judged blend of comfort and stability.
Our Verdict
If your business needs to carry more then the Citroën Dispatch is probably the answer. It takes up no more road space than a big people carrier yet offers up to 1,200kg carrying capacity, is fitted with twin side load doors and can seat two passengers as well as the driver.
Standard twin side load doors, large rear doors and a low height sill means that the Dispatch is easy to load and unload and is suitable for a wide range of applications. On the debit side the Dispatch is starting to show its age relative to other Citroën models and the cabin area is not great in terms of space or layout.
Twenty or so years ago things used to be simple – you either wanted a small van, a medium sized van or a big one. Times have changed and these days buyers are simply spoiled for choice. Citroën’s line-up includes the little C2 Enterprise Van, the slightly bigger Nemo, the excellent Berlingo, the Dispatch and the Relay. And what's more, some of these models are available in a variety of configurations: The Dispatch is offered in two wheel-base sizes (L1 and L2) and two roof heights: standard (H1) and high (H2). Its predecessor was restricted to just one wheelbase and one height. So it was with these thoughts in mind that we got to grips with one of the smaller models in the Dispatch range — the short-wheelbase, standard roof L1 H1 1.6-litre HDi diesel.
At a glance
The Citroën Dispatch will appeal to operators in the market for a panel van, though its compactness and drivability around town and in residential areas lends it the appeal of smaller, car-like vans from the class below.
The steeply raked frontal styling borrows from the current Citroën passenger car range. The radiator grille displays the familiar Citroën double chevrons and below that the multi-part bumper juts forward forming a blind spot. However, visibility through the vast windscreen and low-cut side windows is excellent while dual-pane, adjustable, fold-back wing mirrors come as standard. Front fog lights were neither standard nor optional on the Enterprise model we tested, although these are available on other models in the range.
Engines and spec.
The three engine options for the Dispatch are all HDi common-rail diesels and they take some beating on grounds of fuel economy, if not refinement. The 90bhp 1.6-litre unit returns over 40mpg with careful use on the Combined cycle and can hustle a light load along quite briskly. The 2.0-litre engines are likely to be a better bet in the larger models. The range-topping 136bhp engine delivers 38mpg and 320Nm of torque, and is quicker, but this may not justify the price premium in the eyes of some buyers.
Equipment levels look generous with Citroën offering the headline-grabbing Smartnav satellite navigation system as standard along with ABS, EBA, driver’s airbag, three height-adjustable front seats, remote central locking with deadlocks and dashboard control, rear parking sensors, a CD Stereo with wheel-mounted controls and electric windows. The LX derivatives get self-levelling suspension along with other desirables. Sensibly, alloy wheels are not available for the Dispatch.
Load area
Access to the generous 5.0m3 cargo area is by means of sliding doors on each side plus twin rear doors, both of which can be pushed through 90° and through 180° if you release the stays. They open to reveal a load bay with eight cargo tie-down points and doors that are panelled to half their height. As are the sides, but surprisingly there is no protection for the wheel arches. We liked the hard wearing flooring in the rear which in practice should prove easy to clean and maintain.
It's worth mentioning that an H1 Dispatch has an overall height of 1,942mm, which will enable it to squeeze into most multi-storey car parks which usually have a height limit of 1,950mm. That said, it’s worth double-checking a car park’s height limit before you enter, as some will be lower.
At the wheel
Get behind the wheel of Citroen’s Dispatch and it becomes the proverbial curate’s egg. On the positive side, the cab area has been thoughtfully designed to make best use of the available space. There is comfortable, supportive seating and a respectable amount of storage space to keep oddments in check. A three-seat capacity is claimed but, as so often in small vans, the legroom for the middle berth is severely restricted by the dash-mounted gear lever which occupies the space where the middle passenger’s knee should be.
Facilities for storing oddments include a cubby-hole, a pull-out cup-holder and a shallow shelf at each extremity of the facia, a shelf beneath the steering column, one beneath the controls for the RDS stereo radio/CD player — you'll find a set of remote controls on the steering column — and two lidded ones above the windscreen. There are shallow bins with a moulding to hold a flask or a bottle of water in each door and a tray beneath the passenger seat. On the down side, many of the storage areas are simply too small for drinks bottles, cans or mobile phones and not ideally situated.
One of the vehicle's big plus points is ease of cab access. Although the handbrake lever is unusually positioned - between the driver's seat and the door - it does not present an obstacle. The driver's seat is height-adjustable — it's got lumbar adjustment too — as is the steering wheel so most people will be able to achieve a comfortable driving position. Cross-cab movement is rather more problematic.
A Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation package comes as standard and allows your van to be tracked remotely if stolen. The screen can be removed and stored out of view in the glove compartment and a 12v power point means you can operate ancillary equipment with another one in the load area.
On the road
Anyone jumping from another small panel van into the Dispatch will notice how much lower the driver sits in the Citroën. This makes access far easier and is ideal for delivery drivers who are constantly climbing in and out of their vans. It can also be difficult to see over that extensive bonnet when parking, especially as the driver sits a long way back from the base of the windscreen. In general the Dispatch does feel compact and it’s easy to thread through traffic, thanks to a footprint that’s barely larger than a standard family saloon. Engine noise tends to be intrusive but the brakes respond with assurance and body roll when cornering is helped by that low centre of gravity. The gear change, though not class-leading in its accuracy, is an improvement over the old Dispatch and the suspension gives a well-judged blend of comfort and stability.
Our Verdict
If your business needs to carry more then the Citroën Dispatch is probably the answer. It takes up no more road space than a big people carrier yet offers up to 1,200kg carrying capacity, is fitted with twin side load doors and can seat two passengers as well as the driver.
Standard twin side load doors, large rear doors and a low height sill means that the Dispatch is easy to load and unload and is suitable for a wide range of applications. On the debit side the Dispatch is starting to show its age relative to other Citroën models and the cabin area is not great in terms of space or layout.
Our man with a van
Motoring journalist Adrian Foster has been commissioned to write impartial van and pick up reviews for our website, specifically to help with your decision making process. We have provided him with a van and the spec and nothing more, so you can rely on his views being real and honest.
Adrian began his career in the motor retail industry with Perry’s Group before turning his hand to motoring journalism. He launched the Drivelines motoring press agency as a means of providing high quality journalism on new cars, commercial vehicles, motorsport and the motor industry at large.
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Customer reviews
Below are our customer reviews for the Citroen Dispatch. Want to have your say? Leave a review for the Citroen Dispatch now.
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Anthony Mockett Citroen Citroen Dispatch
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Simon Hayward Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 30 2019
Very good value for money
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Danny Fuller Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 20 2019
Everything is great but the MPG seems very low.
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Thomas Brady Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 13 2019
A good, mid-range van, a little on the small side for storage, but with plenty of doors.
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Patrick Doyle Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 24 2019
GOOD VEHICLE
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Mark Theobald Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 23 2019
Haven’t had it that long but seems to be ok
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Grahame Willis Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 10 2019
Smaller in length than advertised, misleading that you can get 8x4 sheets in but can't.
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Robert Gibson Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 22 2019
A comfortable van for the driver and does the job we got it for.
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Robert Gibson Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 22 2019
Comfortable for the driver & does the job we need it to do.
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Andrew Mccabe Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 01 2019
Very happy
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Lee Richard Ward Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 01 2019
Great medium size van and value for money
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Lee Richard Ward Citroen Citroen Dispatch
February 27 2019
Smart and efficient
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Penelope Hancock Citroen Citroen Dispatch
February 27 2019
Brilliant
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Dean Fisher Citroen Citroen Dispatch
February 18 2019
Really nice van for the money, would recommend!!
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Dean Fisher Citroen Citroen Dispatch
February 18 2019
Really nice van for the money, would recommend!!
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Robin Wilson Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 25 2019
After the first week of use I have no issues at all. A bit early to tell about longterm running costs and reliability, but in its first week and having covered about 300 miles, 46.5 mpg is encouraging for when the engine loosens up.
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Robin Wilson Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 25 2019
After the first week of use I have no issues at all. A bit early to tell about longterm running costs and reliability, but in its first week and having covered about 300 miles, 46.5 mpg is encouraging for when the engine loosens up.
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Robert Millerchip Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 15 2019
Very good
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Martin Harris Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 06 2018
My citroen dispatch has been a great pleasure to drive and very economical and the cargo area is almost as big as a transit which had before, a great surprise to able to fit several 2.4 x 1.2 plasterboards. One downside from the transit is no heated windscreen which I loved on a frosty morning, apart from that brilliant..
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Robert Veiner Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 02 2018
Im happy with the van, I wish I had known more about the specifications. My old vehicle had many benefits and id like to have upgrades fitted to this vehicle.
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Paul Knowles Citroen Citroen Dispatch
November 29 2018
Very happy with this vehicle and will buy another when the time is right.
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Ammer Chaudhry Citroen Citroen Dispatch
November 09 2018
The van wan just want i asked for and the colour is the best
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Neil Jennings Citroen Citroen Dispatch
August 12 2018
Very good nice looking and very comfortable excellent van all round
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Robert Clark Citroen Citroen Dispatch
August 08 2018
Perfect for our business
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Paul Donnelly Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 13 2018
First impressions I love it
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Thomas Ward Citroen Citroen Dispatch
June 28 2018
So far so good.
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Nigel Pidwell Citroen Citroen Dispatch
June 15 2018
Great van
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Anthony Eastwood Citroen Citroen Dispatch
June 06 2018
We researched what we wanted so no real surprises.
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Tracey Boylan Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 29 2018
The vehicle is ideal for operational purposes and we are pleased with the recommended vehicle.
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Tony Chatters Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 18 2018
Nice and relaxing to drive and enough space for what I required
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David Mack Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 30 2018
better than i was expecting
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Timothy O'donnell Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 21 2018
Best van I have ever driven. It’s great with my phone. Which is very important
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Alan Smith Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 15 2018
Love this van! Better equipped than my Mercedes car!
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Matthew Buck Citroen Citroen Dispatch
February 26 2018
To be honest most new vans seem very nice. But I liked it, had good power and decent size space in front and rear of van. Overall its a good looking van and would consider getting another for the fleet.
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Christopher Doyle Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 12 2018
Nice van though handling and perfromance could be improved. Does the job though.
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Chris Martin Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 05 2018
Too early to say as I’ve only covered 500 miles, so far so good.
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Adel Ali Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 30 2017
A great van to drive.
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Peter Weale Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 29 2017
Lovely van to drive so far!!!
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Gareth Evans Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 29 2017
Very happy with it - looks like a quality van.
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Catherine Jenkins Citroen Citroen Dispatch
August 07 2017
A good value van.
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Paul Lambertini Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 13 2016
Very good van, economical just like driving a car, powerful engine which is very quiet, inside the cab is comfortable with plenty of storage space. The van is spacious at the back perfect for a decorator like me.
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Ian John Hetherington Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 13 2016
Very well equipped and easy to drive.
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David Barrigan Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 13 2016
Great drive and very comfortable.
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Richard Morton Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 08 2016
The Roof bars were missing when the vehicle arrived. I was expecting many excuses and problems. What I got was straight answers, apologies and roof bars fitted within 24 hours. 1st class. The Van is better than expected. It drives and handles like a car. Even for the basic van model I chose, it has air con, sat nav, parking sensors, speed camera warnings, what more could I ask for. I'm a small guy at 5ft 3in and aspect driving compromises with the driving position etc. No problems here. In fact this is the best driving position, and the best comfort and support I have ever had. I've had to amend the ply lining around the wheel arches because at one point there was less then the 4ft between them that I was requiring. But adjustments made, additional panels fitted, bungee ropes and hooks fitted, has made the van simply fantastic. My only slight complaint is that it could do with a second interior light nearer the cab as per my old VW transporter van. Other than that a 99 out of 100 van.
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Robert Griffiths Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 02 2016
Great for me but will be upgrading in three years to the 2.0 engine for the days when you have a bit more weight in the back.
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Dieter Dickman Citroen Citroen Dispatch
August 16 2016
Very nice van, comfortable, simple and easy to drive!
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Terry Bryan Pasfield Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 25 2016
Very good van.
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Mark Pettitt Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 14 2016
Perfect, comfy and great on fuel.
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Clare Louise Stubbins Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 11 2016
Very pleased. Acceleration, even with a load, is excellent.
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Gary Connolly Citroen Citroen Dispatch
June 27 2016
All good, not as solid as my old Trafic and not quite as many miles to the gallon as I thought it would be but very satisfied.
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Karen Rutherford Citroen Citroen Dispatch
June 21 2016
So far a good work van.
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David Mccormick Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 24 2016
Great van.
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Craig Berrows Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 15 2016
Great van.
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Malcolm Gray Citroen Citroen Dispatch
January 05 2016
Really good van but would go for the 2.0 litre engine next time.
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Peter Hollingworth Citroen Citroen Dispatch
October 16 2015
Very good 3 seater work van.
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Gary Jenkins Citroen Citroen Dispatch
September 24 2015
Good around van,big enough for my needs,but drives and parks like a car
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Danny Lee Eady Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 27 2015
Very pleased
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Ian Wood Citroen Citroen Dispatch
April 28 2015
Nice van that is the right size for the type of work we are doing.
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Martin Jarvis Citroen Citroen Dispatch
December 03 2014
Maybe needs a slightly bigger engine for the size of van.
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Steven Draper Citroen Citroen Dispatch
July 30 2014
The Citroen Dispatch is a nice size van with the comforts of a car, perfect for everyday driving.
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Andrew Rutter Citroen Citroen Dispatch
May 28 2014
Not had much time to put many miles on it yet, but first impression great load space, lots of storage in cabin, drives more like a car than a van. Bluetooth aircon & satnav a real bonus. Too early to comment on mpg as yet.
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Mark Prizeman Citroen Citroen Dispatch
March 07 2014
Having had my old van for 15 years, Its nice to have something thoroughly modern.
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Glen Randles Citroen Citroen Dispatch
October 04 2013
Good Van
Not going to lie, when the van turned up I was pretty shocked on how big it was. Took a little time to get used to the fact I’ve got a new van and that it’s got extra’s fitted to it. Great van and really happy I chose it.