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Expert Review
Everything you need to know about the Citroen Relay is right here – this large van is packed with features to make its users lives easier. Vanarama's Tia Richards reports.
The Citroen Relay has been around for well over a decade. You might remember your first sighting of the Relay in 2006, but since then the Relay has benefited from numerous facelifts to its body and engines.
This large van is available as a Tipper, Dropside and Luton and you now have a choice of 3 engine outputs; 110bhp, 130bhp and 160bhp. Oh, and you might have seen this face before because the Citroen Relay platform shares with the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer.
Here's our review of the current generation L3 H3 Citroen Relay…
Get Familiar With The Front
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So, let's start with the front.
The first thing you'll notice are the MASSIVE headlights. To give you an idea of how big they are, I used my arm to measure the size of them. Instead of giving you a number, use the length of your arm – from your elbow to your hand. Yep, they are enormous.
Next up is the beastly grille. Okay, it's not as bold as the grille on the Vauxhall Vivaro Deranged, but it definitely makes a statement. In fact, it's hard not to notice its presence. But is it all for show? The answer is no! The grille is extremely tough-wearing thanks to its chosen attire – a mix of durable plastic and metal.
Placed just above the grille is the familiar Citroen badge. This feature is also enlarged. I'm starting to think that the hulk might have been in mind when Citroen were designing this van…
Before we move onto the features that will tower before you, we thought it might be helpful to mention that Citroen have designed the front using 3 panels. So, if you happen to damage 1 of the panels you can just remove it and replace it, simple. Very clever Citroen (cue the round of applause).
Moving onto the front features that towered over me – the gigantic windscreen and the lengthy aerial. Let's talk about the windscreen; huge, big and gigantic… anyone else know how we can say large? Rest assured that you'll be able to see VERY clearly. And the aerial? Well, admittedly it's not as visually pleasing as a shark head aerial, but it gets the job done. You can listen to all your favourite radio stations.
Back To Basics
Moving onto the cabin.
Look, we're not going to lie to you, the cabin is quite basic. If you're not after a plush cabin with unneeded luxuries like voice control (apologies Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) the Citroen Relay is your van. Not that we have anything against voice control in a van, but is it really necessary? We'll let you decide. Anyway, back to the Relay – here's what to expect when you take a seat in the cabin…
First of all, let's address the elephant in the room – the reoccurring theme of GIGANTIC assets. Have a feel of the steering wheel and cast your eyes on the dashboard, both take centre stage due to their size.
Don't worry, I know we said the cabin is basic, but all models include these features (at no extra cost):
- DAB radio with Bluetooth
- Steering wheel controls
- USB socket
- Dash clipboard
- Remote Central Locking
- Emergency Braking Assistance
- Electronic Stability Control
- Immobiliser
- ABS
BUT, if you want a little bit of luxury you'll have to pay extra for these features, also known as the 'Enterprise' model:
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Touch screen infotainment system
If you fancy upping your game when it comes to the cabin it will cost you, but nothing in life is free – nope not even aircon. But don't worry if you can't fork out for the features above, I mean, air con isn't a necessity when you live in the UK.
Next up is storage in the cabin and there's LOADS of it. There are 2 gloveboxes, 1 is lockable and will hold a laptop or tablet or both, at the same time – disclaimer alert, this has not been tried and tested, do so at your own risk. Look on the dashboard and you'll see more storage – a shelf and cubbies. Watch our mini review here to see how spacious the Citroen Relay is.
The only fault we can point out is the placement of the handbrake. So, you're in the driving seat, look to your right and BOOM there it is, strange?
It's RELAY Roomy
Yep, you read that right – this van is RELAY roomy. I know I promised I wouldn't use the pun again, but I couldn't resist – last time, promise.
You might be surprised to hear this (not), but the loading bay is VERY big. Our tried and tested L3 H3 panel van model can carry an impressive 1500kg in the back, measures to a whopping 3705mm in length and is 2172mm tall.
If you need to carry a bulkier load, opt for the L4 H3 model – it can hold a 1995kg maximum payload. In fact, now would be a good time to tell you that the Citroen Relay is available in 4 lengths; 4963mm to 6363mm and 3 heights from 2254mm to 2764mm.
Right enough bragging about the size of this…. van. Take a look around the cargo bed and you'll find plenty of lashing points and extra storage space above the bulkhead. Oh, and you might have noticed the ply-lined interior in the back, guess what? It won't cost you a penny when you lease a van with us! Check out our range overview video to find out more:
You're Driving
Got your seatbelt on? Let's go for a drive…
Picture this – you're in the driving seat of a 2-litre BlueHDi, 6-speed manual Citroen Relay. I know what you're thinking – it doesn't sound as glamourous as an ad for a holiday resort, but it's close enough, right?
Let's talk about the 2-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, which are the heart of all Relay's. 2 words; powerful and economical. Despite the size of this VERY large van, you might be surprised to hear that it's light on its feet and it's certainly packing a punch when it comes to speed. Need to pick up the pace? Need to slow down? Either way, when you change gears this Relay responds without hesitation.
This van also has no trouble snaking in and out of sharp turns. Surprised? Yep, we were too. It's hard to find a van of this size with a very responsive turning circle.
And visibility? Well, you can see EVERYTHING! We mentioned the windscreen earlier and we weren't joking when we said it was big. You know when you go to the cinema and everything is enlarged because the screen is massive? Yeah, lets use that as a comparison to the colossal windscreen.
Here's more good news…
If our tried and tested 130bhp Relay isn't tickling your fancy, this van is not only available in different dimensions, but you can also choose from these engine outputs; 110bhp and 160bhp.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Look, if you're looking for a van that's kitted with the latest tech and a lavish cabin, you're not going to find it in the Citroen Relay. But, it's not all doom and gloom. The cabin might be basic, but it makes up for it in load space and its HUGE windscreen. This van is all about function, choose the Citroen Relay if you want to get the job done.
Customer reviews
Below are our customer reviews for the Citroen Relay. Want to have your say? Leave a review for the Citroen Relay now.
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Helal Uddin Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
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Sheena Gibbons Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 26 2019
Good choice of vehicle, plenty of room. Great for transporting pallets too.
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Manny Hopkins Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
September 18 2019
Does what it say on the tin!
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Michael Maloney Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 27 2019
so far so good
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David George Locker Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 02 2019
It's a good truck
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Lee Stafford Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 02 2019
We have 7 vw transporters. Disappointed in the finish of certain parts in cab.. some items look to be not installed correctly
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Christine Walker Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 10 2019
it works for us
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Stuart Joseph Hunt Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 30 2019
I lovely comfortable and spacious than I’ve previously had one before so I’m very happy
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Nicholas Booth Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 30 2019
Good work van
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Shameem Ali Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 26 2019
Good all round vehicle
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Luke Osmond Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 18 2019
Very impressive vehicle. Big load space. Perfect for my line of business.
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Philip Lynch Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 31 2018
Perfect
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Thomas Ward Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 23 2018
We have a number of these now and very pleased!
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Lee Ford Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 03 2018
Lovely van.
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Stephen Wardell Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
March 15 2018
good size gets the job done
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Steve Mclay Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
February 08 2018
Good solid workhorse and early indications confirm I made correct choice
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Matt Boswell Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
February 01 2018
Perfect for what we needed, great value for money
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Iain Smith Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
January 15 2018
Great value for money.
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Thomas Ward Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
December 27 2017
We had an initial gearbox issue within the first two weeks of the lease starting.
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Jamie Smith Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
December 06 2017
Slightly worried about the length of the contract in terms of whether the van will be reliable enough to see out the term.
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David Sparkes Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 13 2017
I can stand up in the back. I'm 6'3" and I don't need to bend. It's brilliant. Starts all the time. It's a van and it does what it says on the tin. I would have another in a heartbeat. It has all the gadgets I need in particular the phone connection and the air con. Yes I live in Cumbria but it still gets warm up here.
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Robert John Marland Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
July 06 2017
Love it!
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Lee Ellerker Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 21 2017
Good for plumbing.
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Ivor Wright Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 20 2017
Over the moon with van. Wish I had changed before it is so good runs very well I am so pleased with it a pleasure to do long journeys in I could not ask any more of it. Would recommend it all day long.
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Mark Williams Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
December 30 2016
Excellent Van.
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Jeremy Salter Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
December 01 2016
Superb especially the extra height which makes such a difference to the work we do it is a life saver. The load capacity is brilliant and I would never go back to ford. The value for money makes such a difference compared to ford and Mercedes.
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Darrin Hugh Brownhill Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
September 28 2016
Nice van, plenty of space and good spec. Plenty of power with reasonable economy. A bit flimsy in places, but it is a Citroen and not in the same price bracket as the German vans, so this was expected.
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Daljit Singh Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 25 2016
All you need.
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Stephen Applegate-Rees Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
July 20 2016
For a van I thought the amount of extras was outstanding, better than most cars.
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Shaun wheatley Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
June 07 2016
Good reliable van, had a problem with soft hinges but I got this fixed with Citreon.
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John Clark Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 16 2016
Early days yet but it seems like a nice van.
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David Watson Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
March 22 2016
Fit for purpose!
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Craig Knight Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
February 29 2016
Great van, almost free motoring at Vanarama prices.
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Martin Aldridge Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
February 17 2016
We had a Ford before which was a lot more money. It's only early days yet but so far so good and you do get a much better spec for your money. Our driver says he loves it. Regards, Martin.
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Steven Hanafan Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
January 15 2016
Very nice van to drive the lights in the rear aren't great only stay on for a few minutes then go off and if you press the unlock button they only come back on for a few seconds so a pain this time of the year the load length isn't what I told it says it's a 4.07m load length true but the usable length is more like 3.96m but I can still fit my carpets in
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Kenneth Maclean Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 27 2015
Comfortable great load space drives well. Alll round I'm very happy.
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Shaun Wheatley Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 20 2015
The relay is a very good value for money van which is ideal for the work I do in it which is parcel delivery.
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Paul Dann Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 12 2015
A good sized practical van. Reasonably fitted out although in-built satnav would have been preferred. Only done 1200 miles but first impressions are very positive.
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Richard Hall Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
October 19 2015
The satnav could of been built into the touch screen radio control as well as the reversing camera.
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Andrew Stephens Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
September 29 2015
Really good value for money , it meets my every need and accommodates my load with space to spare
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Trevor Boulton Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
June 15 2015
All round excellent.
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David Stribley Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
June 04 2015
Excellent vehicle providing good head room when organising and stacking tools and equipment. It accommodates sheets of plasterboard and boxes of beads etc required for my business.
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Emma Weaver Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 26 2015
Love it.
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Mike Wadsworth Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
March 06 2015
Just received it today. Very happy with it.
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Kevin Richardson Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
February 06 2015
Very nice
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Stuart Parkin Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
January 29 2015
I've given 4 stars to all the questions as I've only recieved the van today. First impressions are great.
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Mark Avent Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
January 29 2015
A well priced work vehicle that looks good. It drives well and cab finish and spec is extremely good.
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Philip Harkness Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
January 19 2015
Early days, but it seems to do what we expected and what we want.
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Matthew Fisher Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
November 04 2014
I will have a more precise opinion in later months of the vehicle, but in the last few days I am really happy. French styling powered by Ford which in my eyes is a positive.
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Dan Dawson Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
October 15 2014
Much nicer than my old Sprinter.
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Mark Thomas Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
September 11 2014
Very happy.
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Lee Curtis Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 26 2014
The van is great value for money.
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Nigel Goodridge Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 18 2014
Too early to tell (maybe ask me in 3 months).
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Jackie Hall Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 22 2014
Excellent for the load capacity we require.
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Paul Didcote Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 13 2014
Excellent overall quality. Perfect for my needs as a courier.
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Mark Surgeon Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
May 08 2014
Nice all round working van . nothing too fancy but still offers an element of luxury that makes the driving experience very pleasant
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Tristan Rowe Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
April 16 2014
OK
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William Baron Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
March 07 2014
The van is perfect for my needs as a van courier. Overall I feel I have got a good deal from Vanarama.
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Spud Ward Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
August 28 2013
Great van very good driving experience great turning circle cavernous interior really good features can recommend to anybody . Gears and gear change a little difficult at first due mainly to the bias to the lower range when changing gear
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Stephen Hultman Citroen Relay 35 L2 Diesel
June 11 2013
For the price we got the van, at the moment I can't fault it, first impressions are very good.
It’s a good van