First Drive: 2016 Citroën Dispatch and Peugeot Expert

Passenger-carrying versions – the Citroën SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller – are also available, and just as the previous models had Fiat and Toyota-badged relatives, the new pair have a Japanese sibling. The new Toyota ProAce is produced in the same French factory as the Dispatch and Expert.

Efficient Euro 6 engines
The 2016 Citroën Dispatch and Peugeot Expert are the third-generation models of their respective ranges, and to all intents and purposes are, like their predecessors, the same vehicle.

However, don’t think the shared development detracts from the end product – the latest versions of the French medium-sized panel vans enjoy many car-derived technologies, a new range of efficient Euro 6 engines, as well as a whole host of load and people-carrying configurations and adaptability.

With nine body configurations available, there should be a new Dispatch or Expert to suit every business user. Available in standard, long, panel and crew/combi vans, as well as a platform cab option, a new variant – the 4.6m-long, 6.6m3 ‘compact’ version is unique in the sector and aims to offer all the versatility of a larger van in a smaller footprint.

The ‘XS’ Dispatch and ‘Compact’ Expert is deal for those businesses who desire a 1,400kg maximum load weight but find a smaller van such as a Berlingo or a Partner just that little bit too small. Both ranges enjoy a basic three-length choice: Compact, Standard and Long respectively when it comes to the Peugeot, while Citroën buyers can choose between XS, M, and XL models.

Regardless of length, all versions of the new PSA LCV models have a roof height of just 1.9m to get around tight urban car park height restrictions.

Optional ‘Moduwork’ system
‘M’ Dispatch and ‘Standard’ Expert models enjoy a 4.95m length and up to 5.8m3 carrying capacity, while the ‘XL’ Dispatch and ‘Long’ Expert versions are 5.3 metres long and offer up to 6.6m3 of cargo space.

The smallest 4.6m version can handle two Euro pallets easily, while the larger 'M’/‘Standard' and ‘XL’/‘Long' models offers the option of a third. The 50/50 rear doors on van and crew vans swing out to 250 degrees for the ultimate in easy access. A tailgate is optional.

Loading is made even simpler by the electrically-sliding side door which can be activated by a button on the dashboard or by gesturing your foot under the rear bumper corner. A handy and extremely useful touch for those awkward hands-full moments.

For added practicality, the optional ‘Moduwork’ system comprises a dual passenger bench seat with fold-up outer seat, a fold-down writing table in the central seat back, and storage under central seat. But, most importantly, the full steel bulkhead has load-through flap under the outer passenger seat to increase load length to an impressive 3.3m on compact models to 4.0m on the longest variants.

Floor and/or side loading area coverings are available in either wood or a durable non-slip coating, while crew vans enjoy both fixed or folding partition options. The second and third row of seats can be removed entirely for maximum choice between loadspace and passenger carrying capability on the up-to-nine-seat combi models. 

Car-derived technologies
Based on the new EMP2 platform which underpins models such as the Citroën C4 Picasso and Peugeot 2008/3008, the new Dispatch and Expert feature many car-derived technologies.

A wide range of driving aid systems are available on the French newcomers including driving time, driver alert, blind spot monitoring, speed limit recommendation, lane departure warning, and parking assistance set-ups. A grip control traction system enhances road-holding on low-grip surfaces, while a four-wheel drive version is being marketed, but doesn’t yet appear in UK price lists. 

While the rear end of the new French commercials is bespoke LCV, the front of the new subframe is derived from the group’s passenger cars. One bonus of the new front end is the usage of the latest Euro 6 BlueHDi engines.

Both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre units are offered, with outputs ranging from 95bhp to 180bhp. The cleanest version, the BlueHDi 115 S&S 6-speed manual, emits just 133g/km, while Citroën and Peugeot claim economy of up to 55.3mpg. Both six-speed manual and automated gearboxes can be specified.

Environmental efficiency 
The new engines offer reductions of up to 14g/km when compared to their Euro 5 predecessors, while a new electro-hydraulic power steering system cuts CO2 emissions still further. The new, lighter subframe also offers a 20kg weight reduction over the models which the new pair replace.

All new Dispatch and Expert variants receive an Adblue and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) system for ultimate environmental efficiency. The SCR module reduces up to 90 per cent of NOx emissions – and also cuts CO2 emissions up to four per cent – while a particulate filter eliminates 99.9 per cent of particulates, regardless of their size. Stop/start systems on selected models also add to the environmental credentials.

Business users will also be pleased with the running costs: the new engines boast servicing intervals of 25,000 miles or two years (18,600 miles in the case of the BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 automatic).

3D connected navigation
On the road, the new Dispatch and Expert feel more car-like than ever before. Passenger car features such as the new capacitive seven-inch colour touchscreen with 3D connected and voice-controlled navigation system, clear instrument display with heads-up option, and softer, less workman-like plastics offer a comfortable cabin.

The 3D connected navigation system features updates provided by TomTom Traffic, as well as both MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay functionality.

There’s an altogether less van-like ambience, reinforced by the leather-like seats on our European-specification ‘Business’-trimmed Dispatch test van. The three-seat cabin has lots of leg room, although the middle seat passenger loses out when compared to the outer chairs. The Dispatch's and Expert’s interior is practical, too, with 49 (van) and 121 (crew van) litres of storage space dotted around the dashboard and door bins. Digital functionality is enhanced by the standard USB socket.

Externally, both the new Dispatch and Expert embraces styling cues from their respective makers’ passenger car ranges. The Citroën has a more friendly face than the Peugeot, with grille chevrons which flow into the headlights.

Its stablemate takes the latest styling flourishes from the new 2008 and 3008 models, with an upright grille and ‘claw’-shaped headlights. Both of the new LCVs feature pronounced wheel arch styling, which neatly incorporates the fuel filler flap.  

Remarkably refined
We tested a left-hand Peugeot Expert BlueHDi 115 S&S 6-speed manual and a Citroën Dispatch BlueHDi 150, and both were brisk enough for urban cut and thrust use as well as more relaxed motorway cruising.

As you would expect, the higher-powered version displayed keener acceleration with its 370Nm/272lb ft of torque (115: 300Nm/221lb ft) – ideal for those out-of-town overtaking manoeuvres – but both were remarkably refined when cruising around the outskirts of Paris and driving on country roads near Raray.

As with most new-technology LCVs, engine noise can be heard under acceleration, but the noise is never truly gruff like vans of old. The six-speed manual gearbox is pleasant enough to use, and while the steering doesn’t offer much in the way of feedback, businesses will like the positive and well-weighted feel which will allow them to exploit the 11.3-12.4m turning circle.

A car-like MacPherson-derived front suspension system gained from using the EMP2 chassis but adapted especially for the new LCV pair ensures safe but enjoyable handling.

Both companies state that the variable stiffness springs and shock absorbers fitted to the rear suspension guarantee maximum comfort whether the Dispatch or Expert is loaded or unloaded, and both versions we tried certainly benefitted from a comfortable ride.

Best-in-class acoustic comfort levels are also claimed by the French carmakers, and with the now regulatory all-steel full bulkhead, there was no unpleasant ‘empty’ sound from the rear load area.

Gains in efficiency
With over 1.13m Dispatch and Expert models sold since introduction in 1995, PSA Peugeot Citroën hopes that the new third-generation LCVs  will increase its 10 per cent market share by a further six per cent.

Both the new Dispatch and Expert are important models, but the new car-derived technology pays dividends with usability, while the new engines offer both improved refinement as well as gains in efficiency. Add in a much more stylish appearance than before as well as enhanced cabin quality and functionality, and it’s hard to imagine the new PSA pair not proving to be anything but a continued success.

The Citroën Dispatch comes in XS, M and L versions and X, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus trims, starting at £17,495 excluding VAT. The Peugeot Expert is available in Compact, Standard and Long variants, in S, Professional and Professional Plus trims, also starting at £17,495 excluding VAT.

2016 Citroën Dispatch and Peugeot Expert
Gross payload: 1,400kg
Load volume: 4.6-6.6m3
Engines: 1,560cc, 1,997cc four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 133-144g/km
MPG (combined): 51.4-54.3
VED: £230
Price (ex-VAT): £17,495-£26,545

Further Information
www.citroen.co.uk/new-cars-and-vans/future-vehicles/citroen-dispatch

www.business.peugeot.co.uk/new-expert-van/