16-05-2013

With fuel consumption such an issue for many van drivers, the stop-and-start function on the new Citroen Relay is expected to be a big hit with LCV customers.

The new function, which was unveiled last month at the CV Show in Birmingham, is offered on the Relay 30 L1H1 e-HDi 130 and Relay 35 L3H2 e-HDi 130 six-speed manual vans, with prices for the Relay 30 starting at £19,660 and £24,660 for the Relay 35.

The mid-sized van has now joined its two Citroen compatriots, the Nemo and the Berlingo, forming a three-strong range of LCVs fitted with the stop-and-start feature.

The introduction of the new feature has led to some impressive fuel economy figures, with the Citroen’s official numbers quoting 39.2mpg for the Relay 30 on a combined cycle, and 32.5mpg on an urban cycle. This represents a 9.2 per cent improvement on the equivalent Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110, with CO2 emissions also cut by 10g/km to 189g/km.

The Relay 35 notches up official figures of 27.7mpg on an urban run, which is a five per cent improvement on its non-stop-and-start equivalent. CO2 emissions have also been cut, down 5g/km to 224g/km.

Citroen’s head of commercial vehicles and business centre programme, Scott Michael, believes this new feature will make the new Relays more popular than ever before. “The new Relay stop-and-start equipped vans will appeal to all operators, but particularly those working in urban environments, where they will deliver worthwhile financial, operational and environmental benefits.”