19-04-2012

Official details of the long awaited replacement to the Mercedes Vaneo have finally been released, with the Citan van due to make its grand market entrance at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover this coming September.

The Citan is loosely based on the Renault Kangoo, which has experienced much success amongst van insurance customers, and is being pitched as an all purpose, urban delivery vehicle, which will offer excellent manoeuvrability and value for money in a city environment.

Three versions of the Mercedes Citan are due to be released. All will be panel vans but their lengths will differ, being described as Compact, Long or Extra Long.

The choice of engines that accompany the varying vehicles lengths will be four-fold, with three offering a turbodiesel direct injection solution offering anywhere from 74 to 109bhp, whilst the final supercharged petrol option carries a bit more oomph, producing a very respectable 114bhp.

The petrol version of the Citan also offers customers the opportunity to increase fuel efficiency and save on running costs, with Mercedes’ BlueEfficiency eco package coming as standard. This package includes an automated start/stop function, battery and generator management, plus optimised low rolling resistance tyres. The BlueEfficiency package is also available on diesel models, although in this case it comes as an optional extra.

Along with fuel efficiency, safety has been one of the drivers behind the development of the Mercedes Citan. All four of the van’s engine types come equipped with an Electronic Stability Program fitted as standard, which adjusts itself depending on the load being carried.

Other features designed to improve the safety of the driver and their load include an anti-lock braking system, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control, and the features don’t stop there - also included is Acceleration Skid Control and drive and brake torque control. With all these features as standard, we anticipate that van insurance customers will find it difficult not to be swayed by the new Mercedes Citan.

If you’re looking to supplement a new Mercedes Citan with cheap van insurance then it’s time to pay Van Compare a visit. We will find you the UK’s cheapest van insurance quotes from leading insurers.