New Mercedes Citan arrives on main Street
As handy as a ‘wee pot,’ a term our northern neighbours use to describe any item that
simply fulfils those smaller tasks, without the need to use more than you need. Those
in Ireland’s small business segment now have a new player on their pitch – welcome
Citan for Mercedes-Benz.
Swimming with sharks
Mercedes-Benz Ireland have just introduced their one-tonne Citan into the shark-
infested waters of the small van segment, inhabited by the Toyota Proace, Citroen
Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and its bloodline sibling, the Renault Kangoo.
The Citan enters the Irish market post its success, alongside the Renault Kangoo, in
being awarded the prestigious International Van of the Year award. Key to this
success were the numerous safety features and the inclusion of the MBUX
infotainment system. Another positive endorsement was Citan receiving a 5-star
rating in Euro NCAP safety standards.
Size and Stats
The Citan is 4,498 mm long, an extra-long wheelbase will follow. It comes with a
gross vehicle weight of 2,235 kgs and towing capacity up to 1.5 tonnes, with drawbar
load of 75 kg. Load capacity in the panel van is up to 2.9 m3 with a load compartment
length of 1,806mm, enough to accommodate two Euro pallets. Easy access panel van
can be equipped with up to two sliding side doors, giving an opening clearance
451mm wide by 1059 mm high. The rear loading sill is 59 cm high and rear doors can
be blocked at a 90-degree angle or moved through 180 degrees to the sides of the
vehicle.
From the off, Mercedes is aiming the CItan at the premium level of this segment, the
initial interest from owner/drivers, small trades, SMEs, and service markets very
strong. Standing at 4.5 metres long, the Citan is an ideal companion for the urban
demand and like its fellow competitors, will appeal greatly to those requiring a two-
Euro-pallet capacity, with ease of parking and manoeuvrability.
Price and Trim Levels
Priced from €23,245 (ex VAT), the basic Citan Pro interior looks everything we have
come to expect from Mercedes. There is nothing austere about the cabin, with a
driver’s console, centre console and multi-function steering wheel akin to all we
would expect withing any of its passenger car offerings.
Door bins can hold 1.5-litre bottles while lidded storage is provided on top of the
dashboard and under the centre armrest. Two trim levels are offered – the PRO and
PRO +.
Engine Choices
Propulsion for the Citan comes from a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine in two
power ratings – a 95hp, 110CDI and a 116hp, 112CDI. Both are Euro 6d compliant,
feature ECO start/stop function and can be coupled with the choice of a six-speed
manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Further variants in the Citan pipeline are set to follow with increased wheelbases and
an all-electric eCitan due towards the end of 2023.
Short Spin
A two-hour launch test drive provided a great sampling of the Citan’s road talent,
where I drove the 95and 116bhp variants, in manual and automatic and across the
Sliabh Bloom mountains, via Emo, Mountmellick and back through Portlaoise,
before a motorway sampling back to our launch base.
Quiet, cultured and rattle free, the Citan made for easy conversation with my press
colleague, the six-speed manual in both power options smooth in operation, with
well-spaced rations. Personally, I like the 7-speed auto, which I think is best suited to
the urban environment, the manual override showing its talent of the ascent down
some of the Slaibh Bloom demanding roads.
Safety Systems
Safety plays a huge part of the Citan’s attraction, with six airbags, ‘fatigue-warning’
Attention Assist and electronic stability control. Optional items include, Hill Start
Assist, Crosswind Assist and Active Brake Assist. A three-year warranty with
unlimited mileage applies along with an inclusive service pack.