According to Citroen 2015
The Citroen Relay comes in a wide range of model varieties, and as an older van compared with most rivals, you should expect to be able to get a good deal.
We have new and used examples for sale in our classified section:
- New Citroen Relay vans for sale
- Used Citroen Relay vans for sale
On paper, the most efficient model is always going to be the one with the smallest engine. But if you planned to travel fully loaded on a regular basis, you may well find a more powerful mid-range engine option suits you better, as this should prove less strained in everyday use.
>> Best large vans for mpg
Similarly, the variants with the highest payloads will also be smaller in size - so be sure to check our dedicated Citroen Relay Dimensions page to find out whether your gear and goods will fit.
>> Best large vans for payload
Citroen Relay individual model reviews
We've driven and reviewed the following specific Citroen Relay examples, which serve as a supplement to the main review information above:
- Citroen Relay 2.2 HDi 130 Tipper review
- Citroen Relay 2.2 HDi 130 review
Citroen Relay 2.2 HDi 130 Tipper review
Tested July 2015 by Liam Campbell
- Citroen Relay Tipper by Tipmaster - part of the Ready to Run conversion programme
- 1,235kg payload and large cargo area - better than some rivals
- Expensive; priced at £26,030 (plus VAT) and residuals not as strong as some rivals*
The construction industry is back in full swing, which means the sales of new tipper trucks is on the rise. The Ford Transit has traditionally dominated this market, but Citroen has started to make inroads with its tipper conversion.
Over the past three years, Citroen has been taking a huge gamble with its 'Ready to Run' conversion programme. The French manufacturer took the initiative to partner with three leading UK bodybuilders and invest £2 million to stock its dealer network with off-the-shelf Luton, dropside and tipper trucks.
The partner for the tipper operations is London-based Tipmaster, who have been trading since 1886, and started manufacturing tipper bodies in 1968. Even though Tipmaster is a smaller company than Ingimex and VFS, their conversions are renowned for their strength and durability.
Chassis
Off-the-shelf Citroen Relay Tippers, with low lead times, financing and full manufacturer warranties, are only available on the 3.5t GVW, medium wheelbase chassis with the 130hp / 320Nm output of the 2.2-litre HDi engine.
Other wheelbases, weights and outputs can be specified, but they are made to order.
Tipper body
The load area of the tipper body measures 3,000mm long by 2,035mm wide. The side walls are 400mm high and the loading height is 860mm. There is a full height bulkhead, which is solid at the bottom half and mesh at the top for better visibility, and steps at the side for ease of access.
Citroen Relay chassis have an unladen weight of 1,635kg, but the weight of the tipper body takes this up to 2,265kg. Given the maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg (3.5t), this gives a total useable payload of 1,235kg – significantly higher than most 3.5t tippers.
The control is housed in a pocket behind the driver's seat. The lead runs for about two metres, which means the operators can get out of the cab and command a good view of the work space before tipping.
The tipping gear is fast to approach the maximum angle of 45 degrees and there is also a secure and immensely strong built-in body prop.
On the road
A pleasant cab environment is becoming more essential for the van driver, and the Citroen Relay tipper ticks that box too. It's very spacious, generously specced due to the Enterprise trim level and there's good all-round visibility thanks to the split door mirrors, height adjustable driver seat and the large window in the bulkhead.
All Ready to Run conversions are Enterprise specification, which means they benefit from DAB digital radio and MP3 CD player with steering mounted controls, 5-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth handsfree, USB socket, cruise control with programmable speed limiter, and air conditioning.
This is in addition to the already standard electric front windows, remote control central locking and Smartnav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking.
The weight of the tipper gear weighs the chassis down, which minimises the 'bouncing' when driving over bumps. The 130hp is well suited to conversions, and provides ample power and torque for hauling a full load.
Refinement may fall short of the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it performs well against other budget tippers like the Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master.
Availability
One of the drawbacks of the Ready to Run range is the pricing; the Citroen Relay tipper will set you back £26,030 plus VAT which, even though being in the premium Enterprise spec, is very expensive.*
The good news is that the Relay Ready to Run conversions are well stocked throughout the Citroen Business Centre network.
Should I buy one?
There is very little not to like about the Citroen Relay tipper; it offers a good payload, it has a spacious and functional cab and the body is built by a bodybuilder renowned for its strength and reliability.
The two biggest downsides are the price and the fact that residual values won't be as high as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter tippers.
*All prices correct at time of writing in July 2015
Citroen Relay 2.2 HDi 130 review
Tested June 2015 by Liam Campbell
- UK test of heavily revised Citroen Relay van
- Extensive development work to improve ownership costs
- Cabin improvements mean greater comfort and practicality
The current Relay was launched in 2006 and this new version marks an extensive makeover for the panel van.
Citroen has focused on some key areas including improving engine efficiency to reduce running costs, upgrading the cabin space to be more comfortable and more useful, plus strengthening of the body to improve safety and durability.
This version is the Relay 35 L3H2 with the mid-spec 2.2-litre diesel engine with 129bhp – it's long and high but there are longer and higher versions, and so this model has particular strong appeal to fleets. It's also the entry-level spec, not the higher-spec Enterprise version.
Revised engines
The engine is the revised 2.2-litre diesel as previously found in the Relay. It has been tweaked to provide a range of power outputs from 110hp through to 140hp (essential for the L4H4 version). The version tested here is the HDi 130 which is 130hp, with 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm.
In terms of running costs, the L3H2 version has a claimed average of 38.2mpg and our tests revealed we could do better than that with sustained steady driving on dual carriageways, getting into the 40s.
The six-speed manual gearbox felt a little notchy in use, especially between the higher gears. However, the test vehicle was new and with a few more miles under its wheels we'd expect that to improve.
More kit as standard
Given how the new Ford Transit has markedly raised the bar by providing a much more car-like interior in terms of comfort, the Relay needed to up its game.
Citroen has responded by adding more kit to the standard panel van and on the Enterprise model.
The Relay now comes with stability control, Bluetooth, USB socket, DAB radio with steering wheel mounted controls, daytime running lights and a full bulkhead as standard.
The Enterprise model also adds to its standard kit line-up with cruise control with variable speed limiter, alarm, five-inch touch screen and Bluetooth audio streaming and SMS.
A Teletrac system is thrown in too, featuring sat-nav and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracker.
Useful options
Citroen has also worked hard to provide a greater range of options at keen prices. Front fog lights cost £90 and a cigarette lighter is a tenner. More sophisticated kit such as Lane Departure Warning costs £300 (audible warning when you stray over the white lines), while folding and heated side mirrors will set you back £100.
The reversing camera really proves its worth, especially on the longer and higher versions of the Relay with a clear view so you can exactly see how close you are to any objects. It costs £225 when specifying your new Relay but if it saves one crunched bumper it will have paid for itself.*
Lower running costs
Citroen has also looked at ways to reduce ownership costs including improving durability of certain parts such as side door runners while door hinges and locks have been strengthened.
Service intervals can be up to two years or 30k miles, whichever comes first, and Citroen is offering a flexible warranty of two years with unlimited mileage or three years and 100k miles.
Should I buy one?
The pricing of the Citroen Relay is competitive with the entry-level model coming in at under £20k (excluding VAT) compared to the entry-level Ford Transit Custom which is priced from £18,876.*
While the Transit Custom is a tad less powerful, otherwise it is a close match. Given the Blue Oval badge hauler is all new and it shows in a cabin even better geared to providing a practical and comfortable workspace, the Relay is going to have to push hard to win sales.
The addition of Teletrac fitted as standard across the range helps the Relay's cause and, as ever, there are plenty of different bodystyles and options to create the version you need.
Certainly in this popular L3H2 configuration it provides a comfortable drive for three people, fuel economy impressed and certain options proved their worth (such as the rear reversing camera).
*All prices correct at the time of writing in 2015
Source: https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/citroen/relay/2006-review/
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