Citroen's varieties
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• by Colin Barnett Funny things, joint ventures. Throughout the planning and pre-production stages, it's all touchy-feely hand-holding, but get within sniffing distance of the showroom, off come the gloves and it's every van for itself. So it is with the new Sevel range.
Showing the dogged determination that has seen them fighting hard for the second step of the UK van sales podium, Citroen has got the jump on its Fiat and Peugeot allies/adversaries with the chance to try the New Look Relay van range on British roads.
But it's not just over launches that Citroen is being aggressive. Afthough Relay pricing is keen enough, small and medium fleet operators will benefit from up to £1,500 cash-back until the end of May Citroen claims that there are 57 different versions of the new Relay—we'll believe them. We're not going to list every one and its price, though. Suffice to say that the van price list ranges from £12,300 to £19,530 (ex-VAT). There are three GVWs ( see box) and three van wheelbases, 2,850mm, 3,200mm and 3,700mm.
As well as the usual panel vans, bodybuilders are treated to chassis-cabs (single or crew), a platform-cab and a chassis with full or semi-scuttle, which have the further option of a 4,050mm wheelbase. Three roof heights and three diesel engines, plus a petrol engine aimed at the alternative-fuel market, complete the choices.
Most sensible combinations can be had; the only omission at the moment is an 1800 LWB extra-high roof.
There was little wrong with the basics of the outgoing Relay, and the designers have wisely avoided fixing what wasn't broke. What they have done is to re-engineer the basic structure with the aim of making it stiffer and quieter and to widen the range. more than trebling the number of available models. The driver hasn't been forgotten, with a new interior providing car-like standards of accommodation and sound ergonomics. And just so everyone knows you have the latest model, there is a bold new grille and restyled bumpers, lights and badges.