IVOTY Award-winning Mercedes-Benz Vans Citan due here mid-May

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Ireland is preparing to add to its van up with the launch of the second generation Citan. The 2022 International Van of the Year Award joint-winner (with the new Renault Kangoo, with shared development and technology), boasts a sharp new design and a stylish interior, and is now available to order by customers, with first deliveries expected by mid-May, to be followed by the electric variant.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their exacting safety credentials and premium specifications. The Citan is no exception, with standard specifications including Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition technology; Attention Assist, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired; and Hill-Start Assist to prevent rolling back. There’s also a speed limiter, an emergency breakdown assistance call button, rear parking aid with a reversing camera and no fewer than six airbags. Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist can all be specified as options.

Multimedia functions, including a seven-inch touch screen and a multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant and smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple Carplay are standard features on all Citan trim lines.

The Citan panel van will be powered by a 1.5-litre Euro 6 diesel engine, which generates 95 hp and 260 Nm of torque, and delivers WLTP combined fuel economy of 4.33 L/100km – 54.3 mpg, helped by the ECO start/stop function. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Citan L1, for example, has a load length of 1,806 mm and a payload capability of 667 kg and rated to tow trailers up to a maximum gross train weight of 3,500 kg.

With first deliveries expected next month, the arrival of Citan will mark the entry by Mercedes-Benz in Ireland into the highly-competitive small van market segment.

Stylish in design with a comfortable interior, Citan is expected to attract strong interest from SMEs, urban delivery users, small trades, and services markets.

Alongside their large-capacity Sprinter and medium-size Vito series, Citan will create for Mercedes-Benz what their commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady says will be “a strong premium product offering at all points in the panel van market.”

“With its compact exterior and ‘impressively-spacious’ interior, Citan is expected to achieve sales in ‘significant numbers’ supported by a dedicated and ambitious dealer network,” Fergus added.