Mercedes-Benz enters compact van market with new Citan

The arrival of the Mercedes-Benz Citan in Ireland marks not just the addition of a new contender in the small van class, but also opens a new market for the three star brand, which up to now didn’t have a compact offering here in its LCV line-up.

Like nearly every van product on sale today, the Citan is a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and another manufacturer, in this case Renault and the Kangoo. It’s the second time the two brands have collaborated, but the last generation Citan was never officially sold in Ireland.

Both models shared the coveted International Van of the Year Award 2022.

The Citan is targeted at the higher end of the small van segment, with prices starting from €23,245 (ex VAT). “There’s a real sense of appetite for it,” said Fergus Conheady, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, adding; “With its compact exterior and ‘impressively-spacious’ interior, Citan is expected to achieve sales in sizeable numbers supported by a dedicated and ambitious dealer network.”

An all-electric e-Citan will arrive towards the end of the year, as will a long wheel base model. For now the Citan is offered in standard L1 length with a choice of two generously specified trims – Pro and Pro+. A Euro 6D 1.5 litre turbo diesel is available with power outputs of 95hp or 116hp, while there’s a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic on the transmission front.

The Citan in its standard length version can accommodate two Europallets within a load compartment length of 1,806mm while its load volume of up to 2.9 cubic metres. Payloads are between 621 and 640 kg depending on specification, while the Citan can tow up to 1.5 tonnes.

The interior is very much Mercedes-Benz, featuring a leather clad multi-function steering wheel and MBUX infotainment system. There are generous storage areas and noise refinement levels on the move are high, making it a comfortable and relaxed vehicle in which to spend extended time.

Mercedes-Benz Ireland expects strong interest in the new van from SMEs, urban delivery users, small trades and services markets, as well as offering an additional compact product to owners and operators of existing Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

A full first drive review of the new Citan will appear in the forthcoming issue of Fleet Transport magazine. Text: Cathal Doyle. Main Pic: Paul White