Citroen Relay L3H2: The Ultimate Commercial Van Review

The Citroen Relay L3H2 stands out as a powerhouse in the world of commercial vehicles. This large panel van has gained popularity among businesses for its impressive combination of size, performance, and practicality. With its spacious interior and robust design, the Citroen Relay L3H2 has become a go-to choice for those in need of a reliable workhorse to handle demanding transport tasks. From its generous load capacity to its fuel-efficient engines, the Citroen Relay L3H2 has a lot to offer. This review will take a closer look at the van’s key features, including its dimensions, performance capabilities, and comfort-enhancing elements. We’ll also explore the Enterprise Edition, discuss running costs, and examine why both new and used Citroen Relay vans continue to be in high demand. Whether you’re in the market for a Citroen Relay LWB or considering other options, this comprehensive assessment will help you make an informed decision. Source

Impressive Load Capacity and Dimensions

The Citroen Relay L3H2 stands out in the commercial van market with its remarkable load capacity and versatile dimensions. This large panel van offers businesses a range of options to suit their specific needs, making it a popular choice for various industries.

Internal Dimensions

The Citroen Relay L3H2 boasts impressive internal dimensions, providing ample space for cargo transportation. With a load length of 3705mm and a maximum load width of 1870mm, this van offers a spacious cargo area. The load height measures 1932mm, allowing for the transport of taller items. These dimensions combine to create a generous load volume of 13.0m³, making the L3H2 an ideal choice for businesses requiring substantial cargo space.

Payload Capacity

The L3H2 model has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3500kg, which translates to a payload capacity of up to 1525kg. This impressive payload allows businesses to transport heavy loads efficiently. The van’s robust design and reinforced suspension ensure it can handle substantial weights without compromising performance or safety.

Cargo Area Features

To enhance its practicality, the Citroen Relay L3H2 comes with several cargo area features. The rear door opening measures 1790mm in height and 1562mm in width, facilitating easy loading and unloading of large items. The side door opening is equally generous, with a height of 1755mm and a width of 1250mm, providing additional access to the cargo area. The Relay L3H2 also offers a low loading sill height of between 535mm and 565mm, depending on the specific configuration. This feature makes it easier to load heavy or bulky items, reducing strain on workers and improving overall efficiency.

Powerful Performance and Efficiency

The Citroen Relay L3H2 offers a range of powerful and efficient engine options to suit various business needs. The van’s performance capabilities and fuel economy make it a competitive choice in the commercial vehicle market.

Engine Options

The Citroen Relay comes with a choice of three efficient diesel engines. The 2.2-litre BlueHDi engines are available in two power outputs: 120hp and 140hp. Both engines feature fuel-saving stop-start technology as standard. For those requiring more power, there’s also a 180hp automatic option. The engines provide strong performance, with even the 120hp version capable of maintaining top gear on motorways. For larger vans or heavier payloads, the 140hp engine is recommended.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for businesses, and the Citroen Relay performs well in this area. The BlueHDi 120 diesel, offered in the smallest H1L1 body combination, achieves a combined WLTP economy range of 26.6-34.9mpg. The larger BlueHDi 140 diesel is only slightly behind, with combined WLTP figures ranging from 25.5-34.3mpg, regardless of body style. It’s worth noting that real-world fuel consumption may vary from these official figures.

Driving Experience

The Citroen Relay offers a reasonably comfortable ride, even when unladen. The optional suspended driver’s seat helps absorb bumps on rough roads. However, the steering, while light, lacks precision, which can make motorway driving somewhat tiring. The van’s refinement could be improved, as road and engine noise are noticeable in the cabin. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Relay remains a capable performer, with good low-end torque for responsive acceleration when loaded.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cabin Design

The Citroen Relay L3H2 has a spacious passenger compartment that can accommodate three people in the front. The bench seat features an integrated table in the backrest of the central seat, which transforms into a desk when folded. Large, glazed surfaces provide an extra-wide field of vision and excellent light levels. To enhance comfort, a thick insulating bulkhead has been installed to significantly reduce noise. The van’s interior boasts 13 storage compartments, making innovative use of space. An overhead storage compartment above the windscreen offers ample room for folders. The cabin also includes two closed glove boxes, cup holders, a phone compartment, and a central compartment that is air-conditioned and lockable.

Technology and Infotainment

The Citroen Relay L3H2 comes equipped with a 7-inch colour touchscreen that includes DAB radio, Mirrorscreen with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, integrated satellite navigation, Bluetooth handsfree, and a USB socket. The steering wheel-mounted controls allow drivers to operate these features safely while keeping both hands on the wheel. For enhanced connectivity, the van is fitted with a telematics box for Free2Move Connect Fleet Services, although this feature is not available on electric versions. The upper part of the centre console includes a desk panel that can hold tablets up to 10 inches or smartphones from 4 inches in size.

Driver Assistance Systems

The Citroen Relay L3H2 offers a range of driver assistance systems to enhance safety and convenience. These include rear parking sensors, cruise control with variable speed limiter, and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) to combat loss of attention or momentary distractions at the wheel. The Active Safety Brake reduces the risk of collision through its emergency braking system, while the Tyre Pressure Monitor continuously checks the tyres and alerts the driver to punctures or pressure loss. For improved traction, the van features Intelligent Traction Control and Grip Control with Hill Descent Control, helping to maintain safe speeds on steep slopes. Additional safety features include Smart Beam Headlights, which automatically switch between main and dipped beams in response to oncoming traffic, and a Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Traffic Alert, which takes into account the size of any trailer being towed.

Value for Money and Running Costs

The Citroen Relay L3H2 offers a compelling package for businesses seeking a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance. With a starting price of £30,615 MRRP for the entry-level model, it provides good value for its size and capabilities.

Purchase Price

The Relay comes with a range of standard features that enhance its value proposition. These include a dynamic front-end with the new Citroen logo, manual climate control, a dual passenger bench seat, and a rear visibility camera with dynamic guidelines. Safety features such as electronic stability control and rear parking sensors are also included, adding to the van’s overall value.

Maintenance Costs

Citroen has implemented clever design features to keep maintenance costs down. For instance, the front and rear bumpers are assembled from three pieces rather than a single part, allowing for sectional replacement in case of minor damage. This approach can significantly reduce repair costs over the van’s lifetime. Service intervals have been extended with the latest models, potentially lowering maintenance expenses. The current 2.2-litre engines can go up to 32,000 miles between dealer visits, although Citroen recommends an annual safety check for peace of mind. Heavily used vans should be serviced every 12,500 miles, regardless of the extended intervals.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

New Relays come with a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, providing reassurance for businesses. This warranty is fully transferable and covers the repair or replacement of any faulty parts. Additionally, Citroen offers a 12-year anti-perforation warranty for rust protection, ensuring the van’s longevity.

Conclusion

The Citroen Relay L3H2 proves to be a strong contender in the commercial van market. Its generous load capacity, powerful engine options, and array of comfort features make it a practical choice for businesses looking to boost their productivity. The van’s competitive pricing and efforts to keep running costs low also add to its appeal, giving it an edge in the value-for-money department. All in all, the Citroen Relay L3H2 ticks many boxes for those in need of a reliable workhorse. While it may have room for improvement in areas like refinement and steering precision, its overall package of space, performance, and practicality makes it worth considering. For businesses aiming to find a balance between capability and cost-effectiveness, the Relay L3H2 stands out as a solid option to explore.

FAQs

Are Citroen Relay vans dependable? Citroen Relay vans are generally considered to be quite reliable. Although there have been occasional reports of starting and running issues with the older 2.2-litre HDi engines, such instances are fairly uncommon. It’s advisable for potential buyers of a used Relay van to thoroughly review the vehicle’s service history to ensure reliability. What is the typical lifespan of a Citroen Relay engine? A Citroen Relay is typically expected to last up to 244,000 miles before it may start to encounter significant mechanical issues. The type of fuel used can significantly influence the overall lifespan of the vehicle. Can a Citroen Relay be effectively used as a campervan? Yes, Citroen Relays are often successfully converted into campervans. They are more affordable than some other popular choices like the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter, making them an attractive option for vanlife enthusiasts. However, it’s important to choose a reliable model and conduct thorough research before making a conversion. What distinguishes the Citroen L3 from the L4 model? The Citroen Relay is available in L3 and L4 versions, which differ primarily in size and load capacity. The L3 model offers up to 16 cubic metres of load space, while the L4 model provides up to 20 cubic metres. In terms of payload, the L4 models can carry up to 983kg, whereas the L3 variants have a slightly higher payload capacity of 1,051kg.