The three vans – Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Fiat Scudo, are basically the same vehicle, but each has its own grille and there are slight specification differences.
At the front, the new vans feature a more robust-looking bonnet with a raised profile, new headlamps with clear glass and a redesigned bumper which incorporates optional circular foglamps. But whereas the Citroen and Fiat versions have large open grilles, Peugeot has opted for a more sombre radiator cover.
The sides now have rubbing strips that extend across the rear wheelarches and right up to the rear bumper. Inside, the seats have been restyled with lengthened seat cushions, raised backs and strengthening of the lateral support.
Noise suppression has also been given attention and the new model features inserts in the B and C pillars to prevent transmission noise from under the vehicle intruding into the cab. Before the final coat of paint is applied, PVC is sprayed under the load floor as an added quietener. The rear end of the van is the same as the old model, with load volumes of four cubic metres and payloads of 851kg or 925kg. Gross vehicle weights are 2,205kg and 2,330kg.
Under the bonnet things are much the same as they were in the old models. For Citroen and Peugeot, two diesel engines are available – a naturally-aspirated 1.9-litre unit offering 71bhp at 4,600rpm and 170lb-ft of torque at 2,500rpm and a 2.0-litre HDi common rail turbodiesel unit offering 110bhp at 4,000rpm and 250lb-ft of torque at 1,750rpm. Fiat will be using its own JTD engines in 69bhp and 109bhp formats.
Top driving tips
National Van Rental has come up with a list of top tips for van drivers. The firm believes many drivers still do not consider the implications of driving a bigger vehicle when first climbing aboard. Before starting your trip:
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