- Further 4.25t electric van rule changes under consideration
- Arval research uncovers van fleet optimism
- Pre-orders open for new Nissan Interstar
- More than half of UK van drivers now believe EVs more cost effective than ICE, VW finds
- Public EV charging costs preventing adoption for some fleets, AFP says
- Ford Ranger Tremor review
- Inseego awarded Crown Commercial Service framework status
- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: Electrify and optimise: Digital solutions at the forefront of decarbonisation
- Fleets being pushed to take electric vans due to ZEV mandate, AFP reports
- Buying a used... Citroen Relay (2019)
The What Van? Road Test: Mercedes-Benz Citan (2023)
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Interior and equipment
We’re not big fans of relying solely on a touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard whenever we need to, say, turn down the heating and ventilation system’s booster fan, or turn up the radio. Odds are that you’ll spend so much time pressing the screen to find out how to implement such basic actions that you’ll become distracted and won’t be aware of what’s ahead of you on the highway.
With the Citan, at least some of these functions are activated by chunky, easy-to-understand, dashboard-mounted rotary switches instead; a happy compromise.
Fitted with keyless ignition, the Citan Premium automatic comes well-equipped, with air-conditioning, a reversing camera, reversing sensors, and cruise control with a speed-limiter all included in the deal. You also get alloy wheels, front fog lights, large, electrically-adjustable, heated exterior rear-view mirrors and electric windows.
The 7in touchscreen controls the MBUX multimedia system with a DAB radio, Bluetooth compatibility, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the ability to create a WiFi hotspot. Also featured is a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant.
The electric parking brake installed in our demonstrator is an option.
Storage facilities include a lidded, but not lockable, glovebox, bins in each of the doors, shelving above the windscreen and a roomy lidded bin between the seats accompanied by a pair of cup-holders. Sitting at the bottom of the dashboard is a smartphone dock along with a 12v power socket and a USB port.
The steering column and the driver’s seat are both height-adjustable. Premium specifications embrace chrome interior highlights and glossy black trim for the instrument panel.
Built-in safety devices include ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, ASR traction control, and Active Brake Assist – autonomous emergency braking, in other words. It is standard on all Citans, but not on all Kangoos and Townstars.
Also provided are Attention Assist, which triggers an alert if the driver shows signs of being tired, Hill Start Assist and High Beam Assist. The latter prevents you from dazzling other drivers at night.
Sensors switch on the wipers when rain spatters the windscreen and illuminate the lights when it starts to get dark. Safety is further assured by the presence of driver, passenger, and side airbags.
Our van’s 16in 10-spoke alloy wheels were shod with Continental EcoContact 6 205/60 R16 tyres.
View The WhatVan Digital Edition
