Mercedes-Benz has previewed its all-new Citan compact van which is set for global debut in Germany in September at the Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show.
The Citan is sure to send shivers down the spine of Volkswagen which has been racking-up big sales numbers locally with its range of Caddy vans. Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Diane Tarr has confirmed the Citan is a definite starter for Australia, but at this stage she’s keeping coy about specific models or details.
Both turbo-diesel and supercharged petrol engines earmarked for Australia will deliver around 200Nm of torque - so they’ll be handy performers even when fully loaded – but, as they come from the ‘Benz BlueEFFICIENCY family, they’ll also deliver top-shelf performance in the areas of low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
‘Benz has equipped the Citan with its usual massive array of safety features (important for Occupational Health & Safety requirements when vans are used as company vehicles). Look for items like ASR (acceleration skid control), drive and braking torque control, Adaptive ESP (adjusts far varying loads) and the new Dynamic Handling Control System.
Inside are lots of clever features designed to make life easier for those who spend their working days in vans – like form-fitting backrests for the seats, breathable fabrics and the usual nicely-styled and ergonomic Mercedes gauges, switches and dials.
Prominent on the outside of the Citan is the hallmark Mercedes-Benz radiator grille ensuring this may be a commercial van, but like the larger Sprinter and Vito, the ‘Benz Citan looks all-class.
