Citroen Vans Then and Now

Citroen vehicles were first unveiled in 1919 by a revolutionary man named Andre Citroen. His grandfather used to sell lemons, which is how the family name 'Citroen' meaning citrus, came about through his Dutch background. Andre Citroen was the first to provide consumers with a road accident prevention service for their vehicles. Citroen vans specifically the H van, was used mainly between 1947 and 1981. Other Citroen vehicles were also introduced such as 2CV, DS and CX models. Andre Citroen was the first to build light utility vans used for business as well as pleasure. 473,289 Citroen vans were manufactured in France, Belgium and the Netherlands for approximately 34 years.

The first Citroen vans were introduced with cutting edge technological features for its era. It included features such as walk through interiors, sliding doors, wide rear entry and easy access from the sides. In 1928, Citroen presented the first full steel bodied vehicle to the public. Citroen acquired heavy duty machines from Chrysler manufacturers to attain this creditable feat. By introducing the first full bodied steel vehicle, they had gone way ahead of their competitors who were still producing simple wooden framed vehicles. When their competitors started manufacturing vehicles with aerodynamic designs, Citroen fell behind. Then Citroen finally presented traction avant which was so innovative and new that their competitors had no way to retaliate.

During that era, Citroen vans appealed to high utility and service fields such as the police departments, fire stations, merchants and public transport. Police departments in that generation found Citroen vans to be ideal for any scenario because they were reliable, safe and secure. Fire departments enhanced the Citroen vans with ladders and hoses to provide effective support to the public during fires. Citroen vans also were used for public transport by adding seats to the back area of the vehicle. After World War II, simple front wheel drive Citroen vans were unveiled.

Today, Citroen vans still maintain the quality and effectiveness since they were first manufactured. There are a variety of models available including Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay vans. The Nemo Citroen vans are small but will not hinder you from carrying large loads. Nemo vans provide you with 3.86 metres of length and have a height and width of 1.72 metres. Nemo vans include features such as asymmetrical rear doors, side door loading option, easy parking steering, foldable seats, low pollution emissions guarantee, and comfortable, convenient designs.

Berlingo Citroen vans are highlighted for their practical and reliable features. It's a van with modern designs and increased load capacity, perfect for businesses. Berlingo vans are available in petrol as well as diesel models. They are considered to be efficient heavy load carriers and if required, they have the ability to extend space into the passenger seating area. Berlingo vans are characterized for its safety and security features, traffic guidance technology, front and side bumper protection, and central locking.

Dispatch Citroen vans are fully equipped with technology, style and space for loading. It has the latest technological enhancements such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth software and stolen vehicle tracking systems. Dispatch Citroen vans consist of electronic windows, cruise control, improved traction control, airbags and an adjustable steering wheel. It's aerodynamic styling and durable mid sized capacity makes it the ideal utility vehicle for businesses.

Relay models are the largest Citroen vans produced today. There are 30 versions of relay vans available full of safe, secure and pleasurable driving characteristics. Relay vans offer details such as air bags, GPS tracking systems, twin lens door mirrors, lockable storage, and traffic guide systems. It has an advanced over speed warning system which warns the driver when exceeding the speed limit. The vans contain office specifications such as document clipboards on the dashboard and foldable seats creating a tabletop. These features are ideal for businesses involving a large amount of travelling and are relatively cheap to insure, with typical Van Insurance costs lower than many other models in their class..

Citroen vans have proven their reliability and efficiency continuously over the history of the automobile industry. They have contributed and enhanced the driving experience with their innovative designs and features aiming towards the perfect vehicle whether it be for professional or personal pleasures.

By Ungira Pandit.

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Citroen Contract Hire - Previewing The Citroen Range

The baby of the current range is the C1 a highly practical and economical city car suitable for urban traffic and parking. Although compact, the C1 still manages to give ample interior space for passengers and luggage by utilising the adaptable folding rear seats. There is a choice of five door and three door versions is available of this1.0i or 1.4 HDi diesel small but attractive vehicle.

Moving up in the range we next come to the C2 a practical and spacious sporty car suitable for city and cross country driving. There are lots of great features such as a split- tailgate, three gas engines or two diesel HDi to choose from including the high performing 125hp, 1.6i 16V.

The next Citro‘n option is the C3 a 5 door stylish and spacious car that provides a lot of driving pleasure. The C3 epitomises the French flair for sleek and elegant styling, which are cleverly combined with high tech features. Such as SensoDrive transmission that utilizes the latest in fuel saving stop-start technology, to help save the planet while saving you petrol money.

The C4 Picasso is already a classic of French motoring design makes this a driver's dream that is a step ahead of its rivals. There are so many features such as automatic parking brake, assistance for hill starting and a combined cruise control and speed limiter as well as a multiple airbag set-up. Have combined to make it possible for the C4 Picasso to obtain the prestigious NCAP 5-star safety rating.

The sister vehicle Grand C4 Picasso is a very captivating seven-seater people carrier that gives a truly remarkable driving experience that is not like a regular boring family multi- person vehicle.

The Xsara Picasso has already proved itself to be a real crowd pleaser. This may be because of its high ability to handle just like a salon car while providing all the features and comfort of a MPV.

There is plenty of available space for people and lots of luggage, making it a winner for those with family or friends to move around in safety and comfort. ABS and EBD, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution come as standard features to give you the piece of mind you need when transporting your loved ones.

The C5 is the company's executive saloon vehicle that provides the ultimate in classy French driving chic. Features such as the Electronic Stability Programme to keep this quick and agile exec vehicle firmly glued to the road.

By Darrell Freeman.