The Citan is the smallest of three Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, sitting beneath the Vito and Sprinter.
Due to its smaller proportions, it offers more of a car-like driving experience when compared to its larger siblings.
In terms of the panel van, there are two lengths to choose from and three trim levels – Base, Pro or Select.
The latter, tested here in lengthier L2 form, has plenty of design flourishes and creature comforts to provide a premium feel.
My test vehicle was powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, which felt to be a right-sized powerplant for the vehicle.
Acceleration feels brisk enough for everyday driving, while average fuel economy of more than 50mpg on the combined scale is a pleasing statistic.
Even when I worked the engine hard, the Citan still returned a more than acceptable 42mpg.
In the tighter corners, the vehicle handles well, with body roll and lean well-contained. The steering feels accurate and nicely-weighted, making the driving experience feel relatively engaging by van standards.
The front-wheel drive set up seems to work well and I rarely found the front wheels scrabbling around for grip, even under heavy acceleration.
Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic box. The auto, tested here, is a good match for the engine, quickly selection the correct notch in response to acceleration inputs.
When it comes to space, the L1 version can carry 2.9 cubic metres of cargo, while the L2 model will accommodate 3.62 cubic metres. Access to the loadspace couldn’t be much easier, with sliding side doors and rear doors allowing you to load up goods with ease.
Like so many diesel vehicles, the Citan offers plenty of torque at lower revs. That pulling power certainly comes in handy if you’re trying to get moving with a full load onboard.
Torque peaks at 260Nm and the Citan’s maximum payload is 663kg.
The interior is a pleasant place to be, with highlights including the multifunction steering wheel and the 9.5-inch touch screen, both of which are easy and intuitive to operate.
The Select trim level, priced at £25,300 for the L1 version, is equipped with plenty of attractive features.
The chrome interior package combines nicely with the high-gloss black dashboard trim element.
Meanwhile, the leather steering wheel and shift lever knob make for soft-touch surfaces.
Externally, the Select version benefits from LED high performance headlamps, 16-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, LED fog lamps and metallic paint.
The angular front end of the vehicle is dominated by a prominent grille, while the rear end is, as you’d expect from a van, more functional than flamboyant.
The Citan is based on a sophisticated safety concept. Active driving assistance and safety systems offer useful functions to support the driver.
In higher-spec guise, the vehicle comes with Highbeam Assist and Active parking assist, on top of the safety systems already available on lower trim models.
Mercedes Benz Citan Panel Van (Auto) 110 L2 SELECT
ENGINE: 1.5-litre diesel, four-cylinder
DRIVE: Front wheel
POWER: 94hp
TORQUE: 260Nm
EMISSIONS: 145g/km combined
FUEL EFFICIENCY: 51.3 combined
PAYLOAD: 663Kg
