The Renault Kangoo-based Mercedes-Benz Citan small commercial vehicle is now available with two new engines, a diesel and a petrol unit, both sourced from Renault. The new powerplants are a 1.5-liter diesel unit with 109 hp (110PS) for the top-of-the-line diesel model Citan 111 CDI and a 1.2-liter petrol unit with 113 hp (114PS) in the Citan 112. You may recognize these engines by their real Renault names - Energy dCi 110 and Energy TCe 115.
The Citan 111 CDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph), thanks in part to the engine’s maximum torque of 240 Nm (177 lb-ft).
And while its performance specs will fail to impress anyone, fuel economy figures may do it. When fitted with the optional BlueEfficiency package including the Eco start/stop function, the Citan 111 CDI averages 4.4 liters/100 km (53.4 mpg US). Prices in Germany start from €17,130 ($23,140) for the Citan 111 CDI panel van, excluding VAT.
The new petrol version Citan 112 is faster to 100 km/h (62 mph) at 11.7 seconds and reaches a slightly higher top speed – 173 km/h (107 mph). However, fuel consumption is considerably higher than the 111 CDI’s at 6.1 liters/100 km (38.5 mpg US), although it’s fitted as standard with the BlueEfficiency technology. The Citan 112 is cheaper than the Citan 111 CDI, at €15,810 ($20,500).
Both models are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission with a wide ratio spread that ensures low engine speeds and high road speeds, as well as low driving noise and fuel consumption.
Another new addition to the Mercedes-Benz Citan lineup is an extra-long crewbus version with up to seven seats that will launch in spring 2014. Based on the extra-long variant which measures 4,705 mm (185.2 in), the crewbus features a third row of seats consisting of two individual seats that are independently adjustable fore-and-aft, and can be individually folded down or removed.
By Dan Mihalascu
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