Citroën Relay van leasing

1. Body Style (The biggest difference)

This determines what the van is fundamentally used for.

• Panel Van: The standard, fully enclosed van most people picture. It has a solid body with a cargo area behind the driver's cabin. This is the most common version for general cargo, deliveries, and trades.

• Platform Cab (Chassis Cab): This version comes with just the driver's cab and an empty, flat chassis at the back. It is designed for specialist conversions like:

  • Tipper Bodies

  • Cherry Pickers / Access Platforms

  • Box Bodies

  • Refrigerated Units (Reefers)

• Crew Van: A panel van that includes a second row of passenger seats behind the driver, allowing you to transport both a crew (typically up to 6 people total) and tools/materials in the same locked compartment. Ideal for teams going to a job site.

2. Size and Dimensions (Load Capacity)

Within the Panel Van and Crew Van categories, you choose the size based on your load volume and weight requirements. This is indicated by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., L2H2).

• Length (Determines load length and wheelbase):

  • L1 / L2 / L3 / L4: The number indicates the relative length, with L1 being the shortest and L4 being the "long wheelbase" version.

  • L1: Standard length. Good for urban manoeuvrability.

  • L2 & L3: Medium and long lengths. Offer a great balance of space and drivability.

  • L4: Extra long. Maximum cargo space for bulky items.

• Height (Determines load height and interior standing room):

  • H1 / H2 / H3: The number indicates the relative roof height.

  • H1: Standard roof. You cannot stand up inside.

  • H2 / H3: Medium and high roofs. The H2 is the most popular high roof, allowing most people to stand up inside, which is a huge benefit for working in the back.

Common Combinations:

• L1H1: The most compact, agile van.

• L2H2: The best-selling combination. Offers a great mix of load volume and drivability.

• L4H2 / L4H3: The largest options, for maximum cargo capacity.

3. Powertrain (Engine and Fuel Type)

This determines the van's performance, running costs, and where it can be used (especially with Clean Air Zones).

• Diesel Engines (BlueHDi): The traditional and most common choice.

  • 2.2L BlueHDi Engines: Available in different power outputs (e.g., 120hp, 140hp, 160hp, 180hp). Higher power is better for heavier loads, frequent motorway driving, or towing.

  • Key Feature: Includes a AdBlue tank to reduce emissions and comply with regulations.

• Electric (ë-Relay): The zero-emission option.

  • Battery: Uses a 75 kWh battery pack.

  • Range: Offers a claimed range of up to 154 miles (WLTP) on a full charge.

  • Ideal For: Urban deliveries, businesses operating inside Clean Air Zones (like ULEZ), and companies focused on reducing their carbon footprint.

Summary Table: Citroën Relay Model Differences

Citroën Relay Towing Capacity Summary

The Citroën Relay can be configured to tow up to a maximum of 3,500 kg. However, this is not the case for every model. The actual weight you can legally tow depends on the van's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and its specific homologation.

The two main towing limits are:

1. 2,500 kg Braked Towing Capacity: This is common on many standard panel van models.

2. 3,500 kg Braked Towing Capacity: This is the maximum, typically available on higher GVW models or specifically ordered with a factory towing pack.

Key Factors That Determine Your Van's Towing Limit

1. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): This is the total allowable weight of the van itself, plus the driver, passengers, cargo, and fuel. A van with a higher GVW rating (e.g., 3,500kg vs 3,000kg) will typically have a higher permitted towing capacity.

2. Driving Licence Regulations: If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you are generally restricted to towing a braked trailer up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). To tow more, or to drive a vehicle and trailer combination over 8,250kg MAM, you would need to pass an additional C1+E driving test.

3. Factory Towing Pack: To achieve the maximum 3,500 kg limit, the van must often be factory-ordered with a specific towing preparation pack, which includes an upgraded cooling system, pre-wiring for trailer electronics, and a reinforced chassis.

Important Considerations

• Braked vs. Unbraked: The figures above (2,500kg / 3,500kg) are for braked trailers. The unbraked towing capacity is much lower, typically 750 kg.

• Don't Exceed the Limit: The van's Gross Train Weight (GTW) is the total allowed weight of the fully loaded van PLUS the fully loaded trailer. You must never exceed this legal limit.

• Check the VIN Plate: The definitive towing capacity for your specific vehicle is listed on its VIN plate (usually found in the engine bay or on the door sill). This is the legally binding figure you must adhere to.

Summary Table

Drivetrain Configuration: Transverse Front-Wheel Drive

Transverse Engine:

The engine is mounted sideways (east-west) in the engine bay, directly powering the front wheels.

Benefits: This layout is very space-efficient. By saving space under the bonnet, it allows for a more compact overall vehicle length or a larger, more useful cargo area within the same footprint. It also generally allows for a lower, flatter load floor.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):

• • • Power is sent only to the front wheels.

Benefits for a van like the Relay:

• • • Packaging & Interior Space: The lack of a driveshaft running to the rear wheels means there is no large central transmission tunnel. This results in a completely flat cargo floor from wall to wall, maximising usable space.

    • Fuel Efficiency: FWD systems are typically lighter and have fewer mechanical components than rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, contributing to better fuel economy.

    • On-Road Traction & Handling: In most driving conditions (rain, light snow), the weight of the engine over the driven wheels provides good traction. The handling is generally more predictable and car-like for the driver.

    • Cost: FWD is less complex and cheaper to manufacture, which helps keep the purchase or lease price competitive.

Comparison with common alternatives

• • • vs. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Many larger vans (like the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit in their heaviest versions) use RWD. RWD is often better for extreme heavy-loading and towing at the very top end of the capacity, as it puts the weight of the load over the driven wheels. However, for the payloads the Relay is designed for, FWD is perfectly adequate and offers space and efficiency advantages.

    • vs. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The standard Citroën Relay does not offer an AWD option. Some competitors (like the Ford Transit Custom) do have optional AWD. AWD provides superior traction in poor off-road or severe winter conditions but adds cost, weight, and complexity, and reduces fuel economy.

What this means for you:

Ideal for:

The FWD drivetrain makes the Citroën Relay an excellent choice for the vast majority of business uses, including:

• • Urban and suburban deliveries

  • Tradesperson services (plumbers, electricians)

  • General cargo on paved roads

  • Highway driving

Considerations:

• • Heavy Loads & Towing: While the Relay has a strong towing capacity (up to 3,500kg), a RWD van might provide marginally better traction when pulling a very heavy trailer on a steep, slippery incline, as the trailer's weight presses down on the rear axle.

  • Off-Road/Soft Ground: FWD vans can be more prone to getting stuck in deep mud, soft sand, or rutted building sites compared to a RWD or AWD vehicle, as there is less weight over the driven wheels when the cargo area is empty.

In summary, the Citroën Relay's front-wheel-drive drivetrain is a deliberate and practical choice that prioritises interior space, fuel efficiency, and car-like driving manners, making it perfectly suited for its primary role as a versatile urban and motorway workhorse.

The payload is the maximum weight you can legally load into the van, including the driver, passengers, tools, and cargo. It's calculated as: Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - Kerb Weight = Payload.

Here is a clear breakdown of the Citroën Relay's payload capacities.

Citroën Relay Payload Summary

The Citroën Relay offers a wide range of payloads, typically from around 1,000 kg to over 1,400 kg, with some heavy-duty versions reaching even higher.

The most common payloads for standard panel vans fall into these categories:

• Standard Payload: Approximately 1,000 kg - 1,200 kg

• High Payload: Approximately 1,200 kg - 1,400 kg

• Platform Cab (Chassis Cab): These models are designed for specialist bodies and often have the highest payloads, potentially exceeding 1,500 kg before the conversion body is added.

Payload by Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The most straightforward way to understand the payload is by looking at the van's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating. The Relay is commonly available in three main GVW classes:

Important Note: The exact payload for a specific van is listed on its VIN plate and in its official registration documents (V5C). This is the legally binding figure you must not exceed.

Key Factors That Affect Payload

Body Style:

• • Panel Van: Standard payloads as listed above.

  • Crew Van: The extra seats and seatbelts add weight, so the payload will be slightly lower than an equivalent panel van.

  • Platform Cab: Has the highest potential payload, but the weight of the custom body (tipper arm, ply-lined box, etc.) must be deducted to find your final, usable payload.

Size and Options:

• • A longer (L4) or higher (H3) van will have a slightly higher kerb weight than a smaller (L1H1) model, which can slightly reduce the payload.

  • Adding factory options like a bulkhead, upgraded flooring, or a tow bar also adds weight, reducing the available payload.

Example for Clarity:

Let's say you are looking at a Citroën Relay L2H2 Panel Van with a GVW of 3,300 kg.

• Its Kerb Weight might be around 2,100 kg.

• Your Payload would be: 3,300 kg - 2,100 kg = 1,200 kg.

This means you can load 1,200 kg of combined weight from the driver, any passengers, all tools, equipment, and cargo.

Securing the perfect Citroën Relay lease hire deal for your business is now simpler than ever. Once you've selected the ideal model and size to suit your requirements, simply specify the lease term, annual mileage, and initial rental amount, and request a quote online. Within 24 hours, we will provide you with a personalised Citroën Relay lease price based on your preferences. If the figures meet your expectations, we'll handle the vehicle finance arrangements, leaving you with just the task of awaiting the van's delivery. And guess what? Free mainland delivery is included as well!

For those new to leasing and seeking more information on how it works, feel free to explore our Van Leasing Explained page located within our leasing guides.