VANIRELANDPublic Debut forMercedes-Benz CitanThe Mercedes-Benz Citan will be unveiled to the public for the firsttime at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.54Powerful yet with compactdimensions making itespecially suitable forcity use, meaning that for thefirst time, the Mercedes-Benzportfolio of vans featuresa vehicle specifically forthe urban environment.Due to its versatility andadaptability, the newMercedes-Benz Citan fulfils abroad range of commercialapplications. Based on a panelvan, this urban van is availablein three different lengths:Compact, Long, Extra-long.Safety plays a big role in thenew Citan. The urban vancomes with the ElectronicStability Program ADAPTIVEESP® as standard, whichtakes the vehicle load intoconsideration. This innovativedynamic handling controlsystem in the new Citancombines the functions ofthe anti-locking brakingsystem ABS®, VDC® (VehicleDynamic Control) whichVI Mercedes-Benz Citan Spread.indd 54 09/05/2012 12:21
VANIRELANDcounters over- and understeer,and TCS® (Traction ControlSystem). It also includesASR® (Acceleration SkidControl) and drive andbraking torque control.The Mercedes-Benz Citan isinstantly recognisable as aMercedes-Benz thanks to thevehicle’s characteristic brandlook. The Citan is the firstmodel in the Mercedes-Benzvan range to feature the newfamily appearance. Providingthe brand signature, thechromed star is self-assuredlyset against the prominent,robust radiator grille withthree sporty perforatedlouvres. The Mercedes-BenzCitan’s bold headlamps andthe pronounced V-shape to thebonnet with its clearly definededges are equally striking.standard. Both the driver andfront passenger benefit fromequally firm, comfortablypadded seats. The formfittingshape of the backrestsin particular provides lateralsupport, thereby ensuringcomfort and safety. Drawingon the brand’s typical design,the fabric cover is breathable,durable and easy to care for.As powerful and striking as theexterior of the new Citan, theinstrument panel is designedaround the driver. The surfacehas a leather-like grain foran attractive look and feel.EnginesThe choice of engines isbroad. Three high-torque,turbodiesel direct-injectionengines with outputs from75hp (55kW) to 110hp (81kW)and a nippy, superchargedpetrol engine generating 115hp (84kW) cover all standardrequirements. All the dieselengines have a particulatefilter as standard. Five andsix-speed transmissionswith a joystick gearshiftpositioned within easy reachon the centre console transmitpower to the front wheels.Mercedes-Benz, offeringprecision, driving safety andthe smooth handling thatdrivers are accustomed tofrom the Vito and Sprinter.BlueEFFICIENCYThe petrol-engined Citancomes with a BlueEFFICIENCYpackage as standard, whichis optional for the dieselversions. Amongst otherfeatures this includes the ECOstart/stop function, batteryand generator management,plus optimised low rollingresistance tyres dependingon the variant which againreduce fuel consumption.The trapezoidal shape ofthe air intake in the bumperemphasises width and thepowerful impression made bythe Citan. Again, this featureis one of the brand’s typicalstyle elements at the presenttime, from the latest Mercedes-Benz cars in the compact classthrough to the new Actros.EquipmentJust as distinctive, the interiorof the new Mercedes-BenzCitan is equipped to a highDrivers of any other Mercedes-Benz will immediately feel athome in the cockpit of the newCitan and not just due to thefamiliar star on the steeringwheel: the combinationswitches, gearknob, andswitches on the instrumentpanel all meet Mercedes-Benz’s usual standards forthe driver’s area in terms oflayout, look and function. Trimover the glove compartmentenhances the interior further.The developers of theMercedes-Benz Citan havepaid particular attention toensuring that the handlingis as expected of the brand,delivering a combination ofdriving dynamics, agility andride comfort. The Direct-Steersystem is accurate and sensitive,while the suspension, dampingand stabiliser bars have beencarefully attuned to each other.Whether empty or loaded,the new Citan is a true55VI Mercedes-Benz Citan Spread.indd 55 09/05/2012 12:21
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