It is an important consideration as it competes in one of the most hotly contested sectors of the light commercial vehicle market, where saving and improved productivity are all important.

There is now a greater model choice and for the first time it takes Citroen into the 4.0 tonne gvw sector. New designs mean Relays that are longer, higher, bigger and better equipped. Variable powerassisted steering is standard on most models and the new Relay has a significantly tighter turning circle The latest Relay range of models are 30 (3.0 tonne gvw), 33 (3.3 tonne gvw), 35 (3.5 tonne gvw) and 40 (4.0 tonne gvw). There are four lengths, L1 (short), L2 (medium), L3 (long) and L4 (extra long). There are also three roof heights, H1 (standard), H2 (medium) and H3 (high).

All panel vans are fitted with a large, single nearside sliding door, which is full height on both low- and medium-roof height models. The twin rear doors open out to 180 degrees and can be specified to open a full 270 degrees to fold back against the body sides.

New fuel-efficient, common-rail, highpressure injection HDi diesel engines are fitted. A 2.2HDi engine is available in both 100bhp and 120bhp versions. The largest engine is a 3.0HDi 157bhp unit. A feature of all these new HDi engines is their high peak torque ratings and wide torque spreads for good performance and low fuel consumption. The 100bhp engine is matched with a five-speed gearbox, while the two higher power units are fitted with sixspeed gearboxes.

A rear suspension self - levelling option . . . which incorporates a lowering facility that allows the rear deck to be reduced by a further 70mm . . . should help stability, as well as braking performance when fully laden. Prices, including VAT, range from 23,870 to 34,515.

Standard equipment includes ABS with emergency brake assist;

drivers airbag; remote central locking with PLIP;

CD player/radio with remote audio controls;

heated electric door mirrors; electric front windows; double rear doors with steel panels;

sliding side loading door;

driver's seat with armrest lumbar and height adjustment; automatic door locking (vehicle in motion); dashboard mounted central-locking control button.