Citroën Relay: Engines & Tech for 2019

The large van segment in the UK is a fiercely competitive arena, and the Citroën Relay, a long-standing contender, is stepping up its game with a significant refresh for 2019. Often seen alongside its close cousin, the Peugeot Boxer, the Relay is undergoing a series of crucial updates, primarily focusing on its powertrain and technological offerings. From July 2019 production, operators can expect to find new 2.2-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel engines under the bonnet, complemented by a pair of new, strategically positioned trim levels.

This overhaul is more than just a minor tweak; it's a direct response to evolving emissions regulations and market demands. For businesses reliant on their vans day in, day out, understanding these changes is paramount. From improved efficiency to enhanced driver assistance systems, the 2019 Citroën Relay aims to solidify its position as a robust and reliable partner for a diverse range of professional applications.

The Return of the 2.2-Litre Engine: Why Bigger is Better Now

For those who've followed the Relay's journey, the news of a return to 2.2-litre engines might seem like a step back, given the previous shift to 2.0-litre units in 2016 to meet original Euro 6 standards. However, this 'upsizing' is a deliberate and necessary move to comply with the latest Euro 6D Temp (also known as Euro 6.2) emissions regulations, which became mandatory in September 2019. These new regulations place a far greater emphasis on real-world fuel economy and emissions, moving beyond laboratory tests to reflect actual driving conditions.

The logic is compelling: a slightly larger engine, working less strenuously, can often achieve better real-world efficiency and lower emissions than a highly stressed, smaller engine pushed to its limits. This trend isn't unique to Citroën; other prominent van manufacturers, such as Renault (with the Trafic moving from 1.6 to 2.0-litre) and Fiat (with the Ducato dropping its entry-level 2.0-litre), are adopting similar strategies. It's about optimising the balance between power, efficiency, and regulatory compliance under more stringent testing protocols. For the operator, this translates to a van that's not only compliant but potentially more durable and economical in daily operation.

New BlueHDi Engine Line-up

The 2019 Citroën Relay's engine range now comprises three distinct 2.2-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel options, each designed to cater to different power and torque requirements:

• BlueHDi 120: Delivering 120hp and 300Nm of torque.
• BlueHDi 140: Offering 140hp and 340Nm of torque.
• BlueHDi 165: The most powerful option, with 165hp and 370Nm of torque.

Compared to the outgoing 2.0-litre engines, both the 120hp and 140hp versions benefit from a 10hp increase, providing a noticeable boost in performance and responsiveness, particularly when hauling heavier loads or navigating challenging gradients. The range-topping 165hp variant gains an additional 5hp and a significant 20Nm of torque, making it an even more capable choice for demanding applications and long-distance journeys where sustained power is crucial.

While official fuel economy figures were still pending announcement at the time of this update, industry expectations suggest the Relay will remain highly competitive in this crucial area. The move to the 2.2-litre platform, coupled with modern BlueHDi technology, aims to deliver an optimal blend of power, refinement, and economical running costs, a key factor for any business's bottom line.

Gearbox Options: A Manual Affair

One aspect where the 2019 Citroën Relay maintains its traditional approach is in its transmission offering. The Relay continues to be available exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox across all models. While this provides direct driver engagement and robust reliability, it does stand in contrast to a growing trend in the van market towards automatic transmissions. All models do, however, benefit from Citroën's Stop & Start (S&S) technology, which automatically cuts the engine when the van is stationary, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban environments.

The absence of an automatic gearbox could increasingly put the Relay at a disadvantage when compared to rivals that do offer this option. For instance, the 2019 Fiat Ducato, despite sharing a platform with the Relay, now boasts its own engine and transmission options, including a new nine-speed automatic. As traffic congestion increases and driver comfort becomes a higher priority, automatic gearboxes are becoming an ever more popular choice for van operators, especially those engaged in multi-drop deliveries or frequent urban driving. For long-distance drivers, an automatic can also reduce fatigue. This is certainly a point for potential buyers to consider based on their specific operational needs.

Expanded Trim Levels: Tailoring the Relay to Your Business

The 2019 Relay introduces a revised trim structure, bringing it into line with Citroën's smaller van offerings, the Berlingo and Dispatch. Previously available in standard and Enterprise specifications, the range now expands to four distinct trims: X, Enterprise, Worker, and Driver. This broader choice allows businesses to select a Relay that more precisely matches their operational demands and budget.

• Relay X: This trim replaces the previous standard specification and serves as the entry point to the range. It includes essential features such as a 12v socket in the cabin and a full steel bulkhead, providing basic but crucial functionality for load security and driver safety. It's designed for operators who need a dependable workhorse without unnecessary frills.
• Relay Enterprise: Expected to remain the most popular choice, the Enterprise trim significantly enhances comfort and convenience. Key additions include rear parking sensors, a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, and a multi-adjustable driver's seat, allowing for greater comfort on longer journeys and easier manoeuvring in tight spaces. This trim balances essential features with modern technology.
• Relay Worker: Specifically targeted at operators who frequently encounter challenging or slippery work sites, the Worker trim is engineered for enhanced traction and durability. It features Citroën's advanced Grip Control traction control system with Hill Descent Control, 'multi-season' tyres for improved grip in varying conditions, robust underbody protection, and practical mudflaps as standard. Additional conveniences include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB socket, cruise control with a speed limiter, and a handy dashboard-mounted clipboard, making it ideal for construction, utilities, or rural delivery services.
• Relay Driver: Aimed squarely at long-distance transport or multi-drop delivery services, the Driver trim focuses on driver comfort, connectivity, and advanced safety. Standard features include a USB charging socket, a reversing camera for easier parking, satellite navigation, and the comprehensive Drive Assist Pack (detailed below). While other Citroën van Driver variants often boast increased sound deadening for improved cabin refinement, this particular enhancement isn't explicitly mentioned for the Relay Driver, which is a point to note for those covering significant mileage.

Enhanced Safety and Connectivity Features

The 2019 Citroën Relay also introduces a suite of new safety and connectivity options, reflecting the growing importance of driver assistance and fleet management tools in modern commercial vehicles. These additions aim to reduce accidents, improve operational efficiency, and provide greater peace of mind for operators.

• Blind Spot Monitoring: A crucial safety enhancement, this system now intelligently accounts for trailers, expanding its effectiveness beyond just the van itself. It alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, significantly reducing the risk of side-swipe collisions during lane changes.
• Rear Traffic Alert: This innovative feature provides a vital safety net when reversing. It uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles up to 50 metres away as the van is shifted into reverse, warning the driver and helping to prevent collisions when backing out of parking spaces or driveways onto busy roads.
• Free2Move Connect Fleet Services: All new Relays are now fitted with this telematics box as standard. This system offers invaluable data for fleet managers, including remote fuel consumption monitoring, maintenance tracking, and GPS tracking for fleet management and theft recovery purposes. This level of connectivity can lead to significant operational savings and improved security.
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): While sadly remaining an optional extra for most of the Relay range, AEB is a vital safety system that can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision. Crucially, it comes included as part of the Drive Assist Pack, which is fitted as standard to the new Relay Driver model.
• Drive Assist Pack: Available on the Relay Driver model as standard, this comprehensive pack bundles several advanced driver assistance systems:
  • Lane-Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the van drifts out of its lane without indicating.
  • Automatic Lights and Wipers: Enhances convenience and safety by automatically activating headlights and windscreen wipers as conditions require.
  • Automatic Main Beam Adjustment: Optimises headlight usage by automatically switching between main and dipped beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
  • Traffic Sign Recognition: Displays detected speed limits and other important road signs on the instrument cluster, helping drivers stay compliant.

Body Variants and Practicality Remain Key

In terms of body configurations, the 2019 Relay maintains its extensive range, ensuring there's a variant to suit almost any business need. There are no changes here, meaning operators still have access to eight different body styles, a choice of four lengths, three wheelbases, and three roof heights. This versatility allows for precise customisation, whether the requirement is for a compact panel van for urban deliveries or a spacious converter chassis for specialist applications.

The load volume for the panel van versions remains impressive, ranging from a practical 8.0 cubic metres up to a cavernous 17.0 cubic metres. While official payload figures for the updated models were not yet released, expectations are high that the Relay will continue to offer highly competitive payload capacities, remaining close to the top of the large van class. This commitment to practical load-carrying ability is a cornerstone of the Relay's appeal, ensuring it can handle demanding workloads with ease.

Citroën Relay 2.2L BlueHDi Engine Specifications

Is There an Electric Version of the Citroën Relay?

Yes, Citroën did indeed launch an electric version of the Relay at the 2019 CV Show in April. While this article focuses on the updated diesel engine range, it's worth noting that an all-electric option is now available, catering to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with urban emission zone regulations. This demonstrates Citroën's commitment to offering a full spectrum of powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle operators.

Pricing and Availability for the 2019 Citroën Relay

For businesses keen to get their hands on the updated model, the 2019 Citroën Relay starts from a competitive £23,980 (excluding VAT) for the entry-level Relay X trim. Orders for these new versions can be placed now, allowing businesses to plan their fleet upgrades in advance. While orders are open, production of the refreshed models commenced in July 2019, meaning the latest versions will have been making their way onto British roads from that point onwards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why has Citroën gone back to 2.2-litre engines for the Relay?

Citroën has reverted to 2.2-litre BlueHDi engines to comply with the stricter Euro 6D Temp (Euro 6.2) emissions regulations, which became mandatory in September 2019. Larger engines can often achieve better real-world fuel economy and emissions figures under these new, more demanding testing protocols compared to smaller, more highly stressed units.

Q2: Are there any automatic gearbox options for the 2019 Relay?

No, the 2019 Citroën Relay continues to be offered exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox across all models. While it does feature Stop & Start technology, there is no automatic transmission option available, which might be a consideration for some operators compared to rivals offering automatics.

Q3: What are the main differences between the new trim levels?

The 2019 Relay introduces four trim levels: X, Enterprise, Worker, and Driver. The X is the basic entry-level. Enterprise adds comfort and tech like sat-nav and parking sensors. Worker is designed for challenging terrains with enhanced traction (Grip Control) and underbody protection. Driver is aimed at long-distance journeys, featuring advanced safety tech like the Drive Assist Pack and reversing camera.

Q4: Does the new Relay have improved safety features?

Yes, the 2019 Relay introduces several new safety features. These include blind spot monitoring (trailer-aware), rear traffic alert, and the Free2Move Connect Fleet Services telematics box for fleet management. The top-tier Relay Driver model also gets the comprehensive Drive Assist Pack as standard, which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-departure warning, and traffic sign recognition.

Q5: What are the load capacities of the new Relay?

The 2019 Citroën Relay maintains its impressive load capacities. Panel van versions offer load volumes ranging from 8.0 cubic metres to a substantial 17.0 cubic metres. While specific payload figures for the updated models were not detailed, the Relay is expected to remain highly competitive within the large van segment, offering excellent payload capabilities.

Q6: When can I order the new 2019 Citroën Relay?

Orders for the updated 2019 Citroën Relay models opened prior to July 2019, with production commencing in July 2019. This means the latest versions are now available for purchase and delivery in the UK.

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