A startrescue.co.uk story...

The new Citroen Relay will be unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show on the 29th of April, but the French van maker has released a few images of the large van ahead of its debut.

Class leading payloads and generous load capacities are thought to be at the heart of the new van, together with low deck heights that will compete well with any vehicle in the sector.

These specs are backed up with extended service intervals, better standard equipment and engines that are more fuel-efficient by 15 per cent. There will also be a number of options available to make driving a Relay safer and more comfortable.

The van will not be available to buy until around October, but interest in the reincarnated Relay is growing.

It will also feature higher-level headlights which incorporate day running lamps, an updated grille and badge, as well as a damage-minimising multi-section bumper unit.

Tougher doors and door hinges have also been introduced to the model, while the sliding door rails and runners have been made more robust.

Both durability and security are crucial to most van owners – as many of our van breakdown insurance customers will agree – and as such Citroen has made them its key focus for the new Relay.

The van maker also says there will be less cabin noise, as well as better shock absorption.

Combined cycle fuel economy will stand at up to 42.8mpg, while CO2 emissions will come at under 200g per kilometre.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine will be available with outputs of 110, 130 (this version can be ordered with stop/start system, too) and 150hp – the same engine range as used in the Peugeot Boxer, which is manufactured at the same Italian plant.

The new Relay will be available in four lengths and three heights.