Courier firm David Elgey Services is cashing in on the class-leading fuel efficiency of the all-new Mercedes-Benz Citan van after winning six months' free use of a vehicle.
Proprietor David Elgey scooped his prize at dealer Ciceley Commercials' launch event by correctly guessing the remarkable 65.7 mpg economy figure of the Citan 109 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and 108 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models.
And he's now benefiting from the Citan's low diesel consumption himself, after drafting Ciceley's Citan 108 CDI Long demonstrator onto his Gretna-based delivery fleet.
The Citan marks the entry of Mercedes-Benz into the small van market. Packed with clever features, it is powered by a fuel-efficient diesel engine which is offered with 75 hp, 90 hp and 110 hp power outputs, or a 114 hp petrol unit.
Panel van versions are available in three lengths - Compact, Long and Extra-long. The Citan Traveliner is based on the Long wheelbase and has a folding rear bench seat, allowing it to carry the driver and up to four passengers. The Citan Dualiner, meanwhile, has the same seating configuration but, because it is based on the Extra-long format, also offers a practical cargo space.
Mr Elgey runs 15 small vans by a variety of manufacturers, as well as a larger Mercedes-Benz Vito, and a pair of 3.5-tonne Sprinters which each rack up an average of 140,000 miles per year. His company is a contractor for TNT Business Solutions, the outsourcing division of TNT Express Services UK & Ireland.
"The only thing that van has ever needed is new tyres," he says. "My Sprinters have been excellent, while Ciceley Commercials' service is first-class too - they're dedicated truck and van specialists so understand the pressures facing operators like me and are always ready to help out, for instance by servicing my vehicles outside normal office hours ."
He continues: "Until now I've had to go elsewhere for small vans but the arrival of the Citan has changed all that. These are early days, of course, but it looks to be in a different league from other vehicles in this class in terms of build quality and fuel economy. And it's great to drive too.
"The 24,000 mile service intervals and three-year Mercedes-Benz unlimited mileage warranty are far better than anything the competition can offer. Most small vans come with warranty cover that's limited to 60,000 miles or thereabouts, but mine can easily cover that distance inside the first year!"
Mr Elgey's Citan is averaging well over 1,000 miles a week, carrying loads including internal mail for large business clients.
"It's the perfect size for us," adds Mr Elgey. "Most of our work entails carrying relatively small loads over long distances. That means we don't need a large van, and that fuel economy is much more important than payload or size. With mpg figures like we've seen, and the back-up from Mercedes-Benz and Ciceley, the Citan is certainly a very attractive proposition."
Ciceley Commercials is the reigning Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year. It has headquarters in Blackburn and other dealerships in Bolton, Carlisle and Dumfries.