Ateco Automotive has announced the release of the Citroen Dispatch, a new van intended to compete with vehicles the like of Ford's Transit, Mercedes Vito, the Renault Trafic, Toyota HiAce and Volkswagen Transporter.

Developed in conjunction with Peugeot and Fiat -- the Scudo counterpart has also just been released locally by Ateco -- the Dispatch is available in two wheelbases, short and long.

Both wheelbase variants are powered by an 88kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, producing 300Nm of torque and driving through a six-speed manual transmission. The SWB model will haul a 1.0-tonne payload spread over five cubic metres. For the LWB Dispatch, the stats are upped to a 1.2-tonne payload and six-cubic metre cargo volume.

Standard features for both variants comprise remote central locking (with a function that allows the cabin to be secured separately from the load area), electric windows, air conditioning, CD audio system with remote controls on the steering wheel, ABS, driver's airbag, cup and bottle-holders, auxiliary power outlets and rear wipers for the rear barn doors.

The Dispatch will be sold with the option of pneumatic rear suspension that will enable the vehicle to 'kneel' for easier loading.

"Like the Berlingo, the Dispatch is designed to meet the transport, comfort, safety and budgetary needs of businesses and we are certain that the Dispatch will become another commercial success for Citroën in Australia," said Miles Williams, Citroen Australia's General Manager, associating the Dispatch with the smaller Berlingo, an established sales success in its own right.

Ateco will introduce a 100kW version of the same engine in the LWB variant later in the year. Prices for the two models launched initially are $34,990 for the SWB Dispatch and $36,990 for the LWB variant.

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