Citroen revives VTR badge with sporty Dispatch van • Professional Pickup

Citroen has launched a sporty flagship special edition of its mid-size Dispatch van, adding some performance-inspired flair and bringing back the VTR badge in the process.

Available as both a panel van and crew van, the VTR nameplate is a nod to Citroen’s famous hot hatches of the past, such as the Saxo, C2 and Xsara — although the name lived on for some years as little more than a trim level. It arrives just as the French brand prepares to return to motorsport with a new Formula E team this winter.

The Dispatch VTR wears a full body kit that gives it a far more aggressive look than the regular model. There’s a front lip spoiler, side skirts with integrated mud guards, and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. The rear bumper has been reshaped to tie it all together, while 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the look. Three colours will be offered, including a new Blue Lagoon colour.

Inside, Citroen has added a dose of luxury with eco-leather seats, red contrast stitching, and a perforated finish for ventilation. The material is said to be hard-wearing, scratch- and tear-resistant, and better suited to heavy-use van life than traditional leather.

Equipment levels rise, too. The Comfort Pack adds dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and wireless phone charging, while the Winter Pack includes a heated steering wheel, heated driver’s seat and additional airbags.

Diesel or electric drive

Citroen is offering the VTR with both diesel and electric powertrains. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a payload of up to 1,305kg in Panel Van form, while the e-Dispatch VTR features a 75kWh battery and promises a range of up to 230 miles (WLTP), with a payload of 1,001kg.

Citroen Dispatch VTR pricing and availability

Prices start from £42,745 OTR for the diesel Panel Van, rising to £46,845 (after the Plug-in Vehicle Grant) for the electric equivalent. The Crew Van versions cost £45,445 and £49,545 respectively.

Citroen UK Managing Director Greg Taylor describes the new variant as a “halo vehicle” for the brand’s light commercial line-up, saying it’s designed to bring “fun and accessibility to the commercial vehicle market through stand-out sporty styling that lives up to the heritage of the iconic VTR name.”

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.