A Chatham-based electronic security systems specialist is running the first all-new Mercedes-Benz Citan van to be supplied by dealer Sparshatts of Kent.
Sabre Security & RF Systems has assigned its Long-bodied Citan 109 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY to senior engineer Billy Wells, who installs and services systems throughout the South-East.
So impressed has the company been with its new Mercedes-Benz that it has already ordered a second, identical model!
Launched in January, the Citan marks the German manufacturer's entry into the small van market. And as Sabre Managing Director Richard Rodgers confirms: "It's the van we've been waiting for from Mercedes-Benz!"
The impressive economy of the state-of-the-art 90 hp diesel engine that powers Sabre's Citan is enhanced by the additional BlueEFFICIENCY package. This comprises a series of clever measures designed to further reduce consumption.
Features include the ECO start/stop function - which turns off the engine whenever the vehicle is stopped in traffic, then restarts it as soon as the driver depresses the clutch - low rolling resistance tyres and optimised alternator and battery management systems. As a result, this model boasts a market-leading economy figure of up to 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 112 g/km.
Founded by Mr Rodgers in 1991, Sabre supplies and maintains a comprehensive range of intruder alarms and access control, closed circuit television and radio panic alarm systems for an entirely commercial client base. Its fully trained engineers have installed systems at the offices of 'blue chip' companies, government and court buildings, universities and even historic palaces!
Mr Rodgers' partner Craig runs a dynamic Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport-X van, which was also supplied by Sparshatts and which the couple use to transport their three giant Newfoundland dogs to and from shows.
"I've always liked Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Craig's Vito is brilliant, combining sporty good looks with the quality, reliability and exemplary safety features for which the brand is renowned," he says.
"Unfortunately, though, it's just too big for use by our engineers. A lot of our work is undertaken in and around London, where the heavy traffic means we need vans which are as compact and fuel-efficient as possible. The Citan fits the bill perfectly."
Sabre's new Mercedes-Benz has lined up alongside its three other, similarly-sized vans, which are by another manufacturer. "They're like chalk and cheese," continues Mr Rodgers. "The Citan is a much better vehicle in every respect - Billy says it's much more enjoyable to drive than his last van, while he's not visiting the filling station as often either."
And he adds: "Our vans are worked hard and cover up to 30,000 miles a year, but with Sparshatts' fantastic servicing support I know the Citan will prove every bit as reliable as we expect."
The new van is the subject of a highly flexible Agility funding package from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. This offers all the benefits of conventional hire purchase with a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) - including low monthly repayments - but gives operators extra options at the end of the term.
Key to the Agility concept is the agreement of a GFV for the vehicle. At the end of the agreement the customer can choose whether to pay off the final lump sum and keep the vehicle, use the vehicle as a part exchange for a brand new one, or return it free of any further obligations, apart from an excess mileage charge if the initially agreed limit has been exceeded, and damage charges over and above fair wear and tear.
Citan panel van versions are also available in Compact and Extra-long lengths. Meanwhile, 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. And the Citan Dualiner has the same seating configuration but, because it is based on the Extra-long format, also offers a practical cargo space. The Citan has a volume carrying capacity of up to 3.8 m³ and a maximum payload potential of 735 kg.