CITROEN has developed a new van for the UK market, designed to provide a combination of load-carrying practicality with low cost operation, as well as high levels of driver comfort and safety.

The Citroen C2 Enterprise is aimed at what is known as the sub high-cube van sector, and at £7,495 plus tax and delivery charges, is said to be more economical, compact and up to £1,300 plus taxes less costly than key competitors.

At the heart of the Enterprise is a 1.4-litre HDi diesel unit. Rated at 70bhp at 4,000rpm with peak torque of 118lb.ft developed at just 1,750rpm, the engine returns more than 50mpg on city runs and an exceptional 68.9mpg on the open road.

Safety features include ABS anti-lock brakes, with the added benefit of emergency brake assistance. The car's hazard warning lights automatically switch on with sudden braking or in a collision. There is also a driver's airbag, a passenger airbag and two adjustable head restraints. Seatbelts are also height adjustable.

Protecting both the driver and the load being carried have been priorities in the van's design. There is remote control central locking, with deadlocks as well as transponder immobiliser.

The van's compact size is aimed at urban use, but is capable of hauling a payload of up to 331kg.

The Enterprise has a two-piece rear door, with the top hinged curved glass tailgate opens at the touch of a button to allow access, even if another vehicle is parked close to the rear. There is also a drop-down tailgate, designed to hold weights up to 100kg. The load area includes lighting, flat floor and four load tie-down eyes. Separating the load area from the driver is a bulkhead with a solid steel lower and steel mesh upper section.

Equipment levels are high, including power steering, steering wheel height and reach adjustment, stereo radio/CD player with steering wheel controls, and trip computer.

Although the van's on-the-road price is £7,495, put an order in before the end of February and the price drops to £6,995, excluding tax and delivery.

Dealer: Reg Vardy, Lawrence Street, York (01904 645 444)

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering fixed cost maintenance schemes to some customers: Retail covers sole traders and small businesses running no more than ten vehicles, while Fleet covers small to medium sized businesses operating more than ten vehicles. The maximum contract period for retail customers is 48 months and up to 120,000 miles, while the fleet option can provide cover for up to 200,000 miles over 60 months.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, February 11, 2005