The new Citroën Dispatch range has just scooped the prestigious International Van of the Year 2008 award. In a ceremony in Amsterdam at the European Road Transport Show on 25 October it was announced that Citroën's Dispatch (known as the Jumpy in other European markets) had beaten off competition from an exceptionally strong field to win the title.

Andy Salter, UK International Van of the Year jury member and editor of Commercial Motor, comments, "Whether empty or laden, the on-road driveability of the Citroën Dispatch is second to none.

The fact it has also been designed for passenger purposes offers an obvious benefit for the driver. Both driveability and manoeuvrability are greatly improved over the outgoing model. In addition to developing a commercial vehicle with the comfort, handling, chassis stiffness and safety standards of a passenger car, the engineers have also ensured the braking system is superb and the availability of ESP and several airbags puts it at the top of the safety class. This van is also the only vehicle in its class to meet the European safety standard for cars ECE 12-03. A worthy winner of the Van of the Year 2008."

The panel of judges, drawn from Europe's top international transport journalists, were impressed by the Dispatch range's innovative and practical design, positive moves to reduce its carbon footprint and high levels of safety, comfort and driveability.

The Dispatch range offers a wide choice of bodyshell designs, with two wheelbases, two roof heights, a platform cab and multiple door configurations.

However, the advantages do not stop there, explained Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager,

"The Dispatch's sheer versatility, operational efficiency and compact size set it apart from the many competitors in this increasingly popular sector of the van market."

With today's increasing emphasis on reducing environmental impact, the Dispatch's 'green' credentials were also a key consideration. Here it scored very highly, with class-leading fuel consumption and the availability of Citroën's Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS). This is the first time such a system, which reduces particulate emissions to virtually immeasurable levels, has been offered on a van in Europe.

Also, like all other Citroën light commercial vehicles, the Dispatch can run on up to 30 per cent biodiesel, without any modification or effect on warranty.

In the UK, the Citroën Dispatch panel van is available in 1,000 and 1,200kg payload capacities, 5, 6 and 7 cu. m load compartment volumes and a choice of 100hp, 120hp and 136hp fuel-efficient, low emissions HDi diesel engines.

In addition, there is a wide choice of 5, 6, 8 and 9–seat Combis, window vans and a unique platform cab for specialist applications such as mini motor caravan or high-cube temperature-controlled volume bodywork.

Check out the award winning Dispatch available in Donnelly Citroen, 101 Irvinestown Road Enniskillen or call 08445764588 for details