What Is It and Why Now?

So, the Dispatch VTR adds a sporty twist to Citroën’s regular Dispatch. The “VTR” badge – it actually stands for “Versione Très Rapide”, if you were wondering – used to pop up on nippy little cars like the Saxo and C2. This new take gives the van market something a bit different: workhorse practical, but with enough style to stand out in a car park full of plain white boxes.

The timing’s no accident either. Citroën’s about to rejoin Formula E, and this VTR launch ties right into that. There’s growing interest in vans that aren’t just tools, but also look decent on the road and have a bit of kit thrown in. Fleet buyers and small business owners are starting to expect more for their money, especially with electric options becoming more mainstream.

Orders kicked off right after the van was officially shown off on 9 October 2025. You can get it with either a diesel or electric setup.

Performance Specs: Diesel and Electric Powertrains

The Dispatch VTR comes in two flavours: diesel or electric, and you can pick between a Panel Van or a Crew Van.

If you’re leaning towards diesel, it gets a 2.0-litre BlueHDi engine pushing out 177bhp. That’s paired with an 8-speed auto gearbox, and the payload tops out at 1,305kg – pretty handy if you’re regularly lugging gear or pulling trailers.

The electric one – called the e-Dispatch VTR – comes with a 75kWh battery and puts out 136bhp. You’ll get up to 230 miles on a full charge under WLTP testing. Since batteries are heavy, the electric version handles a bit less – 1,001kg max payload. But you get the UK Plug-in Vehicle Grant (PiVG), which takes a chunk off the list price for company buyers.

UK-Spec Townstar EV: Practical and Efficient

The Nissan Townstar EV, which took over from the old e-NV200 in March 2023, is built with city driving in mind. With its 45 kWh battery, it’s got enough juice to officially go up to 183 miles on the WLTP cycle. And if you’re mostly sticking to slow city routes, you could see as much as 269 miles—more than enough to last a full workday.

When the battery runs low, charging options are flexible. It supports 11kW and 22kW AC charging, and thanks to 80kW DC rapid charging, you can top it up from 15 to 80% in about 37 minutes. Ideal if you’re grabbing lunch between stops.

Despite being electric, the practical stuff hasn’t taken a hit. You can haul up to 800 kg, fit in 3.3 to 4.3 cubic metres of stuff, and even tow up to 1,500 kg, so it still does the job.

Sporty Design Meets Everyday Practicality

Looks-wise, the VTR’s got some attitude. It comes with a custom body kit – front lip spoiler, side skirts, a rear spoiler and mudguards – giving it a bit more presence than your standard van. Big VTR stickers and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (wrapped in chunky Nankang tyres) round off the look.

When it comes to colours, you’ve got Icy White, Perla Nera Black, and Blue Lagoon to start with. If you want something bolder, Passion Red will be exclusive to the VTR from next year. Between the sharp paint jobs, the body kit, and the subtle badging, it’s definitely going to turn a few heads.

Equipment Highlights: Upgraded Inside and Out

Hop inside, and it’s been given a proper upgrade. It’s aimed squarely at drivers who want a van that doesn’t feel stripped back.

Standard kit includes:

• Eco-leather sports seats with red stitching and VTR branding

• Heated driver’s seat

• Comfort Pack (wireless phone charging, keyless entry & start, dual-zone climate)

• Winter Pack (heated leather steering wheel, side airbags)

• Safety kit like blind spot monitoring, Visiopark 180 camera, park assist front and back, surround rear view and Flankguard sensors

You also get a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio – all as standard.

A New Contender in the Sport Van Segment

The Dispatch VTR is going up against some familiar names – think Peugeot Expert Sport, Vauxhall Vivaro GS, and the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT. What sets the Citroën apart is a mix of edgy design, a nod to motorsport, and an electric option that’s actually quite usable.

For anyone looking at a van that works hard but still looks the part – and maybe cuts a bit of fuel or emissions – it’s well worth a look. With solid tech, decent safety kit, and money off for EV buyers, the Dispatch VTR might just shake things up a bit in the UK’s sporty van scene.