2008 Citroen Nemo LCV - The Search Is Over...

Citroen unveiled the Fiat Fiorino LCV’s (click here) twin brother that is set to go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2008. We don’t know if the French did this on purpose but they do point out that the Nemo is set to make a real splash in the compact van sector -Marlin and Dory (Finding Nemo characters) might disagree but that’s another story… Measuring in at just 3.86m (152-inches), the Nemo features an internal load volume of 2.5cu.m and a payload of 610kg -1,344 lbs. The Nemo will make its public debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show (25 October) and it will be launched with a choice of a 75hp 1.4i petrol engine or a 70hp 1.4HDi diesel engine. -Press release and pictures after the jump

CITROËN NEMO

- SET TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH IN THE COMPACT VAN SECTOR

Today (4 October 2007) Citroën announces an important new addition to its light commercial vehicle range - the new Citroën Nemo. Set to make its public debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show (25 October), Citroën’s new, entry level compact van brings innovative solutions to a wide range of business transport applications, and will go on sale in the UK during the second quarter of 2008.

Robert Handyside, Citroën’s commercial vehicles operations manager, comments, “The new Citroën Nemo is set to make a real splash in the ultra-competitive UK lcv sector. It neatly complements our existing UK light commercial vehicle range, expanding it to a five model line-up: C2 Enterprise, Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay. As such the Nemo will enable the company to provide a seamless range of lcvs from 0.84cu.m through to a massive 17cu.m load carrying capacity. No other manufacturer in the UK will be able to offer such a comprehensive choice.”

The Citroën Nemo has been introduced to fulfil a wide range of business transport needs. It is primarily designed for use in urban environments where its compact size, ease of manoeuvrability and low emissions (119g/km CO₂ for the 1.4HDi model) characteristics will be of major benefit.

To suit its urban role the new Nemo is just 3.86m long but has a large internal load volume of 2.5cu.m and a strong payload of 610kg. The Nemo is launched with a choice of a 75hp 1.4i petrol engine or Citroën’s ultra-economical 70hp 1.4HDi diesel engine (63mpg/4.5 l/100 km on the combined cycle).

A Citroën five-speed automated manual transmission will also be optionally available for Nemo vans powered by the 1.4HDi engine. This option combines the benefits of automatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a manual vehicle, making it ideal for around-town use.

Other Nemo features include the availability of single or twin sliding, side-load doors as well as twin rear doors that can be easily opened to 180o. In addition, the Nemo introduces an Extenso modular passenger seat and a versatile modular bulkhead system, which provide the vehicle with a wide range of passenger and load carrying configurations.

The Extenso passenger seat allows the seatback to fold horizontally onto the seat cushion, or the entire seat to be stored under the floor, adding almost one metre to the load length. With the Extenso seat folded and stored under the floor the available load length is increased to almost 2.50m and the load volume expanded to nearly 2.8cu.m.

The modular mesh bulkhead between the Nemo’s cab and the load bay provides full width/height protection. If long loads are to be carried, the bulkhead section behind the folded Extenso passenger seat can be swung in towards the driver to provide complete protection from the load behind and alongside.

Nemo’s looks are more than skin deep - its cheeky external appearance belying a detailed and practical design approach. Its stylish front end incorporates headlamps positioned high-up to avoid minor knocks and a large wraparound bumper for effective protection. The wide, high windscreen provides the driver with maximum visibility and provides a light and airy working environment.

On its sides Nemo has broad mouldings to provide protection against minor knocks, while at the rear a large door aperture and low floor height makes loading/unloading easy. The high set rear lights are also well protected from accidental damage.

Other useful features of the new Citroën Nemo include:-
- a conveniently-located, high-mounted gear lever, close to the steering wheel
- a range of stowage compartments
- a multi-adjustable driving position
- a high-quality audio system with four loudspeakers
- pre-equipment for a Bluetooth® telephone.

The new Citroën Nemo will offer an impressive range of safety and security equipment, will have a very competitive sales price and will provide the cost-saving benefits of long service intervals, innovative design and robust construction. Price and specification details of Citroën Nemo vans for the UK market will be announced in 2008.