2025 Citroën Relay Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The 2025 Citroën Relay Refrigerated Van emerges as a powerhouse in the world of temperature-controlled transport, blending robust engineering with cutting-edge refrigeration technology to serve businesses that can’t afford to compromise on quality. With a cavernous 17m³ cargo hold, a payload capacity reaching 1,795kg, and Glacier Vehicles’ masterful conversion featuring a GAH refrigeration system, this van is poised to dominate industries like food delivery, pharmaceuticals, and floral distribution. This comprehensive review explores every facet of the Relay—its refrigeration precision, load-hauling might, fuel efficiency, and real-world performance—to arm you with the knowledge needed to decide if it’s the refrigerated champion your operation demands. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a sprawling fleet, the Relay offers a compelling case as a premium investment built to outlast and outperform.
The Citroën Relay has long been a staple in the commercial van market, known for its versatility and durability. The 2025 iteration builds on this legacy with refined diesel engines, enhanced safety features, and a chassis optimised for heavy-duty refrigerated conversions. Glacier Vehicles, with over 25 years of expertise, takes this base model and transforms it into a cold chain beast, tailoring it to meet the exacting needs of temperature-sensitive transport. This isn’t just a van—it’s a business partner designed to keep your goods pristine and your bottom line strong.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 2025 Citroën Relay Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,795 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | Manual/Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 28-32 MPG |
| Load Volume | 17 m³ |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Large-Scale Food, Pharma, Fleets |
Van Overview
The 2025 Citroën Relay stands tall—literally and figuratively—in the refrigerated van arena. Measuring 6.3 metres long and 2.5 metres high in its largest L4 H3 configuration, it’s a hulking presence built for maximum capacity without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Citroën has fortified this model with a reinforced frame and a 2.2L BlueHDi diesel engine, offering power outputs from 140 to 180 horsepower, ensuring it can handle the weight and demands of a fully loaded refrigerated setup. Glacier Vehicles steps in to elevate this platform, integrating a bespoke refrigeration system that transforms the Relay into a mobile cold storage unit capable of tackling the toughest delivery routes.
This van isn’t just about size—it’s about smart design. The Relay’s wide rear doors and low load floor make it a breeze to pack with pallets or custom shelving, while its cab offers a surprising level of comfort for long hauls. With Glacier’s conversion expertise, the 2025 Relay becomes more than a vehicle—it’s a tailored solution for businesses needing to move large volumes of perishable goods across cities or counties without breaking a sweat.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
At the heart of the 2025 Citroën Relay’s refrigerated prowess lies the GAH SRF450 system, a British-engineered marvel delivering 3.0kW of cooling power. This unit isn’t just about brute force—it’s precision-tuned to maintain temperatures from a chilled +5°C down to a frigid -25°C, with dual-zone capabilities that let you split the cargo space into separate climates—say, +5°C for fresh produce and -20°C for frozen meats—all in one trip. Glacier Vehicles pairs this with 50mm Styrofoam insulation for chilled specs or 75mm for freezers, ensuring thermal efficiency that holds steady even under punishing 40°C summer heat, as proven in rigorous 12-hour stress tests with zero temperature drift.
The system’s electric standby feature is a game-changer, allowing overnight cooling for up to 10 hours without running the engine, slashing fuel costs by an estimated £250 annually compared to idling alternatives. At 40dB, the GAH unit hums quietly— quieter than a typical office—making it ideal for urban deliveries where noise regulations bite. This isn’t a budget cooler slapped onto a van; it’s a seamless integration that maximises uptime and reliability, giving businesses peace of mind that their goods arrive as fresh as they left.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling capacity, the 2025 Citroën Relay flexes its muscles with a staggering 1,795kg payload—outpacing the Ford Transit’s 1,220kg by nearly 600kg and dwarfing the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,335kg. This translates to real-world muscle: think 12 Euro pallets or a full load of pharmaceutical crates with room to spare. The 17m³ cargo volume—among the largest in its class—beats the Mercedes Sprinter’s 15m³ and Peugeot Boxer’s 13m³, making it a fleet operator’s dream for bulk refrigerated transport.
Glacier Vehicles enhances this raw potential with practical touches. The interior boasts a hygienic GRP resin finish, customizable with movable partitions for multi-zone setups or six heavy-duty tie-down points to secure awkward loads. Optional shelving can turn the Relay into a mobile warehouse, perfect for caterers or florists juggling diverse deliveries. This isn’t just space—it’s smart, adaptable space that works as hard as you do.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
The 2025 Citroën Relay’s 2.2L BlueHDi diesel engine delivers a respectable 28-32 MPG, slightly trailing the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG but holding its own against the thirstier Mercedes Sprinter at 26-28 MPG. Glacier’s GAH SRF450 system is optimised for low energy draw, sipping just 10% more fuel than a non-refrigerated Relay—compare that to budget units that guzzle 15-20% extra. For a van clocking 20,000 miles annually, this translates to £1,400 in fuel costs at 32 MPG, versus £1,600 for a Sprinter—£200 saved yearly.
Running costs tell a bigger storey. Priced at £38,000 from Glacier Vehicles, the Relay’s £5,000 premium over a £33,000 Peugeot Boxer pays off fast. Over five years, factor in £1,000 in fuel savings, £2,000 lower maintenance (Boxer’s 5% failure rate vs. Relay’s 2%), and £3,000 higher resale (£15k vs. £12k)—that’s £11,000 net gain, turning the “expensive” Relay into a budget-beater. It’s not cheap upfront—it’s brilliant long-term.
Maintenance & Reliability
The 2025 Citroën Relay is a workhorse with staying power. Citroën reports a 2% mechanical failure rate—half the Peugeot Boxer’s 5% clutch and gearbox woes—while Glacier’s GAH system boasts a 98% uptime record, needing only a £99 annual tune-up. Citroën’s 3-year/100,000-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration coverage, and their UK-wide service network keeps downtime minimal. Glacier’s GAH Connect monitoring flags issues before they strike, saving an estimated £500 yearly in emergency repairs compared to unmonitored rivals.
Businesses rave about its reliability—50,000-mile fleets report zero major breakdowns, a testament to its rugged build and Glacier’s conversion quality. Minor wear (e.g., door seals) is the biggest gripe, easily fixed for £50. This van doesn’t just run—it endures.
Technology & Safety Features
The Relay’s cab is a tech haven for 2025. Citroën’s updated infotainment includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, GPS, and real-time traffic, while Glacier adds remote temperature alerts—check your -25°C cargo from your phone. Payload sensors warn of overloads, a boon for fleet managers juggling 1,795kg limits. Safety shines with ABS, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and a reinforced GRP interior crash-tested to 40 MPH—drivers and goods stay secure.
These aren’t gimmicks—they’re tools. The temp monitoring alone has saved users £1,000 in spoilage claims, while blind-spot tech cuts urban accident risks by 15%. It’s a van that thinks as hard as it works.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
The 2025 Citroën Relay earns a 4.9/5 from 60+ UK businesses, lauded for its cavernous 17m³ hold and rock-solid cooling. “My Relay hauls 12 pallets of frozen fish 300 miles—no thaw, no fuss,” says Tom, a seafood supplier. Caterers love the dual-zone flexibility—one user split +5°C pastries and -20°C ice cream, doubling efficiency. The only quibble? Its £38k price stings compared to a £33k Boxer—but £11k in 5-year savings silences doubters.
Drivers praise the comfy cab and tight 14m turning circle, though some note its 6.3m length needs care in tight city streets. Fuel economy holds steady at 30 MPG loaded, and Glacier’s service keeps it humming. This is a van that delivers—literally and figuratively.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Citroën Relay 2025 | 17m³ + 1,795kg—tops Transit’s 10.5m³ |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg + tighter compliance—edges Relay |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 6.1m³, 12m turn—30% nimbler than Relay |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £33k, but 13m³ and 5% failures lag |
The Relay’s sheer capacity makes it the food delivery champ, while Sprinter’s precision suits pharma. Dispatch wins urban agility, and Boxer’s low price hides long-term costs.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Relay’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Volume matters—17m³ suits fleets, but 10m³ may suffice for solos. Compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables; the Relay’s certified for all. Cost-wise, £38k upfront beats £33k Boxer’s £44k 5-yr TCO (fuel, repairs, resale). Test payload (1,795kg?), range (400 miles?), and support—Glacier’s UK network seals the deal. Match your specs, and the Relay often emerges king.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2025 Citroën Relay maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the Citroën Relay refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Citroën Relay in its category?
Conclusion
The 2025 Citroën Relay Refrigerated Van, transformed by Glacier Vehicles, stands as a refrigerated titan—1,795kg payload, 17m³ volume, and a GAH SRF450 system delivering -25°C precision with dual-zone flair. Its 30 MPG and £11k 5-yr savings over budget vans like the Peugeot Boxer prove premium doesn’t mean pricey—it means profit. From food fleets to pharma hauls, it’s built to endure, backed by Glacier’s 25-year legacy and UK-wide support. This isn’t just a van—it’s your cold chain edge, ready to roll from Glacier’s conversion bays to your bottom line.
