specialist vehicle hire - head to head
Citroen vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Citroen | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | France | Germany |
| Making trailers since | 1981 | 1950 |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | panel van, window van, chassis cab, Luton conversion | panel van, chassis cab, crew van, kombi/minibus |
| Weight range | 3.3t - 4.0t GVW | 2.8t - 5.0t GVW |
| Best known for | Relay | Crafter |
Choose Citroen if...
Citroen's Relay is the large-van sibling of the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, sharing the same body and chassis architecture. UK buyers choose it mainly for its wide range of lengths and heights and towing capacities, making it a frequent base for Luton and other specialist conversions.
Look at: Relay
Full Citroen profile →Choose Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles if...
Volkswagen's van line splits into the mid-size Transporter and the large Crafter, both aimed at trades and fleet buyers who want car-like cabin quality. The Crafter is built with Ford's e-Transit-class rivals in mind, offered up to 5.0t GVW with front, rear or all-wheel drive. Resale values and dealer network size are frequently cited as reasons UK fleets choose VW over cheaper rivals.
Look at: Crafter, Transporter
Full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Citroen vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - common questions
Is Citroen better than Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. Citroen's Relay is the large-van sibling of the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, sharing the same body and chassis architecture. UK buyers choose it mainly for its wide range of lengths and heights and towing capacities, making it a frequent base for Luton and other specialist conversions. Volkswagen's van line splits into the mid-size Transporter and the large Crafter, both aimed at trades and fleet buyers who want car-like cabin quality. The Crafter is built with Ford's e-Transit-class rivals in mind, offered up to 5.0t GVW with front, rear or all-wheel drive. Resale values and dealer network size are frequently cited as reasons UK fleets choose VW over cheaper rivals.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Citroen or Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Citroen: The Relay is sold through Citroen's UK business/LCV dealer network and is a regular sight in UK removals and conversion fleets alongside its Boxer and Ducato siblings. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: Sold through a nationwide Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer network and widely available on UK self-drive and business lease fleets.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.