2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan on track for Australian launch

Mercedes-Benz Australia appears to be readying a rival to the Volkswagen Caddy small van.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan – based on the latest Renault Kangoo due early next year – is now all but certain for Australia, following its tick of approval for sale this week.

Mercedes-Benz Citan: Australian specification

Government regulatory documents seen by Wheels reveal the Citan has been homologated in one specification: a short-wheelbase panel van with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

It will be exclusively paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual is available overseas.

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The turbo-petrol engine – also found in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLA, Renault Captur, and the latest Nissan Qashqai – produces 96kW and 240Nm in the Citan and Kangoo.

A 1.5-litre Renault-sourced diesel is available in select markets, but it isn't expected to feature in the local Citan line-up.

A five-seat people-mover, the Citan Tourer, is also unlikely to reach Australia as a rival to the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, which offers seating for up to seven occupants.

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Will Australia get the electric eCitan and EQT models?

The prospects of all-electric versions, known as the eCitan and EQT, are unknown for Australia, with the eCitan van featuring an identical powertrain to the Renault Kangoo E-Tech due in 2023.

It features a single electric motor producing 130kW and 245Nm, a 44kWh lithium-ion battery, a WTLP-rated 285-kilometre claimed driving range, and regenerative braking.

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Mercedes-Benz Citan features

The latest-generation Citan, based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-CD platform, was unveiled in mid-2021.

Two grades are offered globally – Base and Pro – with standard equipment including 16-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch MBUX infotainment system, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, and the 'Hey, Mercedes' voice assistant.

The flagship Pro adds alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and side mirrors, fog lamps, a height-adjustable driver's seat and LED interior lighting.

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert and automatic parking are also available, along with emergency calling and traffic sign recognition.

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Mercedes-Benz Citan dimensions

It measures 4488mm long, 1859mm wide and 1822mm tall, with a 2716-millimetre wheelbase. This provides 3050mm of load space compartment length, while the entry to the rear compartment is 615mm wide and 1059mm tall.

When will the Mercedes-Benz Citan come to Australia?

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz Citan is expected to launch in Australia in the first half of 2023, with further details expected in the coming months.

Wheels has contacted Mercedes-Benz Australia for comment. This article will be updated with its response.