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The Citroen Nemo Van Car: Beautifully small

?Small is beautiful? can be something to describe Citroen Nemo van. Sleek and chic, It's probably the first van that can lay claim to being first aboard the sub-compact van bandwagon. Unique and very practical, Nemo can be considered as a breakthrough design on the part of its manufacturers.

Compared to its counterparts, the Nemo greatly gives you great savings on the Petrol. The petrol option is only 1.4-litre 75bhp affair but its 118Nm of torque at 2,600rpm highlights its shortcomings compared to the 1.4-litre diesel.

Because of its size, its oil-burner does comes with less power. With only 70bhp and can easily get away with smaller 1.4 engine cars. What sets the Nemo apart apart from its size is that it gives that energetic feel on the road, something that other counterpart, the supersized Berlingo do not have. On the other hand, Nemo can have downsides when in the open road, as it could be uncomfortable. But if driven around within city limits or around town its short overhangs and teeny dimensions could very well be its asset.

The Nemo has the look that would really win its admirers hearts. Its features clearly show Fiat's influence on The Nemo. Fiat has used the same style for the air-vents, stereo and other components. All look very solid with simple designs but clearly of high quality and robust materials. It also has enough space for both the drivers and passengers, but passengers might feel too confined if being on the road for long periods of time.

In addition, the Nemo can also be useful in loading pipes, planks of wood other long items. Although The Nemo measures just 3,860mm in length, it uses its interior space to full effect in offering a 2.5m3 load volume and a 610kg maximum payload. You can choose the optional Extenso folding passenger seat and that load volume can be increased to 2.8m3 with the load length upped from 1,520mm to 2.5mm should you use The Nemo for such purposes.

There are many reasons why the Nemo could very well be your option for practicality sake, without compromising design and quality, of course. The loadbay can be got at through the Nemo's asymmetrically-hinged rear doors that open to 180 degrees. The resulting aperture is surprisingly wide and tall with a low loading height to help when hauling heavy items inside. There's a lip between the bumper and the load floor which can make sliding cargo in slightly problematic and the sliding side doors are fairly narrow but lashing eyes and the uniform shape of the compartment count in the plus column.

The Citroen Nemo is available in X or LX trim, with the entry-level X model featuring an MP3-compatible CD stereo, a trip computer, ABS brakes, a driver's airbag and pre-tensioner seatbelts. The LX adds the sliding side door on the nearside, electric front windows, remote central locking, the folding passenger seat and heated electric mirrors. Air-conditioning is an option, as are a Bluetooth hands-free kit and rear parking sensors. All models come with a five-speed manual gearbox but Citroen's Sensodrive clutchless gearbox is an option with the diesel engine.

Perhaps the battle would be to convince buyers to choose The Nemo over its counterparts, particularly the popular Berlingo. The Citroen Nemo's features may not necessarily fit in with the conventional features of a van, but it is banking on its winnability when it comes to its design, light weight, that energetic feel on the road, the savings on fuel costs and tax burden. Furthermore, it could convince its market that something small, beautiful, and practical could very well be the choice of today's car buyers.

You could make that choice today.

by Autoweb