But of course, it's not as wobbly as one.
The 1.4-litre Citroën Nemo somehow just doesn't fit in with the conventional structure of the light commercial vehicle market. In line with other vans, this eye-catchy compact vehicle could just be one of the best these days. Not just for the funky outlook, but for the unexpected power it holds. And with COE prices increasing along with fuel costs and the tax burden, Citroën is working towards the conclusion that small is the new beautiful.
As you might expect of a car that shares much of its underpinnings with a van, this is a model that's designed for hard work, and the whole feel of the car reflects that. To some eyes, it might be too young and minimal, especially for a van. But Citroën's Nemo represents a diversified trend that's been extremely prevalent in the car sector for a number of years now. It's a van that can lay claim to kill two birds with one stone - looking cool and working hard at the same time.
Exterior
Alright, funky spray works aside. Even if the van is maroon or silver in colour, the Nemo's styling should win it many admirers. The front of the van displays a swollen yet muscular look, with bumpers and windscreen dome outwards, creating a square-
The 1.4-litre Citroën Nemo somehow just doesn't fit in with the conventional structure of the light commercial vehicle market. In line with other vans, this eye-catchy compact vehicle could just be one of the best these days. Not just for the funky outlook, but for the unexpected power it holds. And with COE prices increasing along with fuel costs and the tax burden, Citroën is working towards the conclusion that small is the new beautiful.
As you might expect of a car that shares much of its underpinnings with a van, this is a model that's designed for hard work, and the whole feel of the car reflects that. To some eyes, it might be too young and minimal, especially for a van. But Citroën's Nemo represents a diversified trend that's been extremely prevalent in the car sector for a number of years now. It's a van that can lay claim to kill two birds with one stone - looking cool and working hard at the same time.
Exterior
Alright, funky spray works aside. Even if the van is maroon or silver in colour, the Nemo's styling should win it many admirers. The front of the van displays a swollen yet muscular look, with bumpers and windscreen dome outwards, creating a square-
 |
jawed, squat stance. The clear-lens headlights and Citroën chevrons prominently positioned in the centre communicate robustness and purpose. The natural chunkiness outlook also suggests that the Nemo is a tough lad and there's not much to dissuade one from that opinion on the inside. Well, it certainly didn't dissuade me.
The rear of the van can be accessed through the Nemo's asymmetrically-hinged rear doors that open 180 degrees wide. The resulting aperture is surprisingly wide and tall with a low loading height, which is relatively important as it helps a lot when hauling heavy items inside. Although the black rubbing strips along the sides of the van gives out a 'dynamic' appearance, the sliding side doors can be fairly narrow, making it slightly inconvenient for placing bigger items from the side.
 |
Interior
First thing that the eye catches will be the silver chevrons tattooed on the centre of the steering wheel. Gives one a feeling of how proud the French manufacturers are of the Nemo.
As I've mentioned before, the chunky outlook gives an opinion of the interior. Space is adequate for driver and passenger as the Nemo's van-like dimensions mean that there's excellent headroom and drivers can easily find a comfortable setting thanks to an adjustable steering wheel and seat. However, there was a problem I encountered while doing the test drive. The passenger seat has three options depending on user requirements. It can operate as a passenger seat in standard position, a fold-down writing table when the backrest is folded and finally as an extension to the load area when lowered down onto the floor.
All was successful until I tried to lower it to the floor. However hard I tried to follow the instructions provided by the side of the passenger seat, it just doesn't seem to budge one bit. It was only after a good half an hour when I decided to give up. Although it can increase up to 2,800-litres of boot space with the passenger seat lowered, I reckon the usual 2,500-litre boot space is sufficient for a compact van.
First thing that the eye catches will be the silver chevrons tattooed on the centre of the steering wheel. Gives one a feeling of how proud the French manufacturers are of the Nemo.
As I've mentioned before, the chunky outlook gives an opinion of the interior. Space is adequate for driver and passenger as the Nemo's van-like dimensions mean that there's excellent headroom and drivers can easily find a comfortable setting thanks to an adjustable steering wheel and seat. However, there was a problem I encountered while doing the test drive. The passenger seat has three options depending on user requirements. It can operate as a passenger seat in standard position, a fold-down writing table when the backrest is folded and finally as an extension to the load area when lowered down onto the floor.
All was successful until I tried to lower it to the floor. However hard I tried to follow the instructions provided by the side of the passenger seat, it just doesn't seem to budge one bit. It was only after a good half an hour when I decided to give up. Although it can increase up to 2,800-litres of boot space with the passenger seat lowered, I reckon the usual 2,500-litre boot space is sufficient for a compact van.
Making driving easier and more enjoyable, the dashboard has been very simply designed for ease-of-use. The audio system is mounted high on the dashboard and is easily accessible by the driver while on the road. Speaking of which, the stereo is about as basic as you'll get these days but it is easy to use and although the sound quality can be a little tinny, there are a range of audio options you can play around with until you find a suitable setting.
My favourite part of the stereo?
The available AUX-in option that I will always be thankful for. Not only do drivers get their standard six presets radio channels, they get to plug in their MP3 players to listen to their favourite tunes while on the road. A good way to relax in a fast-paced road like ours.
My favourite part of the stereo?
The available AUX-in option that I will always be thankful for. Not only do drivers get their standard six presets radio channels, they get to plug in their MP3 players to listen to their favourite tunes while on the road. A good way to relax in a fast-paced road like ours.
 |
Driving Impressions
The Citroën Nemo is essentially a van, so we can't expect top-notch handling. Despite hints of body roll, and a tendency to run wide when pushed hard on a tighter bend, it remains surprisingly composed. Precise and well-weighted steering also makes for easy maneuvering around. However, the ride does get choppy on poorly surfaced roads, while there's a good deal of road noise above 70 km/h. Strong jerks is also evident when the gear changes from the first to the second. Alike most vans, this Nemo also comes with the usual safety of reverse censors, making it easy for drivers to gauge when parking.
I guess having good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions does limit the performance. Top speed, which isn't really important, is 152km/h. But although the Nemo boasts a maximum torque of 160Nm at 1,750rpm, it feels like it's more powerful.
The Citroën Nemo is essentially a van, so we can't expect top-notch handling. Despite hints of body roll, and a tendency to run wide when pushed hard on a tighter bend, it remains surprisingly composed. Precise and well-weighted steering also makes for easy maneuvering around. However, the ride does get choppy on poorly surfaced roads, while there's a good deal of road noise above 70 km/h. Strong jerks is also evident when the gear changes from the first to the second. Alike most vans, this Nemo also comes with the usual safety of reverse censors, making it easy for drivers to gauge when parking.
I guess having good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions does limit the performance. Top speed, which isn't really important, is 152km/h. But although the Nemo boasts a maximum torque of 160Nm at 1,750rpm, it feels like it's more powerful.
Conclusion
The Nemo's build quality is solid and robust. The majority of interior materials are made from hard plastic, but this comes across as a practical feature rather than a cost-saving one. More importantly, there are no sharp or untidy edges around the cabin, which makes it safe for one to be in it. Citroën's reliability has improved in recent years and there's nothing to suggest the Nemo will prove otherwise.
As compared to its counterpart, Citroën Berlingo, you're not likely to love the way the Nemo looks at first glance. But given its simplicity and robust materials, I'd say it's an extremely practical proposition for the hardworking lads.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Nemo's build quality is solid and robust. The majority of interior materials are made from hard plastic, but this comes across as a practical feature rather than a cost-saving one. More importantly, there are no sharp or untidy edges around the cabin, which makes it safe for one to be in it. Citroën's reliability has improved in recent years and there's nothing to suggest the Nemo will prove otherwise.
As compared to its counterpart, Citroën Berlingo, you're not likely to love the way the Nemo looks at first glance. But given its simplicity and robust materials, I'd say it's an extremely practical proposition for the hardworking lads.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
