Based on dummy readings in the dynamic tests, the Citan scored maximum points for its protection of both the 3 year and the 1½ year dummy.
In the frontal test, forward movement of the 3 year old dummy, sat in a forward facing restraint, was not excessive and, in the side impact, both dummies were properly contained within the protective shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of head contact with parts of the car interior.
The passenger airbag cannot be disabled, so a rearward-facing child restraint cannot be used in that seating position. Most of the child restraints for which the car is designed could be installed without a problem. However, the group II/III seat could not be properly accommodated and care was needed to ensure the ISOFIX anchorages were properly engaged with the Britax Römer Duo Plus.
Cars before VIN WDF4157031U119604 had an earlier version of the user manual with less detailed information about the fitment of child restraints. However, the overall star rating of these cars would be the same as the vehicles tested.
An updated user manual is available for all customer at the Mercedes-Benz webpage.
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger dummies. Inspection of the vehicle showed that some structures in the dashboard presented a hazard to the knees and femurs of occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. Dummy readings of chest compression indicated marginal protection of the driver’s chest.
In the side barrier test, dummy readings indicated good protection of the head. However, the side curtain airbag did not deploy as intended, getting caught on the upper seat belt anchorage point, and the car was penalised.
The same thing happened with the curtain airbag in the side pole test. Mercedes have indicated that they will improve the performance of the curtain airbag. Dummy readings of rib compression in the pole test indicated weak protection of the chest area.
Moreover, after the test, there was a noticeable gap between the B-pillar and the front edge of the
sliding door. The car was penalised as such a gap might jeopardise the protection of occupants’ limbs. The front seats and head restraints provided marginal protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-Benz CITAN Kombi, 109
Blue Efficiency ‘High’ grade
Tested model
Body type Small MPV
Year of publication 2013
VIN from which rating applies from WDF4157031U119604
Kerb weight 1460kg
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Front seatbelt load limiters
Driver frontal airbag
Side body airbags
Side head airbags
Front passenger frontal airbag
Electronic Stability Control
Speed Limitation Assistance
