CITROEN'S new Dispatch has just picked up its first UK accolades since it was launched earlier this year.

The new mid-size panel van was named joint winner of both the overall Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize and the Medium Van of the Year trophy at the 2017 What Van? Awards.

The honours were presented at the prestigious What Van? Awards luncheon in London.

What Van?'s panel of judges considered the model to be "an outstanding new van", adding that the new Dispatch "breaks new ground in the largest and most important sector of the market".

James Dallas, editor of What Van?, said: "The Citroën Dispatch represents a big step up compared with its predecessor in terms of quality, refinement and practicality. It should propel the brand to the forefront of what is a very competitive market sector. The new Dispatch brings useful innovations to the market and it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best medium vans on offer."

The What Van? Awards are voted for by a panel of judges who use their combined decades of experience to decide the winners.

The awards highlight the best products, companies and services in the industry, and reward those making the biggest difference to van operators and drivers across the UK.

The design of the new Citroen Dispatch was inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs with an all-new modular platform allowing it to be available in three lengths. It also has an optional hands-free function for the sliding side doors and numerous improvements in the cabin that make the life of the driver easier.

It also has connectivity systems such as Mirror Screen smartphone links.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën's head of commercial vehicles and business sector operations, said; "To gain industry recognition on such an important new product, in a highly competitive market, is very important to us. We are confident that new and existing customers will be equally impressed when they get behind the wheel to experience the new van for themselves."