Citroen BERLINGO MULTISPACE 1.6 16v
Buying A Budget MPV Used To Mean Driving Something That Had Been Bludgeoned By The Ugly Stick. The Latest Berlingo Multispace Shows How Far Weve Come. By Andy Enright
The
Citroen Berlingo Multispace has probably done more than any other vehicle to establish the van-based budget MPV sector in the UK. In its original iteration, the Multispace was a fun and functional cheapie that did little to disguise its commercial roots. The current version is a good deal more sophisticated, especially when fitted with the smooth 16-valve 1.6-litre petrol engine.
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This is a vehicle that was initially viewed as something of a frivolity but which is now taken very seriously indeed by industry analysts. The Berlingo Multispace is big business and its easy to see why.
With 110bhp on tap, this Berlingo Multispace is respectably quick off the mark, zipping to 60mph in 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 107mph. This is largely due to the fact that the engine is hauling around a lightweight body encapsulating a good deal of fresh air. Youll certainly be able to take other drivers by surprise with the Berlingos verve. A corollary of the light weight is good fuel economy, the 1.
6-litre powerplant turning in an average of 38.2mpg. Emissions are also competitive for a vehicle of this size, the 175g/km of carbon dioxide making the 16v cleaner than its little brother the 1.4-litre Multispace.
The latest Berlingo Multispace models are priced even more aggressively than ever, the 1.6i 16v pitched at £10,495 for Forte trim and £11,095 for the plusher Desire. With sales greater than the
Renault Kangoo and the
Peugeot Partner Combi combined, the Berlingo is by far the dominant player in this rapidly growing market sector. Although the 1.
6-litre version is increasingly overshadowed by its 2.0-litre HDi diesel sibling when it comes to sales, it is still the best choice if you want an inexpensive family carry-all thats enjoyably light on its toes. This engine offers 20% more power than the old eight valve 1.8, hand in hand with 25% better fuel economy, a serious failing of the older powerplant.
"This 1.6-litre version is still the best choice if you want an inexpensive family carry-all thats enjoyably light on its toes"
The initial thing most buyers who owned an original Berlingo Multispace will notice is the revised front end. The front bumpers are deeper and colour-keyed rather than regulation black, whilst the front wings, bonnet and grille have been revised.
Smart 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps are fitted on certain models. Clear-lensed headlamps meanwhile, bring a touch of Tiffany jewellery to the front of a car that many would consider more Elizabeth Duke at Argos.
But that would be to sell the Berlingo Multispace well short. Yes, it is cheap and cheerful, but its also a car that ruthlessly targets a specific market. Its a market that values rugged, inexpensive family transport. Its also a market that has developed to demand more than a bread van with windows.
And sure enough, the Berlingo Multispace has developed to meet such demands. The dashboard has been redesigned for a more contemporary look. It now features a centrally-mounted display screen, a better steering wheel with stereo controls and a number of revised stowage areas. A Comfort Pack option offers aircraft-style trays on the back of the front seats, front folding armrests and Citroens Modubox system in the boot.
Priced at an almost laughable £60, this is one box well worth ticking when specifying your Berlingo. Although the Berlingo still represents an inexpensive way of transporting a growing family, its no longer the basic 2CV successor many once reckoned it to be. After all, how many 2CVs were fitted with digital multiplex wiring that allows a guide me home function on the headlights or progressive dimming cabin lights? The sophisticated electronics also make the fitting of functions such as a key fob operated location facility, automatic door locking and speed sensitive stereo volume simplicity itself. Safety has been bumped up too, with the current car now incorporating a reinforced body structure that significantly improves impact resistance.
An optional Safety Pack should really have been made standard equipment. This includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, a front passenger airbag and side lateral airbags. The most notable feature of this model is still its vast folding roof. Yes, it is an option but most take it up.
In this case, it's electrically operated and retracts to give an aperture of some 20-square feet - almost four times as big as a standard sunroof. Should it start to rain, the roof takes only around 12 seconds to close, at which point, if you're in the middle of a picnic, you can take shelter beneath the raised tailgate. At over 4ft wide, this doubles up as a large umbrella and raises high enough for party of six footers to stand beneath it. The other option that can be fitted instead of the sunroof is Citroens Modutop system, a set of aircraft style overhead lockers that greatly adds to the amount of usable carrying space available. The
Citroen Berlingo Multispace is the main reason the van-based MPV sector is the hottest ticket around.
With year on year sales growth of 40%, its finding plenty of favour among those buyers wanting a serious amount of space with a comedy price tag. Some may suggest that with its redesigned face and more sophisticated functions, the Berlingo has matured a little. That may be the case but, make no mistake, its an undeniably better car than before. Better car, perhaps, but does the 16v Multispace justify its existence alongside the excellent 2.
0HDi version? Its a tough call. Taken in isolation, the petrol car is a real achievement, but when placed in context it would be difficult to ignore the lower running costs and relaxed nature of the diesel version. If youre still a little suspicious of the diesel revolution, you wont be disappointed by the Multispace 1.6 16v.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 16v
PRICE: £10,495-£11,095 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 175
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.0s / Max Speed 107mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 29.7 (extra urban) 45.6 (combined) 38.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Drivers Airbag, Front Seatbelt Pretensioners WILL IT FIT INTO YOUR GARAGE: Length/Width/Height mm 4108/1819/1802 May 11th 2005
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