Citroen BERLINGO VAN RANGE
Citroens In-Depth Tinkering With Their Hugely Popular Berlingo Light Van Package Has Set It Up For Yet More Showroom Success. Steve Walker Reports
Defying expectations and baffling the critics, Citroens Berlingo has put on a sparkling performance on the light van stage. Nothing lasts forever though and, in true showbiz style,
Citroen have put their faith in an extensive facelift to prolong its popularity. Now sporting a neater nose, wide staring eyes and inflated bumpers - in a look that would stand comparison with any aging Hollywood actress - the revised Berlingo is continuing to audition powerfully for weighty roles with UK operators.
Even the most cantankerous and mean-spirited of commercial vehicle buyers would have to concede that the Berlingo has been a massive success for Citroen. Since the covers first slid from the vans glistening bodywork at its late 1996 launch, over 800,000 models have found happy homes with European businesses. Things have moved forward somewhat since then, of course, and the original Berlingo was starting to look a little tired in the light of advanced new competition from the likes of Fiats Doblo Cargo and, most notably, Fords Transit Connect. Hence, a swift return to the drawing board and the emergence of the current, significantly revised model a Berlingo with an updated front end and a modernised interior, fit and raring to rush headlong back into the fray.
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Those exterior changes that there are on todays
Citroen Berlingo are limited to areas forward of the vehicles A-pillars - the rear two thirds remain as they were on the superseded model. This may make owners more inclined to reverse into parking spaces, garages, etc, in order to show-off their vans cutting-edge facial features but aside from that, there are no obvious drawbacks to the retained rear end. Its still as big, robust and accessible as ever. What has changed is the front of the Berlingo where the bumper is deeper, the grille more prominent and the lights enlarged - curving up into the bonnet and wings.
The designers havent cut loose to the extent that fashion-conscious van users might have liked but the prerequisite mainstream appeal has been succinctly achieved.
"Theres no reason to suspect that the current version of Citroens Berlingo wont continue where its predecessor left off"
Inside, the cab is tastefully done and a massive step forward aesthetically. Theres a digital centre console display brimming with useful information, chunky buttons, storage space and attractive circular vents dotted around the place. Its all a far cry from the low-grade materials and slightly Spartan effect that held sway inside the original Berlingo van. Theres a fair bit of equipment too, with variable power steering, height adjustable steering column and drivers airbag throughout.
All models except the 600D X (the pauper of the range) also receive the dual fold passenger
seat that doubles as a desk, remote central locking, a radio/cassette stereo, electric windows/mirrors and doors that automatically lock you in at speeds above 6mph. Thats not to say, of course, that either driver or passenger will feel the need to bale out of the Berlingo once it does get up to speed. This, like most small vans, isnt going to set many pluses racing, unless youve just made the step-up from a horse and cart. But its relaxed enough at motorway velocity and nimble around the urban jungle.
The turning circle is tight and the steering makes sure you always feel in control while remaining light enough so as not to overwork the driver. If the old Berlingo fell down in any specific areas, then those were exterior styling and interior quality never factors that were going to unduly perturb no-nonsense CV buyers anyway. In the current model, both problems have been successfully addressed and the originals strong points of practicality, versatility and value remain unaltered. For one thing, the range incorporates plenty of mix and match potential with no fewer than five power options.
There are conventional 1.9D diesel and 1.4i Petrol engines generating 71 and 75bhp respectively, an advanced 90bhp common-rail 2.0-litre HDi and, for the environmentally sound, a choice of duel fuel (LPG gas and petrol) or 28kW electric derivatives.
You dont have to be a bearded tree-hugger in the lentil soup business to plump for the later options either: both are advanced factory-fitted systems with the potential to save any company a packet. Broadening the choice further is the line-up of nine load access configurations, two mainstream payload capacities and a platform cab thats ready to take specialist modifications and become the tailored antidote to your companys transport requirements no matter how pernickety. Buyers can specify side-hinged rear doors, with or without a ladder flap for lengthier cargo, or a lifting tailgate. Then theres the option of single or double sliding side doors and the choice of 600kg or 800kg payload capacities.
The variety and diversity of the different Berlingo models on offer puts much of the competition in the shade and we havent even covered the vans people carrying sibling, the Berlingo Multispace. Price-wise the Berlingo remains on a par with the rest of the top contenders in the light van sector, starting at £8,895 (plus VAT). Its also worth pointing out that the vehicle continues to be manufactured under the PSA partnership with
Peugeot, who badge their identical version, appropriately enough, as the Partner. Another thing to bear in mind is that Citroen dealers are notorious for their special offer antics and you could well find the odd favourable deal at your local branch that makes the Berlingo appear even more of a tempting package.
Theres also the manufacturers innovative new LCV warranty arrangement where you can select either two years unlimited mileage cover or a three-year deal thats limited to 100,000 miles just go for the one that suits you best. Theres no reason to suspect that the current version of Citroens Berlingo wont continue where its predecessor left off. Its better in terms of cabin layout and equipment, while the visual pep-up shouldnt go amiss when it comes to attracting new buyers. There is some stiff competition out there in this sector but, on value for money at least, none can eclipse Citroens star CV performer.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Citroen Berlingo Van range ENGINES: 1.4i Petrol, 1.7D, 2.0HDi, 1.
4i Duel Fuel, 28kW electric. DIMENSIONS: Length/Width/Height mm 4108/1719/1802 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 1,670kg (600LX) 1,985kg (800TD LX)
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