Citroen BERLINGO MULTISPACE (1998 TO DATE)
MODELS COVERED: 3/5dr MPV 1.4, 1.6 16v petrol,1.8 petrol, 1.
9 diesel
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
The
Citroen 2CV was legendary for its design parameters. It had to be able to drive across a ploughed field, driven by a man with a hat on, whilst not breaking a basket of eggs. The Citroen Berlingo Multispace has found itself cast as the 2CVs eventual successor. Whilst unlikely to find itself representing an icon of rural Gallic charm, the Berlingo has its plus points.
In a
mini-MPV sector where mere appliance of the word lifestyle is a passport to manufacturers ramping up the prices, the Berlingo entered at the bottom and aimed to stay there. With its commercial vehicle basis, development costs were minimised. Along with its rival, the
Renault Kangoo, the Berlingo Multispace inhabited a niche pioneered by miniature glazed
Suzuki vans of the past. It may be relatively cheap, but a used Berlingo does cheerful very well.
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This depends on how you define practicality. If the term encompasses multi-folding
seat arrangements, witty design and the latest high-tech engines, the Berlingo falls some way short. If, on the other hand, practicality means wipe clean surfaces, rugged cargo nets, huge luggage bins and a vehicle built to withstand a hard life, the
Citroen will appeal. After all, if you are a current MPV owner, when was the last time you carried seven people in it? Or pulled all the chairs out? Shortly before the visit to the chiropractor? Most will never have done so.
The Berlingo makes no attempt to cover these bases. A reinforced rear bumper allows the load bay to be piled up with heavy items, and the Multispaces van-based roots are betrayed by its ability to carry a payload of over 600kgs. With the rear seats folded down, theres over 100 cubic feet in the back, putting the load areas of big estates like Volvos and Merecedes to shame. Drivers above the height of 610" may find front headroom a touch cramped, but for the majority of us, the roof soars overhead like a vaulted hall. Fifteen different stowage areas are dotted about the cabin, and can accommodate big bottles, loose change, maps, cups and just about anything else the average family needs to bring along. Above the front seats is a massive full width overhead shelf of vast capacity. Used buyers should check that the previous keeper hasnt left anything in these bins that could have slipped down to the back; items like prams or mountain bikes.
The five-door model rectifies the greatest failing of the three-door, namely access to the rear. Whilst this is not bad, in actual fact the seat latching action is fiddly, and small children and dogs will find it far easier to vault across the seat into the rear, leaving the predictably muddy trail. The rear tailgate can double as a handy rain shelter when opened, and stands high enough for a party of six-footers to shelter under. Particular mention must be made of the optional 20sq ft electric roof.
This is the Berlingo Multispaces one genuinely unique trick, and when opened transforms the feel of the car. Theres a genuine al fresco, wind in the hair atmosphere that helps combat the greenhouse effect the big windows can generate. The kids will love it and its so much more fun than pressing an air conditioning button.
Used prices for the Berlingo Multispace have settled now after initial market confusion. A 1998 S registered Multispace 1.8i can be bought for £3,000, making it a very cost effective means of family transport. Whilst a 1999 T plate 1.
9D will still require £3,400 to get your name on the registration document. Five door models arrived with the 2000 W-plate and around £4,000 will secure you a Multispace Forte with the 1.9 Diesel engine. Petrol fans had to hang on until the 2000 X-plate to get five doors so the earliest 1.
6 Forte models are around the £4,200 mark. Insurance is a reasonable Group 4 for the 1.4i and 1.9D models and Group 5 for the surprisingly zippy 1.
8i. The post-facelift cars look much prettier, if pretty is a term you can attach to a van-based MPV, and the vehicles commercial vehicle origins are better disguised. The 1.4-litre models are available from £6,000 on a 52-plate and the pick of the range is the 2.
0-litre HDi diesel which starts from £6,500.
As with all cars that get used to ferry children back and forth, check for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. Despite being reinforced to cope with heavy loads, the Berlingos rear bumper is only spray painted, and a good slide of, say, a washing machine over it will rub it bare. Check the integrity of the fitments inside as, unsurprisingly, the plastics quality used in the Berlingo probably wouldnt find their way into an
Audi. On some of the cubbies its possible for coins, keys and the like to slip between ill-matched mouldings and down into the fascia innards.
The mechanicals are proven technology and shouldnt cause any significant worry. Despite this, check for its service history but otherwise what you see is pretty much what you get with a Berlingo Multispace.
(Estimated prices, based on a 1.8i) Coming from a commercial background where spares prices are a more significant part of the buying process, spares are very reasonable indeed. A new exhaust system will be around £140, new front brake pads £50, with rears coming in at about £58. A new radiator is around £160, whilst a new starter motor will set you back approximately £250.
Break a headlight on the school run and a replacement will be the princely sum of £64.
Anyone expecting a vehicle based on a light van to offer a syrupy ride will be disappointed. Having said that, the Berlingo has the ability to convert all but the most sceptical. Especially in 1.8i guise, the Citroen is genuinely good fun to drive, with an acceptable amount of body roll in corners, and a fair amount of poke.
Rest to 60 in 12.2 seconds may not worry the hot hatch brigade, but it feels much quicker in a Berlingo, especially with the roof open. The 1.8i will see 100mph under favourable conditions, although at this speed youll need ear defenders.
The Berlingo is slightly undergeared, and you may find yourself reaching for another gear whilst barrelling along in fifth. This contributes to the Multispaces surprising thirst. The 1.8i will return a combined fuel consumption figure of 31.
7mpg, and to put that in perspective, thats less than some sporting cars such as the
Honda Integra Type-R or Audi TT Roadster. For the most accomplished engine, buyers must turn to the post-facelift cars and the 2.0-litre HDi. This offers impressive economy and a muscular turn of speed.
A used Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a cheap and cheerful way of transporting the family. It has a certain charm which helps you forgive its shortcomings. Its vast load area, no-nonsense rubber matting and many stowage bins means it can carry gear that far bigger vehicles would baulk at, yet is shorter and more manoeuvrable than a Honda Civic. Luxury touches are noticeable by their absence, yet somehow it doesnt matter.
At the price, the Berlingo Multispace makes a great used purchase. The 1.8i is probably the best value and most fun to drive, as long as its thirst doesnt seem too great. Its fun, the kids will love it, its easy to clean and keep tidy and comes with a range of trustworthy engines.
Dont expect a motorway slogger or a miserly fuel sipper and youll get along with the Citroen just fine. Just think of it as a 2CV with more of everything for the new millennium.
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