Citroen Berlingo Car Review

Potential buyers of a small van may be pleasantly surprised by the latest offering now available in the Australian market, the Citroën Berlingo. The French manufactured Berlingo, is a versatile light commercial vehicle that features a generous load capacity and a spacious interior for its size. The new Berlingo sets new standards for its class, leaving its main market competitors, the Holden Combo and the Suzuki Carry in its wake.

The Berlingo is characterised by modern styling and smooth lines to achieve a smart and integrated design. It has been purpose built as a commercial vehicle rather than converted from a passenger vehicle. The Berlingo utilises the drivetrain and suspension componentry from the Citroën Xsara to provide good performance for its size and a very comfortable, car-like ride.

At present, Citroën Australia have released only one variant of the Berlingo in our market, a 1.4 litre petrol engined, two seat van. Overseas the Berlingo is also available with the option of a bench seat in the rear and a combined electric/LPG engine variant called the Dynavolt.

The Citroën Berlingo is fairly well equipped for a light commercial vehicle. Standard equipment for the Australian version includes power steering, height adjustable steering column, pretensioning seat belts, multi-function front passenger seat with an integrated desk, digital radio cassette, two glovebox compartments, large front door map pockets, cloth seat trim, rubber mat for the rear load area, rear barn doors, analogue clock and six tie down hooks in the load area.

There are a number of factory options available which include air conditioning, driver's airbag, electric passenger mirror, remote central locking, electric windows, a rear roof flap for carrying long loads, a cargo barrier and a load partition to keep cool air in the front compartment.

The Berlingo retails for a very attractive $17,500 plus on road and dealer costs, which is identical to Holden's Combo. However, given the features of the new Berlingo and its load carrying capabilities (significantly greater than the Combo), it really does represent excellent value in this class of vehicle.

Interior dimensions for a vehicle of this size are quite generous. Inside the cabin, there is a huge amount of head room available for the driver and the front seat passenger. Front seat leg room is only fair due to the seat travel being somewhat restricted so as not to intrude into the load space area. Citroën Australia claims the Berlingo has a full 3.0 cubic metres of interior space which is accessed from the rear by two barn type doors. The doors open to either 90 or 180 degrees to facilitate easy loading. Additionally, a useful storage chest is located beneath the passenger seat. The storage bin is accessed by firstly folding the front seat, then tipping it right over.

The driving position of the Berlingo is quite upright, allowing a good view of the road ahead through the large windscreen and door windows. The barn doors; however, do tend to obstruct the view to the centre rear and with no side windows in the rear load area, reverse parking can be a little difficult at times. A low floor height and large door openings assist access in and out of the cabin and helps to give the cabin its spacious dimensions.

A basic control layout, clear instruments and light control operation all combine to make the Berlingo an easy and a pleasant vehicle to drive. The 1.4 litre engine delivers only a modest amount of power, although the gearing and the torque characteristics of the engine enable it to perform well, even when carrying a sizeable load.

The Berlingo is fitted with independent suspension front and rear, which provides excellent ride comfort and good handling. With the largest payload in its class of 800 kg (greater than some large six cylinder utilities), the Berlingo is a stylish and versatile workhorse which should appeal to a broad sector of the small light commercial market.