Chatty van

Over 2.5 million Citroën Berlingos have been sold since 1996. GreenFleet examines the qualities of the small French panel van

The Citroën Berlingo is a long‑standing member of the small panel van market. Arriving in 1996, it followed on from the successful car-derived C15 van based on the 1980s Citroën Visa. Larger and more versatile than the C15, it offered businesses large and small a compact urban runabout, but one which was still comfortable outside the city. The first generation was replaced in 2008 by both the smaller Nemo and the larger second‑generation Berlingo. How does the current version stack up?

Two load volumes, two payloads
Two versions – L1 and L2 – are available, with 3.3m3 and 3.7cm3 load compartment volumes respectively. The Berlingo L1 also has a choice of two payload capacities, while the L2 variant can carry 750kg. Our test van was an XTR+ enhanced traction version, offering off-road capability.

The XTR+ is aimed at utility companies in addition to agricultural, construction, and forestry businesses. The largest operator of Berlingo XTR+ models, the Forestry Commission was won over by the lower emissions and enhanced traction capabilities on offer. It runs a fleet of HDi 90 Manual L1 625s.

Equipped with a 90bhp 1.6 HDi common‑rail diesel engine, the Berlingo HDi 90 Manual L1 625 XTR+ emits a very respectable 132g/km of CO2 and is fitted with a limited-slip differential, 30mm raised suspension, underbody protection and 15‑inch steel wheels with Goodyear Cargo Ultra Grip 195/70 R15 tyres.

Although our test was in largely dry weather, Citroën states that the Berlingo XTR+ can automatically apportion up to 75 per cent of engine torque between the two front driving wheels. The system automatically transfers most of the available torque from the driving wheel with the least grip, to the one with the most.

The Berlingo is based on the platform of the C4 passenger car, so rides and handles well, coping with lumps and bumps admirably for an LCV. The XTR+ specification raised suspension does make the van occasionally feel like it’s on tip-toes, but it never feels unsafe.

The car-derived underpinnings play dividends with noise levels, too: the Berlingo is refined on the move with no overbearing noise from the loadspace area. Performance is lively, ideal for multi-drop roles in the city as well as the open road.

Car-based civility
More car-like comforts can be found in the cabin. The steering column has audio and cruise control controls, while KV14 WHZ was fitted with the optional £150 + VAT cruise control with driver adjustable speed limiter.

The XTR+ is well-equipped, too: an RDS/MP3/CD radio system, remote central locking, electric windows, three seats, and Trafficmaster Smartnav colour screen satellite navigation with Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking function are all fitted as standard.

As well as stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise models, an Enterprise Pack option is also available. Priced at £600 + VAT, it includes rear parking sensors, Connecting Box (Bluetooth & USB port) as well as air-conditioning. It’s a worthwhile option and adds a even more car-based civility to proceedings.

There are lots of cubbies and storage including an overhead full-width tray and door pockets. In addition, an under-seat storage locker can be found beneath the middle passenger seat and there’s a driver’s glovebox on the top of the dashboard behind the steering wheel. An optional half-height steel bulkhead with mesh upper ensured safety on our test vehicle.

Six load lashing eyes, anti-drum panelling on the load compartment walls and loadspace lighting help the Berlingo’s load-lugging cause, while automatic door locking ensures the load bay is kept locked while the vehicle is in motion. Twin rear doors and a passenger side sliding opening ease loading and unloading.

Citroën quotes a combined cycle miles per gallon figure of 56.5. Over the 310-mile duration of our test we achieved a not-too distant real-world average of 48.6mpg. While a lower-emitting 118g/km / 62.8mpg e-HDI 90 Airdream ETG6 L1 625 LX model is available, it does without the high specification and off-road capability of the XTR+. For city drivers, the ultimate green choice must be the city-dwelling 0g/km Electric variant, but priced at £21,550, it’s over £6,000 more than the XTR+.

Easy-going, hard-working nature
The XTR+ is the mountain goat of the Berlingo range, with a likeable go-anywhere, do-anything kind of character. Over 2.5 million Citroën Berlingos have been built since 1996.

With its easy-going and hard‑working nature, it’s not difficult to see why it’s been a hit with fleets both large and small.

Citroën Berlingo HDi 90 manual L1 625 XTR+
GROSS PAYLOAD: 661kg
LOAD VOLUME: 3.3m3
ENGINE: 1,560cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 132g/km
MPG (combined): 56.5
VED: £225
PRICE (ex-VAT): £15,580
(£16,480 as tested)