There aren’t many small vans that have made the same impact in their short time as the Citroën Berlingo. Compact, with high storage capacity, the Berlingo is the model van for the small business owner and remains one of the most iconic van models in the commercial vehicle world.
Brought to you by Crusader Vans, this Citroën Berlingo review leverages over 20 years of expertise in the van leasing industry to provide a comprehensive look at one of the world’s most popular vans. Our understanding of van market trends ensures that we offer a unique perspective on how this model has adapted and thrived over the years. Stay tuned as we explore the features, performance, and versatility that have made the Citroën Berlingo a favoured choice among a variety of users.
Ten Second Review
Citroën’s much-improved third-generation Berlingo remains one of the market’s best-selling compact vans, offering a usefully large payload capacity and a maximum load volume of up to 4.4m3. It’s now been upgraded with some extra cabin tech, plus there’s an all-electric version available. The idea is to rejuvenate this model’s buying proposition and on paper at least, the prospects are promising.
Background
Introduced to the UK van market in 1996, the Citroën Berlingo quickly established itself as a best-seller, pioneering as the first delivery van with integrated load volume. Available both as a panel van for commercial use and as a passenger variant with rear seats and windows, the Berlingo catered to a broad range of needs. Following its initial success, the second-generation Citroën Berlingo Van built upon its predecessor’s legacy. It maintained the car-like performance, handling, and comfort that users valued, while responding to customer feedback by enlarging every major dimension. This evolution did not compromise its acclaimed driving dynamics and continued to offer impressive cargo and storage space.
The new Citroën Berlingo Van has since gained major recognition, earning titles such as International Van of the Year 2019 and WhatVan? Van of the Year 2019.
Practicality
The Citroën Berlingo Van is the practical choice for the small business owner. This third-generation model, built on the EMP2 platform, has an increased payload capacity ranging from 650kg to 1,000kg. It features a unique Overload Indicator for weight management. The van offers substantial boot space – 3.3m3 in size ‘M’ and 3.9m3 in size ‘XL’, which can be further expanded with the ‘Extenso’ cab. Its interior is designed to accommodate up to two euro pallets, facilitated by a 1.23m width between the wheel arches.
The van is equipped with 60/40 split unglazed rear doors that open 180 degrees, adding to the loading ease. For added durability, there’s an option for plywood lining. It also has a considerable towing capacity of 1,500kg. The 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel model is notable for its fuel efficiency, while the e-Berlingo EV variant provides a range of 171 miles per charge, with a 7.5-hour charging time from a 7kW wallbox.
Practical Features
- Enhanced payload capacity of 650kg to 1,000kg
- ‘Overload Indicator’ for weight limit monitoring
- Boot space – 3.3m3 in size ‘M’, 3.9m3 in size ‘XL’, expandable with ‘Extenso’ cab
- Interior space suited for two euro pallets, with 1.23m width between wheel arches
- 60/40 split unglazed rear doors opening to 180 degrees
- One or two sliding side doors for varied configurations
- Optional plywood lining for load area protection
- Maximum braked towing weight: 1,500kg
- Fuel-efficient 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel model (56.5mpg, 148g/km CO2)
- e-Berlingo EV variant with 171-mile range and 7.5-hour charging time
With its range of practical features available, the Citroën Berlingo Van stands out as a practical choice for small business owners – offering a mix of payload capacity, spacious boot space, and efficient power options.
Driving Experience
Although perhaps not as good to drive as the Ford Transit Connect, the driving experience in the latest Berlingo van has noticeably enhanced, primarily due to the much-improved suspension system. This improvement makes the van easy to drive, ensuring good handling and visibility, essential attributes for a vehicle in its class. Notably, the diesel models offer the best ride quality, attributed to the greater weight of the four-cylinder engines located at the front. This added weight helps in stabilising the vehicle and smoothing out road imperfections. Additionally, the high seating position and large windows in the Berlingo contribute significantly to good visibility, allowing drivers to have a clear and broad view of the road and surroundings. This combination of features ensures that the Berlingo not only performs well but also provides a comfortable and confident driving experience, suitable for a variety of driving conditions and tasks.
Comfort
The Citroën Berlingo’s commitment to comfort is clear through its Advanced Comfort programme, designed to enhance the driving and passenger experience. This initiative includes specially cushioned seats that provide support and comfort even during longer journeys. The cabin benefits from superior acoustic treatment, ensuring a quieter, more serene environment, which is particularly noticeable on busy roads or during long drives. Additionally, the Berlingo features special suspension settings, engineered to minimise the impact of road bumps. The interior also offers generous head and leg room, accommodating occupants comfortably and making the Berlingo an ideal choice for both commercial and personal use, where comfort is a key consideration.
Engines
The Citroën Berlingo Van’s latest MK3 iteration presents a range of efficient engine options catering to various needs.
- The widely preferred choice among these is the BlueHDi 100 diesel variant, which is Euro 6.3 compliant and delivers a respectable 102hp, coupled with a six speed manual gearbox.
- For those seeking more power, there’s the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 powerplant, a more robust engine producing 130hp, uniquely paired with eight speed automatic gearbox (EAT8 automatic transmission).
- Additionally, Citroën offers an environmentally friendly option with the all-electric e-Berlingo model. This variant is equipped with a 50kWh battery pack and a 136hp electric motor, boasting an impressive 171-mile driving range under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) standards, offering a blend of power and efficiency for diverse driving requirements.
Design & Build
Since its introduction, the Citroën Berlingo has evolved dramatically, with the third-generation model sporting a distinctively Citroën front end, reminiscent of the larger Dispatch model, and characterised by a short, high bonnet. Available in two body styles, the ‘M’ and ‘XL’, both exceed the typical size of compact vans, measuring 4.40m and 4.75m in length respectively.
Inside, the Berlingo features a modern, streamlined dashboard, multifunctional steering wheel, and an optional colour Head-up Display. Base models come with a 5-inch black and white touchscreen, while the higher-spec models boast a 10-inch digital display. The interior is designed for durability and ease of cleaning, using smart materials and a hardwearing TPO floor covering. The versatile ‘Extenso Cab’ option transforms the cabin into a mobile office, complete with a pivoting writing table and a folding side passenger seat, which expands the load volume significantly.
For additional passenger capacity, there’s also a ‘Crew van’ variant with a fold-out second-row bench. Despite its larger size and utility as both a van and a passenger vehicle, the Berlingo maintains a stable drive with alloy wheels, though there is no shortage of body lean during sharp turns.
Design & Build Features
- Distinctive Citroën front end design, inspired by the larger Dispatch model.
- Two body styles: ‘M’ (4.40m length, 2.78m wheelbase) and ‘XL’ (4.75m length, 2.97m wheelbase).
- Modern cabin with uncluttered dashboard and multi-function steering wheel.
- Optional colour Head-up Display.
- Base models with a 5-inch touchscreen; higher models with a 10-inch digital display.
- Smart interior materials with hardwearing TPO floor covering.
- ‘Extenso Cab’ for a versatile three-person front layout and increased load volume.
- ‘Crew van’ body style with a fold-out second row bench.
- ‘Magic Wash’ system for efficient window cleaning
The Citroën Berlingo’s evolution has resulted in a distinctive and practical vehicle with a modern and durable interior. Whether you choose the ‘M’ or ‘XL’ body style, the Berlingo offers versatility and functionality, making it a popular choice for those in need of a spacious and adaptable vehicle.
Interior
The Citroen Berlingo’s interior is designed for practicality and comfort. Its hard-wearing materials ensure durability over time, while the stylish seats add sophistication. However, the gear lever’s somewhat distant placement may require extra effort depending on the driver’s arm length. On a positive note, the seats are height-adjustable for a customised driving position. The car-like dashboard features user-friendly controls, making navigation effortless. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, offers seamless smartphone connectivity. Overall, the Berlingo provides a comfortable and practical driving experience with excellent visibility, making it suitable for daily commuting and family journeys.
Interior Features
- Hard-wearing interior materials
- Stylish and comfortable seat materials
- Gear-lever positioned relatively far from the driver
- Height-adjustable seats for a custom driving position
- Car-like dashboard with easy-to-use controls
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard
- Good visibility from the driving position
In summary, the Berlingo’s interior combines durability and style, offering a comfortable and practical space for daily commuting. While the gear lever’s positioning may require some adjustment, the height-adjustable seats, user-friendly dashboard controls, and modern infotainment system ensure a satisfying driving experience. With its excellent visibility and thoughtful design, the Berlingo stands as a great choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable vehicle.
Safety
Safety should be a big consideration when choosing a vehicle, and the Citroen Berlingo surely won’t disappoint. This compact van offers a number of safety features to ensure the well-being of both you and your passengers – and has notably received a respectable four-star crash-test rating from Euro NCAP.
The Berlingo includes advanced safety technologies – including the Advanced Grip Control system with Hill Descent Assist for improved stability and traction on various terrains. It also features blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention alert system to enhance road awareness. Adaptive headlamps provide optimal illumination, while post-collision braking mitigates damage in the event of a collision. The autonomous emergency braking system acts proactively to prevent accidents, and a top-down view reversing camera simplifies parking.
Additionally, a protective plate under the engine and Surround Rear Vision Technology further enhance safety, making the Citroen Berlingo an attractive option for safety-conscious drivers.
Safety Features
- Advanced Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist
- Blindspot monitoring
- Driver attention alert
- Adaptive headlamps
- Lane-keeping assist
- Post-collision braking
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Reversing camera with top-down view
- Rear parking sensors
- Protective plate under the engine
- Surround Rear Vision Technology
- ‘Flankguard’ feature for side proximity alerts during manoeuvres.
When it comes to driver and passenger safety, the Berlingo is built to ensure you’re best protected on the road. Whether it’s ensuring you stay in your lane or alerting you to driver fatigue, this vehicle is well-equipped to ensure you can drive with confidence and peace of mind.
Costs
The MK3 Berlingo van, maintaining a similar price range to its predecessor, is available in combustion variants priced between £19,000 and £25,000 (excl. VAT) across the ‘M’ and ‘XL’ body lengths.
The e-Berlingo full-EV version is priced around £28,500 ex VAT after deducting the £2,500 government Plug-in Grant. Citroën offers two main trim levels, the ‘Enterprise Edition’ and ‘Driver Edition’, which come with features such as acoustic enhancements, dual-zone air conditioning, lumbar-adjustable seats, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, an electronic parking brake, Surround Rear Vision camera system, and an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav and DAB radio. An optional ‘Worksite Pack’ caters to tougher terrains like building sites, featuring a 30mm increased ride height, under-engine protective plate, Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist for enhanced traction, and large wheels with Mud and Snow tyres.
Conclusion
This third-generation Berlingo demonstrates how intensive development prior to launch can massively refresh a van’s design, making it a standout product in its class. With its modernised appearance, upgraded cabin, infotainment and safety features, it’s not just a good car, but an established name in the van world. Few cars match its class-leading payload and carriage capacity, the flexibility of the Extenso modular seating system, and the unbeatable running costs offered by the BlueHDi engine or the full-EV powertrain. Further to this, its comfortable ride and extensive range of factory-built models make the Berlingo a strong business proposition.
Have you considered leasing a Berlingo for your business? At Crusader Vans, we are proud to offer quality van leasing deals on a range of Citroën Berlingo van models.
Check out our model options here.
FAQs
We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions on the Citroën Berlingo, which we hope will answer any further queries:
What is the Citroen Berlingo’s fuel efficiency?
The fuel efficiency of a Citroen Berlingo can vary depending on the engine type and model year. On average, you can expect a combined fuel economy of around 40-50 miles per gallon (MPG) for the diesel engine and 30-40 MPG for the petrol engine.
How much cargo space does the Citroen Berlingo have?
The Citroen Berlingo is known for its spacious cargo area. It typically offers between 675 and 1,050 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, which can be expanded to around 3,000 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it an excellent choice for those needing ample storage capacity.
Is the Citroen Berlingo available in an electric version?
Yes, Citroen offers an electric version of the Berlingo known as the Citroen e-Berlingo. It comes with an electric motor and a battery pack, offering a range of approximately 170 miles on a single charge.
