Citroen Berlingo - hands on

The new Citroen Berlingo has taken the UK new van market by storm and has won no shortage of awards since joining the market. Today at Vansdirect we were lucky enough to get hands-on with one!

Introducing the new Citroen Berlingo van

Developed in 1996, the Citroen Berlingo has been a pivotal part of the small van market ever since, the all-new model is the third generation of Berlingo, taking over from where previous models of the Berlingo van have left off with a glowing reputation as a small workhorse with excellent driving dynamics, however the all-new model offers so much more than just this!

Revised platform of the new Citroen Berlingo van

The Berlingo van which is a result of a joint PSA project with the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo vans and features a revised platform which helps to take the Citroen van to another level, with advancements in payload, comfort, driving dynamics and technology just to name a few.

Appearance of the Citroen Berlingo van

The design of the Citroen van has changed significantly since it was first introduced in 1996 and has changed significantly again with the third generation model, which gets a more distinctively Citroen front end with a short and high bonnet similar to that found by the larger Citroen Dispatch van. The new Citroen van is more sleek and professional looking van than its predecessor.

Interior of the new Citroen Berlingo van

Inside the new Citroen van, there has been a complete redesign with a more modern and less cluttered dashboard, as well as a multi-function steering wheel. Better materials are used across the fascia, centre console, the doors and the seats, whilst the cabin features a hardwearing TPO floor covering that can be cleaned easily and quickly.

Extenso cab

As the model we got our hands on was a high spec Enterprise model, meaning there's an eight inch colour touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto in the van, alongside the standard DAB radio with Bluetooth, USB and audio jack. There's also what Citroen vans call the 'Extenso cab' which offers seating for three in the front of the van and the middle seat transformable into a mobile office with a pivoting writing table.

The practicality of the Citroen Berlingo van

The Citroen Berlingo van is available in two lengths M and XL offering 3.3 and 3.8 cubic metres of load volume respectively. The model we got our hands on was the M model meaning, however the Extenso cab increases the load volume and carrying capabilities of the van, with a load-through facility beneath the outer seat allowing loads up to 3.1-metres in length to be carried. The Berlingo van is the perfect small delivery van with practical features to help it thrive in busy urban environments and tight spaces, with a left-side sliding door and rear doors which open to 180 degrees for easy access to the load area.

Driving the Citroen Berlingo

So the new Berlingo is fantastic on paper, but what is it like on the road? The new platform of the Berlingo van also improves how it drives. The fact that it shares underpinnings with models from the Citroen passenger car range means a smooth and composed driving experience. Citroen vans have boasted that the Berlingo van is the most comfort-orientated compact van on the market, thanks to its 'Advanced Comfort program' development which is based around special cushioned seats, top-level acoustic treatment and special suspension settings designed to filter out bumps you'd really feel on other models.

Performance of the new Citroen Berlingo van

Visibility of the road ahead is excellent for a van, whilst the Berlingo van is also incredibly economical regardless of which of the three power outputs you opt for. The one we got our hands-on was the 1.6-litre 75ps option which comfortably delivered in excess of 60 miles to the gallon and offered punchy and nimble performance around and about town.

New Citroen Berlingo vans for sale at Vansdirect

Like what you've seen? Vansdirect has the Citroen Berlingo van available with affordable van finance options available including van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase. Simply fill in a contact form or call us on 0800 169 69 95 to get the ball rolling today!

Want to hear more from Vansdirect? We're also on Facebook and Twitter!