The evolution of the Citroen Berlingo van

The new Citroen Berlingo has won multiple awards during its short time in the market, Vansdirect looks back to where it all started and at the staggering evolution of the Citroen Berlingo van through the years!

Citroen Berlingo Van Timeline

The Citroen Berlingo van has been a mainstay of the small van segment and the Citroen vans line-up for more than twenty years, our timeline traces back right to where it all started in 1996 right the way through to being crowned International Van of the Year 2019. Originally the Citroen Berlingo was built alongside the Peugeot Partner small van, with the latest generation model also built alongside the Vauxhall Combo van as well as the Partner, with another model from Toyota vans also on its way in the near future.

Berlingo first generation - (1996-2008)

After being introduced into the UK new van market in 1996, the Citroen Berlingo swiftly become a best-seller due to becoming the first delivery van with integrated load volume. This model was replaced by the second generation Citroen Berlingo van in 2008, however despite this, the first generation model survived until 2014 in some markets.

The first generation of the small van underwent a radical facelift in 2002 featuring a redesigned interior and front end in order to keep it ahead of competition in an increasingly competitive market. There was also a minor facelift n 2004 which included changes to the light clusters and grille.

Berlingo second generation - (2008-2018)

Revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham 2008, the second generation Citroen Berlingo van followed on from its predecessor by carrying over the car-like performance, handling and comfort from the previous model whilst also proving that they had listened to customer feedback by making the second generation model larger in every major dimension whilst still offering excellent driving dynamics.

The second generation model soon made its mark on the new van market by taking second place in the International Van of the Year 2009 awards, only to be beaten by stablemate the Citroen Nemo. An L2 long wheelbase model soon joined the range with an additional 0.4 cubic metres of load volume, followed by an L2 crew van in July 2009.

In 2012 the second generation Citroen Berlingo van received a facelift, giving the van new headlights, badge and streamlined door mirrors. Emissions were also reduced due to improved aerodynamics, whilst an electric Citroen Berlingo joined the market in 2013.

Berlingo third generation - (2018-present)

Despite a short time span in the market, the new Citroen Berlingo van has earned plenty of plaudits including International Van of the Year 2019 and WhatVan? Van of the Year 2019 crowns. The new model is available with a selection of different configurations, with one or two sliding doors which provide optimised opening for ease of loading and unloading, there's also unglazed rear doors which open to 180 degrees.

The new small van also offers record load capacity thanks to its load space design which is a development of the previous platform, allowing for payloads up to one-tonne to be accommodated. There's also the availability of award winning PureTech 1.2 petrol and BlueHDi 1.5-litre diesel engines which are adapted for use on the motorway and city. There's also the option of four highly equipped trim levels to meet the exact needs of your business, with Citroen vans setting a new benchmark in the small van market.

Citroen Berlingo van on finance

Get your hands on the award winning new Citroen Berlingo van at Vansdirect, with cheap van finance options available including van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase. Interested? Submit your details online or call us on 0800 169 69 95 to get the ball rolling today!