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Iceni Magazine | March 29, 2024

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Citroen Berlingo BlueHDi 120 S&S Manual L1 625 LX

Berlingo

Reviewed by Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist – tweeting @carwriteups

The Citroen Berlingo may not be the sexiest van about – if there is such a thing – but it looks a whole lot better than it used to, thanks to a facelift.

It’s about time, too. The current model has been around since 2008 and in 2015 it went for a bit of liposuction and plastic surgery. A more efficient Euro6 engine – a BlueHDi 120 (118bhp) – was shoehorned in under the bonnet, too.

The French company also became more generous with kit last year to keep up to speed with the likes of Ford’s Transit and Fiat’s Doblo Cargo. Equipment includes Teletrac Smartnav and Trackstar vehicle tracking.

Berlingo cabin

The Berlingo comes in L1 and L2 guises, which have differing length bodies – but the wheelbase is the same. We drove the L1 in mid-range LX trim.

The Euro6 power unit comes with S&S start-stop technology, and a smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission instead of the five-speed seen in vans with lesser engines.

The load bay is lengthier than in competitors such as the Blue Oval’s Transit Connect and fellow French van, the Renault Kangoo – and is equivalent to the VW Caddy. The cargo area can be accessed via twin rear doors that open up to a convenient 180-degrees, and a side-loading sliding door.

Berlingo rear

The Vauxhall Combo and Fiat Doblo Cargo can consume loads that are longer than the Berlingo, though. The same goes for the payload, with our Citroen handling 653kg. This is on a par with most challengers, however the Vauxhall and Fiat can manage payloads up to 1,000kg. 

Behind the wheel, the Citroen is very car-like to drive and comfort levels are impressive. The lack of insulation in the van does mean noise intrudes at motorway speeds, but otherwise the Berlingo is good to drive. The steering weights up well and the engine is quick to respond, with a 0-62mph time of 10.7seconds. Furthermore, an impressive official average of 67.3mpg can be teased from the tank, and CO2 emissions are 114g/km.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

  • Better looking √
  • Economical
  • Easy loading
  • Kit
  • Noisy X

 

FAST FACTS

  • 0-62 mph: 10.7 secs
  • Combined mpg: 67.3
  • Engine layout: 1560cc 4-cylinder turbo diesel
  • CO2: 114 g/km         
  • Payload 653kg (including driver)
  • Load deck length/passenger seat folded 1800/3000mm
  • Height in load compartment 1250mm
  • Load width 1230mm
  • Load volume/passenger seat folded 3.3/3.7m2
  • Max towing weight (braked) 1250kg
  • Price: £16,440 + VAT + delivery
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