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Citroen's third generation Berlingo van is bigger than you might expect - and more sophisticated. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
Ten Second Review
Citroen'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 if you want it. The idea is to rejuvenate this model's buying proposition and on paper at least, the prospects are promising.
Background
Think of a compact but spacious van and it's really quite likely that you'll find yourself considering this one, Citroen's Berlingo. It's the kind of van you buy if your business needs a compact LCV that isn't quite as small as a modern cityvan-sector model would be - something like Citroen's old Nemo. Vehicles like that are based on superminis: Berlingo-type models, in contrast, sit upon the more spacious platforms originally developed for family hatchbacks or small MPVs.
The platform in question in this MK3 Berlingo is the Stellantis Group's modern 'EMP2' chassis, which also now underpins four of this model's closest segment competitors, Peugeot's Partner, Fiat's Doblo, Toyota's Proace City and Vauxhall's Combo, all rivals that also share this Berlingo's engine range and much of its design technology. It's Citroen though, that has the most heritage in this sector. This was the first brand to introduce a diesel powered LCV, the first to launch a van with an integrated load area and the first to launch an LCV model with three seats in the cabin. Building on this strong heritage, this MK3 Berlingo Van continues the renewal of a best-seller.
Driving Experience
The MK3 Berlingo van sits on the Stellantis Group's sophisticated, light 'EMP2' platform and uses an efficient pair of diesel engines. Most opt for the usual BlueHDi 100 diesel variant, this base engine offered in Euro 6.3 guise, providing 102hp and featuring a 6-speed manual gearbox. There's also a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 powerplant; this top 130hp diesel powerplant comes only with EAT8 auto transmission. There's the option of an all-electric e-Berlingo model, which features a 50kWh battery pack and a 136hp electric motor and is capable of up to 171 miles of WLTP-rated driving range from a single charge.
Citroen reckons that this is the most comfort-orientated compact van you can buy, thanks to its 'Advanced Comfort programme' development. This is based around special cushioned seats, top-level acoustic treatment and special suspension settings designed to filter out bumps you'd really feel on rival models. Another clever touch is the 'Magic Wash' function that maintains visibility during window washing and halves the amount of liquid required. As before, a Grip Control option is available on some models to increase traction, incorporating hill-start assist. We like the 'Flankguard' feature which informs the driver of the proximity of objects to the side of the manoeuvring vehicle by memorising the data recorded by sensors located in the front and rear bumpers, combined with the vehicle trajectory.
Design and Build
The design of the Berlingo has changed substantially since this model was first introduced in 1996 and changed again with this third generation model which gets a more expressive and distinctively Citroen front end with a short and high bonnet that borrows from the look we first saw used by the current larger Citroën Dispatch model. As before, there are two Berlingo body styles to consider and both are on the large side of what we expect from a compact van. The M version measures 4.40m long with a 2.78m wheelbase, while the longer XL version measures 4.75m long with a 2.97m wheelbase.
Inside, the cabin features a modern and uncluttered dashboard, a multi-function steering wheel and the option of a colour Head-up Display. Base models get a 5-inch black and white centre touchscreen, while further up the range, there's also a 10-inch digital instrument display. Smart materials are used across the fascia, the central console, the doors and the seats and the cabin features a hardwearing TPO floor covering that can be cleaned quickly and easily. As before, Citroen is offering its so-called 'Extenso Cab', which gives you a three-person front layout, with the central seat able to transform into a mobile office with a pivoting writing table. The set-up features a folding side passenger seat providing optimal load length and increasing load volume from 3.3m3 to 3.8m3 in size M, and 3.9m3 to 4.4m3 in size XL. As you'd expect in this class, a Crew van' body style is also available with a fold-out second row bench.
Market and Model
This MK3 model Berlingo van is priced very similarly to its predecessor, which means that most combustion variants will price in the £19,000 to £25,000 bracket (excl. VAT) across the two body lengths (size 'M' and size 'XL'). The e-Berlingo full-EV version costs from around £28,500 ex VAT, once the £2,500 government Plug-in Grant is deducted from the asking price.
Citroen is offering two main Berlingo van trim levels ('Enterprise Edition' and 'Driver Edition'). These are available with features like acoustic enhancements, dual zone air conditioning, seats with lumbar adjustment, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control with a 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' is designed for slightly more arduous delivery terrain like building sites. To better cope with this, the ride height of with this fitted is increased by 30mm and a protective plate under the engine is added. Plus there's a Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist set-up for extra front wheel traction in slippery conditions. This more robust model gets large wheels fitted with Mud and Snow tyres too.
Practicalities and Costs
This Berlingo Van is available in a variety of configurations, with one or two sliding side doors. At the rear the van is equipped with 60/40 split unglazed rear doors, which open to 180-degrees. Thanks to this third generation model's new EMP2 platform, a larger payload is possible this time round (from 650kg to 1,000kg). New for this MK3 design is a neat 'Overload Indicator', which informs the user when they approach, or exceed, the authorised weight limit.
The load volume is 3.3m3 in size 'M', or 3.9m3 in size 'XL', figures you can increase respectively by 0.5m3 if you utilise the extra loading length of the 'Extenso' cab and push longer items through into the driving area. The cargo bay has a usable length of up to 1.81m in size 'M', or up to 2.16m in size 'XL'. This Citroen retains a usefully wide width between the wheel arches (1.23m) that makes it possible load up to two euro pallets. As usual, an optional plywood lining (floor and side panels) is available for enhanced load area protection. The maximum braked towing weight for the model is 1,500kg. Running costs remain competitive. The popular 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel model manages 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 148g/km of CO2. The e-Berlingo EV can go 171 miles between charges which take 7.5 hours from a 7kW garage wallbox.
Summary
Van designs have long shelf lives but are intensively developed prior to their original launch, a process perfectly showcased by this much improved third generation Berlingo. It's a product usefully refreshed. The looks and the cabin are modern, as is the infotainment and safety provision. Plus, as before, you get very class-competitive payload and carriage capacity figures, plus there's the flexibility of the Extenso modular seating system and an unbeaten set of running costs if you opt for a BlueHDi engine or the full-EV powertrain. Add in a very comfortable ride and one of the widest choices of factory-built models in the class and you've a strong business proposition.
Strong enough to rejuvenate this Berlingo's buying proposition in this closely-fought market segment? Very possibly, providing Citroen can properly communicate everything this van has to offer to business buyers. Quite simply, it delivers more of what really matters.
