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• Berlingo Review (2008-2018)

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Practicality and Driving Experience

The hatch is very useful for loading and unloading in the rain, because it makes such a good cover, but don’t park too close to walls or other cars because it’s very long and opening will be a problem

The high driving position offers a great view for the driver, and access is easy in both front and rear, helped by the easy open and close rear sliding doors.

The cabin has a lovely airy feel, with big windows and a good view from all seats - something that’s always important to keep children happy.
Peter Hayward

Despite the fact that the most recent Berlingo Multispace looks like it’s based on a van, it has a car chassis, and it doesn’t feel anything like a van to drive. It’s also cheaper than most other MPVs year for year.

However, there has to be a downside, and on earlier models, air conditioning was an option on all but range-toppers.

Engines

Petrol engines are 1.6-litre with either 88 or 95bhp on earlier models and then a turbo 1.2-litre with 108bhp. The 1.6-litre covers the 0 to 60mph sprint in either 14.8 or 12.4 seconds and will do about 30 to 36mpg, while the 1.2-litre does the sprint in 11.8 seconds and can do 48mpg.

Most available used Berlingo examples will be diesels, but be warned. There's a non-turbo with 75bhp and it’s so slow it will be passed by road rollers.

On up the scale there are 88, 98 and 120bhp versions of the stalwart Peugeot/Citroën 1.6-litre HDi and all are lively enough to keep up with the flow of traffic.

The lowest-powered variant takes 13.8 seconds to get to 60mph and can do 42mpg. The 100bhp BlueHDi is super frugal and should do 58mpg while able to reach 60mph from rest in 12.0 seconds.

And the 120bhp model brings the sprint down to a creditable 11.0 seconds while reaching 56mpg economy.

Most will have either a 5 or 6-speed gearbox, but both petrol and diesel models were also available with an automatic.

Equipment

The interior design is quite plain, but it’s also hard wearing, and that’s always good with a family car like this. Cabin noise is very well suppressed.

It's an easy car to drive and all the controls have a solid feel. A major update in 2015 brought more equipment, better safety, more efficient engines, and a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Despite the height of the body, cornering is composed and stable, but there's some lean when pressed as you'd expect.

Good grip is helped by a wide track and long wheelbase, and these also aid a very comfortable ride over most surfaces.

‘Feel’ models come with audio remote control, steering wheel rake and reach, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, traction control, height adjustable driver's seat, and cruise control.

‘Flair’ spec adds heated mirrors, parking sensors, side airbags, and alloy wheels.

Find your Citroën Berlingo your way with CarStore

The Citroën Berlingo is a no-nonsense MPV with oodles of space, making long journeys a comfortable experience. The practicality of the Berlingo is second to none, and at such a good value for money, it's an ideal used car buy for adventurous families.