The Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a cheap and versatile MPV that can carry a lot of stuff. It shares its basic platform with the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 308 and is available in four trim levels: VT, VTR, XTR, and Plus.
Driving Experience & Features of the Berlingo
The car is not particularly agile but is easy to drive. The steering is adjustable and fairly direct, and visibility is good thanks to lots of windows and sunroofs. The interior is arranged in a logical manner, with the gear lever just below the dash.
The tall body does make the car lean a little when cornering, however, it settles down quite quickly. These slight movements do not unsettle passengers as its tires grip well even when cornering. Generally, this vehicle offers good on-road comfort even on rough surfaces.
The practical and affordable Citroen Berlingo Multispace
The VT trim is somewhat sparsely equipped. It comes with reach- and rake adjustable steering, electric front windows, an overhead storage shelf, and a CD stereo with steering-mounted controls.
The VTR is better equipped as it has front fog lights, remote central locking, electrically adjustable windows, door mirrors, and a boot carpet.
The XTR has air conditioning, bigger tires, electric child locks, a surveillance mirror, raised suspension, underbody protection, front side airbags, side window blinds, ‘aircraft’ style tables on the rear seats, and auxiliary input for iPods and MP3 players.
The Plus trim has equipment similar to those of the XTR and VTR models. The optional Modutop package includes a storage system on the ceiling, various small pockets and hatches, rear air vents, and individual sunroofs.
The Berlingo Multispace is a Highly Practical 7 Seater
The vehicle comes with the option of seven seats. The sliding rear doors make it simple for anyone to enter and exit. There is plenty of headroom for all the passengers. Storage space is also aplenty on the roof, dash, footwells, and under the seats.
The optional Modutop package adds interior roof bars or drop-down storage boxes. The boot space is 675 liters and the rear seats can be folded or removed thus increasing the boot space to a massive 3,000 liters. The boot light doubles as a removable rechargeable light.
How Economical is this Citroen?
All engines are 1.6-liter units. The options available are two gasoline engines and three diesel engines. The entry-level petrol engine goes from 0 to 62 mph in 15.3 seconds and produces 90 bhp.
The other petrol engine is quicker and produces 110bhp without any evident extra carbon dioxide emission or fuel consumption. The 75bhp diesel engine is slow and takes more than 17 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph.
The other diesel options available are the 90bhp and the 110bhp engine, the latter being the best performer of the three diesel engines. It is only available with the XTR model. Diesel engines are the best if you intend to be carrying full loads.
Running costs are reasonable, especially with the diesel engine models which average just over 50mpg and emit about 150 g/km of CO2. Petrol models average around 35mpg and emit 195 g/km of CO2.
Conclusion
The Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a great family car for families on a budget due to its practical interior, which has a huge load capacity, and its low running costs.
You should however take care when choosing among the different equipment levels to make sure you get value for your money and avoid getting a raw deal. This is due to the sad fact that most of the more clever and practical gadgets are offered either as standard on only the high-specification models or as optional extras.
Chris Miller is an auto journalist who specializes in reviewing new cars and providing helpful advice on family vehicles. He has a passion for cars and enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
