Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi VTR

Nov 14 2009 Peter Keenan

THE Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a practical choice for busy families who require lots of room and the ability to seat seven in comfort.

The beneficiary of a recent revamp, the Berlingo is bigger than before so now boasts improved luggage and passenger space - the seven seats fitted in the VTR model I drove coming with the Family Pack option at a cost of £800.

The exterior betrays the Berlingo's roots as a van despite Citroen's best efforts to disguise the fact with flared shoulders and chrome trim. It is high, wide and anything but handsome.

However the interior more than makes up for the workmanlike look boasting an array of cubby holes, storage boxes and cup holders. There are huge sliding side doors and a split opening tailgate that make access to the beast simplicity itself no matter what you are loading.

As well as being flexible the cabin's dimensions and large windows make the Berlingo light, airy and spacious providing excellent levels of head, leg and shoulder room for all. This together with the provision of comfortable seats means the Berlingo eases the chore of long journeys.

It is also a safe place to be as Citroen includes emergency braking assistance and electronic brakeforce distribution as well as driver and front passenger airbags, automatic activation of hazard warning lights, energy absorbing side impact protection, front seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters and last, but by no means least, rear lateral airbags.

It is a shade disappointing then that Citroen haven't been as generous with the Berlingo's equipment list as even the mid-range VTR model lacks air conditioning as standard.

What you do get on the entry level VT model is a radio/CD player that can be operated via controls on the steering wheel and front electric windows. Step up to the VTR version and remote central locking, powered heated door mirrors, front fog lights, automatic headlights and wipers, front arm rests and storage drawers under the front seats are added. There are also colour-coded side rubbing strips, bumpers and door mirrors.

The top of the range XTR gets an all-road pack with under body and engine protection as well as bigger tyres.

There are five engines available - two petrol and three diesels. The 1.6 HDi 90bhp I tested offers decent performance with reasonable fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions that shouldn't attract the attention of the green lobby.

Surprisingly smooth on the road the Berlingo has a high seating position giving the driver a panoramic view of surrounding traffic and elusive parking spots in town. Wind and road noise are effectively contained thanks to acoustic dampening and enhanced aerodynamics.

The Berlingo's bulk means it will never be the most agile of vehicles, but it is perfectly civilised and easy to drive with a suspension that is only ruffled by the roughest of road surfaces.

The 0-62mph time may suggest sloth at 15.3 seconds, but actually the Berlingo is pretty nippy away from the lights and feels faster in general than you might expect.

The Berlingo will be on the shortlist of buyers who rate substance over style and want the space of a people carrier at prices more reminiscent of a supermini.

FAST FACTS

Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi VTR 7-seat

Price: £11,915

Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,587cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 105mph

0-62mph: 15.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 34.5

Insurance group: 4

CO2 emissions: 195g/km

BiK rating: 26%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles