Not a superstar, but a very important car - this is about the updated Citroen Berlingo. Vans like this hardly attract much attention on the streets, but then they carry people or goods for many years and kilometers. Let's get acquainted with the updated Citroen Berlingo on the example of its passenger version; as always, we'll tell you in detail about the design and interior, technical nuances, road behavior, cost, and competitors. Let's go!
Design: it's almost a passenger minivan... almost...
We are looking at the updated third-generation Citroen Berlingo, and it is immediately noticeable. The car has radically changed its front end, which is now made in the brand's new design style. I'm talking about the oval logo on a black base line and the characteristic C-shaped headlights. In addition, the updated Citroen Berlingo has a front bumper with white lines. By the way, the same lines have found their place on the side guards.
However, in general, the side panels or the rear of the body have hardly changed: the familiar lines of the windows with small bevels, vertically elongated headlights, and a low rear bumper to facilitate loading. A few subtle changes include new wheels and the absence of the Citroen logo on the trunk lid: now there is only the brand name.
The updated Citroen Berlingo has changed significantly from the outside, but retained its familiar dimensions: length - 4.41 meters; width - 1.85 meters; height - 1.8 meters; wheelbase - 2.785 meters. It turned out interestingly: earlier Citroen Berlingo had a completely different front end (visually similar to the previous generationCitroen C3), which gave the impression of a car with a kind and soft character; by the way, this design perfectly matched the driving character of the car. During the update,Citroen Berlingo received a completely redesigned front end (again in the style of Citroen C3, but of the new generation) and this design is clearly more focused, taut, and dynamic. Personally, I like both the previous and the new version - the car is definitely Citroen Berlingo memorable for its appearance. And what about the interior?
Speaking about the front of the cabin, the updated Citroen Berlingo gives the impression of an almost passenger car: a new steering wheel and the latest modern displays, a convenient climate control unit, very soft seats with folding armrests, a compact, stylish automatic transmission joystick - just like the one found on the most modern Citroen and Peugeot models. At the same time, the practicality remains unchanged: all kinds of niches and pockets are literally everywhere: on the front panel, between the seats, double pockets on the doors; there is a shelf above the head. The large windshield provides an excellent view ahead - you can see the world and the road as if you were watching a nature program on a widescreen TV.
If only the side pillars weren't so massive. After all, when cornering, when you need to look a little to the side, they already interfere with visibility. In addition, we can mention another ergonomics flaw: the location of the seat heating buttons. These buttons are installed quite low on the seat base, it is inconvenient to reach and press, and the button illumination is not visible when the seat heating is activated. Plus, I would like to add at least a little soft-touch coating on the front panel of the cabin, which is now completely made of hard plastic. But that's about it: if you fix these nuances, the front part of the Citroen Berlingo's interior erases the last word "almost" in its attempt to reach the title of passenger minivan interior.
The front of the Citroen Berlingo combines a pleasing design, good space and excellent practicality. The updated version ofthe Citroen Berlingo features a new cream color with wide spokes and the integration of two 10-inch color displays (instrument panel and multimedia system) with excellent image quality.
While the front of the cabin is almost at the level of a modern passenger minivan, the rear impression is completely different - it's a commercial van with three seats and additional trim installed inside, trying to bring it closer to the minivan format. There is definitely a good amount of space in the back: there is a lot of headroom, which made it possible to create a vertical position and thus also provide a good amount of legroom - just the legs are lowered down, not stretched horizontally. However, the seating position itself is too vertical due to a certain angle of the right/left seat backrest; and it is impossible to lean back any further - the seat backrest is already resting against its lock. Suddenly, the center seat does not have this limitation and allows you to recline more to get a more comfortable seat.
Here's how it turns out: the right/left rear seat is best suited for installing a child seat or for quick boarding and short trips around the city - in both cases, the large doors are decisive, providing excellent access to the Citroen Berlingo interior, not the angle of the backrest and the comfort of sitting for a long time. However, for a long journey, when you have to drive for several hours in a row, the center seat is still more comfortable: it can be reclined more, and the view for the passenger forward is better. Let's go for an adventure!
And don't worry about the inability to open the center armrest on the rear sofa - it simply doesn't exist. And the protrusions on the side panels of the rear doors cannot be considered full-fledged armrests either: the support is too small, and your hand constantly slips off. In addition, there are almost no other amenities in the back: there are no ventilation deflectors, no additional upper shelf (although the ceiling height allows it). We can only note folding tables with cup holders. And you can also note the huge trunk!
The rear part of theCitroen Berlingo doesn't play the role of a passenger minivan: there are not enough useful details, and the trim is rather simple. Nevertheless, there are no global comments about the space or ease of access to the rear seats - the high body and large sliding doors provide all this without any problems. The rear row is made in the form of three separate seats that can be folded independently of each other. The trunk offers a huge volume (983-2126 liters), there is a lock and a pocket on the trunk walls, as well as the ability to install a shelf at different heights - this is useful when you need to load small packages through the folding glass. Please note: the large volume and flat floor mean that bags will fly around the trunk while driving - it is advisable to buy accessories (clips for things, an organizer bag).
Technology: familiar basics, new displays
The Citroen Berlingo is built on the well-known EMR2 platform, which includes an independent MacPherson front suspension and a semi-dependent rear suspension based on a transverse beam, front-wheel drive, and transverse engine installation. Yes, yes, someone might say that this platform can provide higher-level equipment - rear independent suspension, all-wheel drive - but this is definitely not the case in our current case. Further: under the hood of the Citroen Berlingo is a 4-cylinder turbodiesel 1.5 BlueHDi with an output of 100 or 130 hp, which can work with a 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic transmission, respectively. I would also like to note that there are also electric versions of the Citroen Berlingo; in addition, buyers can choose a standard L1 body (4.41 meters long) or an extended L2 body (4.76 meters long).
However, the Citroen Berlingo model had all this before the update. What's new? An important novelty is the same displays mentioned in the description of the cabin - they give a sense of modernity. Thus, from now on, Citroen Berlingo can offer a color 10-inch digital instrument panel: several options for displaying information, the ability to select the content of additional side windows, and an interesting graphic design. I would also like to note the 10-inch display of the new multimedia system, which allows you to create your own menu pages and configure them to your liking - it's incredibly convenient. But note: the fully digital 10-inch color instrument panel and the latest multimedia system with a 10-inch touchscreen display are features of the maximum versions of Citroen Berlingo; in the starting configurations, everything looks... um... well, let's just say - a little simpler. I'll show you an example below.
The general basis of the Citroen Berlingo is well known from other Citroen models (as well as Peugeot, Opel, DS): We're talking about the EMR2 platform and a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine. But what is really new is a pair of new 10-inch displays. The digital instrument panel is very similar to the one in the Citroen C5 Aircross, and the multimedia system is reminiscent of the Citroen C4 X; That is, even in such trifles, the updated Citroen Berlingo tries to be on par with modern passenger cars of the "double chevron". But let's get back to the engine: the test car was presented in a version with a 130-horsepower turbodiesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, in a standard body L1 - this combination promises us acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 12.7 seconds; top speed of 188 km/h; fuel consumption in the city of 4.7 liters per 100 km; fuel consumption on the highway of 4.1 liters per 100 km. So...
Behind the wheel: emphasis on softness and comfort
No wonder the previous "rounded" design of the Citroen Berlingo was mentioned in the description above - because the driving character of the car is exactly like that. This is immediately evident in the suspension: quite comfortable settings, the car gently overcomes pits on the road, only occasionally the unloaded rear part can jump unpleasantly at the transverse joints. Now add a light and frankly not sharp steering wheel (it makes about three turns from stop to stop), and add a considerable body height - what do we get in the end? That's right, big rolls in the corners and no desire to drive jerkily and dynamically.
Although this does not mean that there is no desire and opportunity to go fast - the turbodiesel engine allows it! It has good traction in the middle range of revs at 2-3 thousand, the automatic transmission shifts gears imperceptibly and tries to maintain this range - and all acceleration, all movement, is very smooth, but not slow. Yes, the first start from a standstill is a bit tight (you have to wait for traction at low speeds), but accelerations on the move are quite normal. Pressing the accelerator pedal again and again and again, you suddenly pass well over a hundred, and then the realization comes - the turbodiesel is ready to drive on! Only your ears are not ready: if you can hear the engine in the city and during constant acceleration, then on the highway, noticeable aerodynamic noise is added (even if you exclude the influence of the crossbars).
So here's a general conclusion about driving manners. Despite the turbo diesel engine with good traction, the Citroen Berlingo is generally oriented towards comfort and moderate driving speed. In this case, smoothness is more important - both of the suspension and reactions in general. Although this does not exclude the possibility of quite dynamic acceleration in a straight line; but definitely not in corners.
A small 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine develops 130 hp (3750 rpm) and 300 Nm (1750 rpm) of torque - and this is enough to provide acceleration much better than promised: you can play off more than a second! My own observations on fuel consumption also differ from the passport data, but in the other direction: an average of 6.5-7 liters per 100 km in the city. Moreover, the range of deviations depending on driving conditions (absence/presence of traffic congestion, driving style) is very large - the minimum in the city was 5 liters, the maximum reached almost 9 liters. On the highway at a speed of 100 km/h, fuel consumption is 4.5-5 liters. The updated Citroen Berlingo offers two driving modes, but in fact they barely affect the operation of the engine and automatic transmission - you can get better economy without any additional modes, just a smoother driving style.
Cost: how much does Citroen Berlingo cost and what are the rivals
Speaking specifically about the passenger version of Citroen Berlingo, the car is available in Ukraine with two body types (standard L1 or extended L2), with two versions of the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine (100 or 130 hp), with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission or a hydromechanical 8-speed automatic transmission, in two configurations (YOU or PLUS) and with the possibility of ordering a 7-seater cabin and other additional options. In total, there are six main model variants.
The range is opened by the Citroen Berlingo YOU, which offers the following: two front airbags, stabilization system, cruise control with speed limiter, air conditioning, right sliding side door, multimedia system with 10-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, digital instrument panel, electric front door windows, black side skirts, etc. The price of Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 100 S&S MKP-6 YOU L1 - from 939 thousand UAH or $22.8 thousand.; price Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 100 S&S manual transmission-6 YOU L2 - from 992 thousand UAH or $24 thousand.
One level up is the Citroen Berlingo PLUS, which adds the following: side airbags in the front row of seats, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, height-adjustable driver's seat, folding tables on the backs of the front seats, fully digital color instrument panel, new multimedia system, ability to connect two phones at the same time, EcoLED headlights, fog lights, body-colored door handles, steel wheels with full-size hubcaps, body-colored front bumper (upper part), side protection plate with white insert, etc. Price of Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 100 S&S MKP-6 PLUS L1 - from 998 thousand UAH or $24.2 thousand.; price Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 100 S&S MKP-6 PLUS L2 - from 1.065 million UAH or $25.8 thousand.; price Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission-8 PLUS L1 - from 1.18 million UAH or $28.5 thousand; price Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission-8 PLUS L2 - from 1.25 million UAH or $30 thousand.
It should be noted that the passenger versions of the car were discussed above. There is also a fully loaded version of Citroen Berlingo (price from UAH 927 thousand or $22.5 thousand) and a cargo and passenger version of Citroen Berlingo CrewCab (price from UAH 1.054 million or $25.5 thousand); but this is a separate story, taking into account corporate purchases, tenders, and re-equipment.
I would also like to mention the test car and the option packages that were present. Thus, the test car was presented in the version of Citroen Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission 8 PLUS L1 - that is, the maximum equipment, the most powerful engine and automatic transmission, a standard body and a 5-seater interior. As an option, the Comfort and Style package for UAH 84.5 thousand was added (two-zone climate control, alloy wheels, three separate independent second-row seats, electric windows in the rear sliding doors, additional tinting, heated steering wheel and much more), and the Safety option package for UAH 23 thousand was added. UAH (emergency braking system, traffic lane control, road sign recognition, adaptive high beam with automatic low beam/dipped beam switching), as well as metallic color for almost 19 thousand UAH, wireless charging for 6 thousand UAH, and more. If you add at least the above options, the car as a test car will cost about 1.3 million UAH or almost $32 thousand.
Here is a very interesting example that will allow you to learn as much as possible about Citroen Berlingo. First, this is a van Citroen Berlingo with an enlarged body L2 (length 4.76 meters). It is for this enlarged version that not only a 5-seater but also a 7-seater interior is available (this is a paid option for almost 50 thousand UAH, the third row of seats with the ability to longitudinally adjust, fold, remove). Secondly, this is a car in the starting configuration YOU: simple halogen headlights, steel wheels with small caps, a simple digital dashboard, a conventional air conditioning/climate unit, and a 10-inch central display, but with a different menu inside. Thirdly, this car is equipped with a 100-horsepower engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, an automatic transmission is not available in this case. And in general: if you want to get an automatic transmission, it will be a car with a more powerful 130-horsepower engine and a higher level of equipment PLUS; accordingly, you need to pay a lot extra. If we compare Citroen Berlingo in PLUS configuration , but in the variants "100-horsepower engine and manual transmission" versus "130-horsepower engine and automatic transmission", the surcharge is about 180 thousand hryvnias; if we take the simpler YOU configuration as a basis , the surcharge is generally 240-250 thousand hryvnias. Yes, I understand: the engine is more powerful and the equipment is better. But imagine that you are satisfied with everything even in the starting versions of Citroen Berlingo, you just want to add an automatic transmission - and then you get a check for an additional payment.
A few words about competitors. Firstly, the group of competitors for Citroen Berlingo are its own siblings in the form of Opel Combo and Peugeot Rifter (Peugeot Partner). These are cars with similar bodies and engines under the hood, very similar interiors (only Peugeot's is slightly different), a very similar list of versions and equipment, and, accordingly, similar prices. In recent years, this group has also been joined by Toyota ProAce City and FIAT Doblo, which are now nothing more than clone cars of the aforementioned Citroen/Peugeot/Opel. Therefore, you can choose any of these cars simply based on your own preferences, the availability of a car dealership of a certain brand nearby, and the promotional prices for a particular car. Personally, my choice is the Peugeot Rafter: I like its cross-style, modified interior, and more elastic suspension settings. But I have nothing against this Citroen Berlingo, which is literally breathing down Peugeot's neck (at least in my personal rating).
Now two other important competitors. First, this is the Renault Express - it is inferior in terms of equipment, has no versions with an automatic transmission, and cannot offer an enlarged body or a 7-seater cabin. However, if you don't need all of this, but need an ordinary workhorse for minimal money (and this Renault Express is one of the cheapest in this class), then it may well be a competitor. Secondly, the opposite example: a cool Volkswagen Caddy - it drives well, has excellent diesel engines, modern equipment; but everything is expensive. So...
