Review
A used Citroen Berlingo Multispace is a cheap and cheerful way of transporting the family. It has a certain charm which helps you forgive its shortcomings. It’s vast load area, no-nonsense rubber matting and many stowage bins means it can carry gear that far bigger vehicles would baulk at, yet is shorter and more maneuverable than a Honda Civic.
Price and Engine
Luxury touches are noticeable by their absence, yet somehow it doesn’t matter. At the price, the Berlingo Multispace makes a great used purchase. The 1.8i is probably the best value and most fun to drive, as long as its thirst doesn’t seem too great. It’s fun, the kids will love it, it’s easy to clean and keep tidy and comes with a range of trustworthy engines. Don’t expect a motorway slogger or a miserly fuel sipper and you’ll get along with the Citroen just fine. Just think of it as a 2CV with more of everything for the new millennium. We recommend van leasing or van contract hire as a payment option for this van.
Roofless Runabout
The Citroen 2CV was legendary for its design parameters. It had to be able to drive across a ploughed field, driven by a man with a hat on, whilst not breaking a basket of eggs. The Citroen Berlingo Multispace has found itself cast as the 2CV’s eventual successor. People are using van leasing to get this kind of van today. Whilst unlikely to find itself representing an icon of rural Gallic charm, the Berlingo has its plus points. In a mini-MPV sector where mere appliance of the word ‘lifestyle’ is a passport to manufacturers ramping up the prices, the Berlingo entered at the bottom and aimed to stay there. With its commercial vehicle basis, development costs were minimized. Along with its rival, the Renault Kangoo, the Berlingo Multispace inhabited a niche pioneered by miniature glazed Suzuki vans of the past. It may be relatively cheap, but if you use van lease hire all you get is a real bargain.
History of the Berlingo
Basic rugged transportation has always been a French forte. Citroens 2CV and Dyane, Renault 4 and Peugeot 104 all offered inexpensive motoring that could just as easily be repaired by the local blacksmith or plumber if anything went wrong. Things have changed, and although the Berlingo Multispace evokes the same appeal, their ranges of engines are modern injected units that wouldn’t respond well to a tap with a lump hammer. Nonetheless, it shares its spiritual forebear’s sense of tinny indestructibility. Introduced in June 1998, the Berlingo was initially available with the 1.4-litre petrol engine only. With a three-door body the only shape available, a 1.8-litre model followed in April 1999. The range was also added to in 1999 with the introduction of a diesel variant, the 1.9D. Berlingo model designations are as basic as the car itself, with models referred to by engine sizes only. The first key change to the Berlingo range came in May 1999 when a mild facelift was applied. This took the form of a new grille, bigger Citroen chevrons, painted door mirrors, two-tone bumpers and new badging. More interior components became color keyed, and the options list grew to the tune of anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and passenger airbag and split fold rear seats. Another great option is the van contract hire. Via van leasing you can get your vehicle right away and cheaper too.
