Here at Security Installer you know we love the Berlingo … fundamentally for its clean-sheet-of paper design leading to the lack of compromises hitherto found in other vehicles of the LCV sector. We say hitherto, for Renault's Kangoo, Fiat's Doblo and Vauxhall's brand new Combo are also of the dedicated rather than the car-derived design variety and likely to chip away at Citroën's formidable sales success.
In a concerted bid to maintain its No. 3 spot in light commercial vehicle sales Citroën has updated the Berlingo with multiplex intelligent wiring, the optional availability of a 90bhp 2.0TD HDi common rail engine and the option of single or double side load doors. These features build upon Berlingo's already high standards of load carrying efficiency, driver comfort, safety and convenience in the high cube van sector.
We bless the day when manufacturers first realised that a side-loading door opened up the potential for making best use of all the available load area (and allowing access to all tie-down eyes!). Berlingo now offers the possibility of six doors – a choice of single nearside (£235 + VAT) or nearside and offside sliding side-load doors (£400 + VAT) are optional on LX spec' vans.
Side doors are 'must haves'
While not as wide as new Combos (600mm vs 550mm), Berlingo's side apertures do provide 220mm more height at 1120 rather than 900mm. Side load doors are the new 'must have' for urban deliveries, easing the lives of the multi-drop fraternity, and increasing the van's appeal for service engineers who have a need to rack out van interiors.
Available in 600 and 800kg load weight versions, the Berlingo offers space designed and dimensioned for maximum operational versatility. Large side-hinged, twin rear doors and a 1190mm load area width between wheel arches – thanks to a rear suspension design which minimises intrusion into the load compartment – will swallow a Euro pallet while the maximum internal height of 1246mm will ease the transportation of much security paraphenalia. A ladder frame bulkhead behind the driver and lighting come as standard but side panel protection doesn't.
The option of a lift-up rear roof flap permits ladders and other long items to be carried but the folding forward passenger seat, extending the load compartment from its length of 1700 to 2100mm, should be sufficient for most, keeping precious items under lock and key and free from the damage that may occur when forgetting the 'new' overall height! Another useful security feature, sadly lacking on most modern vans, is the 100 litre compartment concealed under the passenger seat – ideal for mobile 'phones, laptop computers and other 'stealables'.
'Intelligent' wiring
At no extra cost, all petrol and diesel engined Berlingos now feature intelligent multiplex wiring, reducing the amount of wiring and connections by 20 per cent and improving reliability. The fitment of this system has prompted new features such as 'guide-me-home' headlamps which remain illuminated for one minute after the engine is switched off and operation of (optional) electric windows for up to one minute after the engine has been switched off.
Getting in and out of Berlingo's cab is made easy via large doors and a high driving position although once in, the large window areas do promote an 'in-a-goldfish-bowl' vulnerability. Fear not, for side impact protection beams are built into the cab doors while Berlingo's substantial roll-over protection is a reassuring cab feature. Such protection includes the pillar aft of the cab doors linked to a box section cross member in the cab roof. A driver's air bag is standard.
Despite Citroën's claim of providing more head, leg and shoulder room for the driver than its competition, Berlingo's bulkhead, along with so many others, and its raised load floor restricts full seat movement. Consequently comfort is, inevitably for the tall, something of a compromise. At least the adjusting steering wheel increases the odds. Talking comfort, wind rush, road roar and diesel decibels are all well muted. Door bins and fascia recesses are complemented by a fold-forward passenger seat to provide the driver with a convenient flat desk area, incorporating pen, document and bottle holders.
Performance boost
Standard cab equipment includes a transponder actuated anti-theft immobiliser system, height adjustable steering wheel, stereo radio/cassette, internal headlamp adjustment and cloth trim. Available options include a remote controlled alarm/central locking with deadlocks package, electric windows, heated rear windows and wash/wipe, as well as air conditioning.
Berlingo's new 90bhp 2.0TD HDi common rail diesel provides 26 per cent more power and a 21 per cent torque increase over the existing indirect injection, 71bhp engine. This performance boost, delivering effortless full-load performance from almost standstill, is accompanied by economy figures to match, 50mpg being a practical proposition. However, while the power plant may be lusty, the steering direct and well-weighted, the ride pliant and the handling stable (despite some body roll) both the less than smooth gear shift action and spongey brake pedal let down Berlingo's winning formula.
Yet, to be fair, Citroën's Berlingo has far more practical features than shortcomings and at a basic price of £10,175 + VAT (model 800TD HDi LX) even fewer competitors worthy of consideration. While Vauxhall's new Combo has yet to prove itself and Ford's new Courier has yet to hit the showrooms, Berlingo's new common rail diesel and side access options will surely secure it third placing in sales behind the major two.
221 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4BA.
Tel: 0870 606 9000
Fax: 01753 748125
www.citroën.co.uk
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Security Installer
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