Arriving next month alongside its very successful van sibling, the new Berlingo Multispace supermini-MPV is effectively a range expansion for Citroen.
That’s because its predecessor will continue alongside it, but with a new name, the Berlingo First. The move replicates what Citroen has carried out at MPV level with the Xsara Picasso and its newer C4 Picasso brother.
There are a number of new features inside such as the split boot where the window can be opened separately to the main tailgate, while the three rearmost seats all individually recline, fold and can be removed, although you need three hands to do the job. There’s also an overhead rack for storing longer items above passengers.
The car is all about family practicality on a budget, and loading kids into the rear in tight spaces is made simpler by the twin sliding rear doors. The glass roof panels allow ample light into the cabin, even if they could do with a blind to block out bright sunlight.
On the road, the Berlingo is still at the van end of the supermini-MPV scale when it comes to areas such as wind noise, handling and the vibration that comes through the steering wheel. It can’t disguise its height when it comes to bends or roundabouts, either. The interior plastics are also poor in several places.
The new Berlingo is another of those vehicles that does everything slightly better than its predecessor, but without making a great leap forward. The increased interior functionality and more modern looks both work in its favour though.
Practical and reasonably priced, the Berlingo is an eye-opening alternative to rivals in this price bracket. Just don’t load up on expectations.
