Citroën Berlingo e-HDi90 Airdream L1 625 LX (2012 - ) expert review

£13,465

Verdict

"Many tradesmen run cars or estate cars when first starting out on business on their own, but when they are ready to choose their first LCV they are spoiled for choice. It’s the same with those who run bigger fleets, there is always a need for a small runabout for the engineer or technician and even with the benefit of running commercial vehicles, picking the appropriate small van can be quite difficult. The Citroën Berlingo will appeal to both ends of the business spectrum. It’s well priced, cheap to run and has as much space inside as a lady’s handbag. On that basis it will be hard to beat."

Pros
TrafficMaster as standard

Well planned cab

Practical loadspace

Cons
Cup holders

1. Exterior

The Berlingo is small enough to be washed in minutes with one bucket and one sponge, and then rinsed down with a tea cup. The smooth aerodynamic shape also means that there are no snags on the bodywork to shred the sponge, so it should last forever. That means there is one saving that can be made right away. No need to pay for car washes. It’s a good looking little van too, and typical of Citroen, it has all the necessary plastic front and rear and along the sides to keep it that way.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

This being a compact van, it comes as no surprise to note that the interior will be space-challenged too. Having said that, the French designers have made a decent fist of making it ‘fit for purpose’. Oddly enough, there is a rather optimistic ‘middle’ seat in the two-seater passenger bench, but if there are two burly blokes aboard, then the apprentice will need to be strapped to the roof. On the other hand, if the job needs three and it’s not too far away then as long as the trio are on good terms, it’s better than running two vehicles. There are also enough cubby holes and storage places to lose stuff. From the dash-top trays and glovebox to the pigeon holes in the central console, there are lots of little nooks and crannies. There are also a couple of decent door pockets and underneath the central seat is another hidden storage box, but more critically there is a distinct lack of serviceable cup holders. For sure there are a couple on the floor under the middle seat, but they are not easily usable when the newspaper is spread out across the steering wheel and grease is dripping out of the bacon butty. The two main seats are good though, bearing in mind the neat dimensions, while head and shoulder room are both adequate.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality
The front doors are a decent size for getting in and out so there are no problems on that score and there are two asymmetric barn doors at the rear, although the n/s door (pavement side!) is wider than the o/s door. This favours the continental drivers more than us Brits, but it’s a minor point. The sliding side door is very narrow and to reach in requires the broad-shouldered to turn sideways but it is still a very handy addition even in such a compact van. For instance, large loads like a fridge or cooker in the back will need to be close to the doors for ease which means that the toolboxes and parts can be slipped in the side door. The ‘Guide me Home’ headlight functionality is also a welcome extra, especially if parking in dark places at night or coming out to the van first thing in the morning. As part of Citroen’s ‘Airdream’ package, the van also came with the ‘Extenso’ multi-function passenger seat which folds forward to create more loadfloor length. Another neat touch is the rechargeable torch clipped inside the rear o/s door. Just don’t let the kids run off with it.

Our rating: 4.5

4. Ride and handling

The short wheelbase van handles Britain’s pot holes and sleeping policemen well, thanks to the independent front strut suspension and independent rear with trailing arms. It can pitch a little on undulating roads, but on the whole offers a good compromise between running light and loaded. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but it feels quite sprightly on the move and the light controls make driving a pleasure.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

The 1560cc four cylinder Euro-5 turbo diesel produces a modest 89 hp, but in a vehicle which weighs less than 1400 kgs, it can actually feel quite nippy. A full payload makes its presence felt, but it’s not an issue as this is a van for local stuff not hub to hub motorway deliveries. On that basis the 5 speed gearbox is acceptable, but a sixth gear might just help when running out of town.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

Citroen has recently upgraded its range of HDi engines and the already frugal units have been slightly improved. The previous engines returned 60.1 mpg on the Combined cycle but the latest tweaks have increased that to 62.8 mpg. CO2 emissions have been reduced too. The van on test actually had the earlier engine during which time, ‘real-world’ use returned a figure of 57 mpg, which was still quite impressive for a 1.6 litre van. No doubt a figure closer to 60 could be achieved with the latest engines which have only just become available. As part of the Airdrea’ package, the Berlingo came with Citroen’s Stop/Start system with regenerative braking to recover and store energy, and this, along with the recent engine modifications, will doubtless have contributed to the improved fuel economy figures. Servicing intervals are scheduled every 12,500 miles and there is an on-board Maintenance Indicator on the dash display.

Our rating: 4

7. Cargo area

If you buy a Berlingo and then complain about the lack of loadspace then you’ve bought the wrong van, so don’t complain about its compact dimensions. It’s 1620 mm at its widest and 1250 mm from the floor to the roof while the floor length is a pretty useful 1800 mm , but this can be extended to a full 3 metres. The ‘Extenso’ passenger seat folds flush with the floor thereby creating nearly twice the floor length. Ideal for keeping stepladders and pipes locked inside the van securely rather than exposed on the roof rack. Payload is 625 kgs and the two part bulkhead has a folding steel lower half and mesh upper to accommodate the Extenso seat, and there’s a 12v socket in the rear.

Our rating: 5

8. Safety

The Berlingo comes as standard with all round ABS/EBD disc brakes, but Airdream adds ESP (Electronic  Stability Programme), Traction Control and Hill Start Assist. Both driver and passenger get airbags plus front lateral airbags. Heated door mirrors are another thoughtful touch in a country which has the chance to celebrate its meteorological diversity so frequently. Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking is also built in to the TrafficMaster system, for not just asset protection, but it will give employees added assurance when out and about.

Our rating: 5

9. Equipment

This being a Citroen LCV it comes as standard with the TrafficMaster guidance system which is now equipped with a full colour screen. This is a standard fitting across virtually all of the Citroën  LCV range and can be upgraded to full Telematics and Fleet Management functionality. In basic trim, the Berlingo is good value at £11,845, but it’s worth paying the extra £1620 for Citroën’s LX and Airdream package which is designed to offer added practicality, more comfort and reduced fuel consumption. In addition to what has been mentioned above this offers  remote central locking, electric windows, a more adjustable driver’s seat with drawer underneath, and electrically adjustable mirrors, plus plastic wheel covers and a hard plastic loadfloor liner (although the test van had a ply floor added).

Our rating: 4.5

10. Why buy?

If carrying needs are modest and a reasonably priced, but comfy, little runabout is all that’s required then the Berlingo has a lot going for it. It’s big enough (just) for two fully grown adults and will carry well over half a tonne. Now where did I put that cup of tea?

Our rating: 4.5

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