THE van market has exploded in every direction in recent years. From the basic lugger of the past, vans have become more efficient, trendy and can carry larger loads.
But there are one or two that have basic van values and totally economical running costs nailed to the mast.
One such is the Berlingo from Citroen.
The Berlingo is one of the most versatile vehicle platforms on the market. It is supplied in versions such as a lifestyle estate in the car list to commercial panel van or basic platform cab to carry specialist bodies.
One of the latest additions to the Berlingo range is the Dual Fuel 600i LX van which combines LPG power with petrol to open up whole new horizons in enhanced economy.
Thanks to its low emissions this version is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.
It enters the market at a time when local authorities and other operators who have to work in environmentally sensitive areas where some form of congestion charging is, or will soon be in place, are snapping up models like this one.
With a recommended list price of £10,595 plus VAT and delivery the new Dual Fuel is powered by a 1.4-litre 75hp engine which runs beautifully on petrol or LPG.
In addition to the standard 60 litre petrol tank, the Dual Fuel Berlingo has a 36 litre capacity LPG tank which holds enough gas for more than 200 miles of operation.
This is mounted under the load area and in no way encroaches on the loadspace. The only interloper in the rear is the spare wheel which is mounted over the wheel arch and is very much non-intrusive.
Driving with two fuel sources is easy. The van always starts off in petrol and when warmed up you simply press a switch and it runs on gas.
Another benefit of the Berlingo range as a whole is that it is engineered to run at UK maximum speeds.
All Berlingos have gross vehicle weights of less than 2,000kg. This allows, under UK legislation , all Berlingos to run at 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 60mph on unrestricted single carriageway roads.
Heavier vehicles which gross at over 2,000kg, are restricted to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, to their operational disadvantage.
Berlingo vans come in no less than nine different load door configurations.
Like most modern vans, the Berlingo is a delight to drive. There is little road noise or drumming and the driver is aided with power steering and truly superb seating.
This has to be one of the most comfortable as well as multifunctional vans on the road.
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo 600 1.4i LPG LX
Price: £10,595
Mechanical: 1.4i/Petrol and LPG four cylinder.
Transmission: Five speed manual
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,670kg
Payload: 600kg
Warranty: Two year unlimited mileage/ three year 100,000 miles