YOU might think that the car marketplace is the hunting ground of the ultra discerning, but the truth is that the van buyer is catching up fast in the quest for more for the money.
This is one of the reasons why Citroen, a manufacturer that has a firm philosophy of giving that bit extra, has introduced a whole new slant on its commercials.
Called the Enterprise range it comprises four models from the Citroen commercial line up, all of which have been given up to £770 worth of extra equipment.
One of the best examples of this way of thinking is the neat little Berlingo Enterprise which features more than £470 worth of extra kit thrown in.
My test version was the two-litre 600 TD HDi Enterprise which tipped the price scale at £10,195 plus VAT.
Berlingo has been amazingly popular in Britain. It is an a cheeky little character of a van, underpinned with a capacity for very hard work and more than a dash of true driver appeal.
I know an operator who uses Berlingos and she said that her mainly female drivers loved the ease of access, trouble-free loading and unloading and impeccable road behaviour.
On the road with the Berlingo I tended to agree. It was just the same as driving a small car.
Berlingo in its earliest form was tremendously successful and these latest versions are carrying on where the old one left off.
The Berlingo of 2004 is still as versatile but offers the driver improved crash safety with added strengthening to the front end and a change to the angle at which the engine is mounted.
Variable power steering, remote central locking, heated mirrors, electrically adjustable passenger mirror and electric front windows are all part of the Berlingo Enterprise package.
In many areas, Citroen has worked hard to make the Berlingo a better van.
For instance, there are new damper control settings, revised front suspension spring rates and rear anti-roll bar rates. This has greatly reduced the roll stiffness of this van without compromising is much valued comfortable ride
The two-litre HDI engine provides more than enough power to whisk this roomy little number along even under heavily loaded conditions.
As one who can remember and has driven some of the sparsely equipped offerings of the past, the Berlingo Enterprise is a true breath of fresh air
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo 600TD HDI Enterprise van
Price: £10,195
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 100mph
0-62mph: 12.6
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,790kg
Payload: 600kg