IT MAY have started life as a van, but the latest version of the versatile Citroen Berlingo is breaking all sales expectations.
And the Multispace version has even been given the thumbs-up by motormouth himself, Jeremy Clarkson.
So, what is the attraction of a vehicle which, on the face of it, doesn't seem to fit into any specific sector of the market?
Is it a van with windows, an estate, a mini MPV, a load carrier, or a family run-around?
It's probably all these things rolled into one and that's what makes the French motor so popular. And it went from success to success last year following an extensive revamp.
The new look Multispace was given a dramatic face-lift, with a sporty Citroen front, wrap-around bumpers, a new bonnet and alloy wheels.
Up front the dash was completely revamped with a new display screen, steering wheel with radio controls, colour-coded fascia and dials, aluminium air vents and new, hard-wearing seat trim.
The Multispace stands tall with a high seating position. There's a huge amount of headroom and, unlike some competitors' vehicles, the space isn't wasted. Customers can choose to buy Citroen's innovative Modutop roof option which provides an extra 100 litres of space.
The aircraft style overhead storage system houses a range of additional functions such as air vents above the rear seats, extra lighting, an overhead cassette or CD holder, a 12-volt socket and several extra cubby-holes.
And as a bonus the Modutop provides individual tinted sunroof panels for each occupant as well as roof bars.
The introduction of multiplex wiring has allowed Citroen to include some high-tech extras, such as automatic locking of doors, speed sensitive stereo volume, speed sensitive front and rear screen wipers, gradual dimming of interior lights and guide-me-home headlamps which stay on for a minute after the car is locked at the end of the day.
That's a lot of gear for prices starting at £9,495 for the 1.4 litre petrol model.
The most popular model is the £9,795 1.9 diesel Forte, but I tested the 2.0 HDi which has that little bit more oomph.
Many makers of van-like mini-MPVs claim they have car-like driving characteristics. In the main this is a false claim, but the Berlingo comes close to giving you a smooth, roll-free ride when pushed on bends.
Despite being a diesel, the two-litre HDi is relatively quiet, and with 90 bhp under the bonnet is reasonably quick off the mark. Zero to 60 is claimed at 13.4 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.
One minus mark against the Berlingo is its gear-change. I found it spongy and obstructive, and on occasions felt I was stirring porridge. That's a shame considering that the rest of the vehicle has a feeling of solidity and good build quality.
Standard equipment on the 2.0 HDi included power steering, height adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, remote central locking, anti-lock brakes and twin front airbags.
Another feature which makes this a family friendly vehicle is the sliding side doors and high-lift tailgate, ideal for those who have to cram in lots of sporting and leisure gear to keep the family happy.
In fact for anyone with an active lifestyle, or, for that matter, anyone who wants simple transport with few frills but plenty of ceonvenience features, it's a lot of the car for the money even when your talking list price.
But take Citroen's current discounts into account with 17.5 per cent - a cool £1,503 - slashed off the top line and the Multispace becomes just about irresistable.
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDi Forte
PRICE: £10,795
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,997cc, 4-cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 99 mph
0-62 mph: 13.4 sec
Combined mpg: 49.6 mpg
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint