THE triumphal march of French brands into the halls of light commercials continues unabated.
There may be worries about car sales but the light van is essential to delivering the vital ingredients of everyday life and as such, manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of this important sector.
Some products, already good by modern standards, have been refreshed and one such is the Citroen Berlingo which has been given a major makeover.
The new Berlingo went on sale in June offering higher standards of practicality, versatility, choice and driver friendliness.
The Berlingo has grown somewhat over the earlier model and is now available in short and long versions. The short versions, at 4.38m, are 24cm longer than their predecessors, while the long model is 4.63m long. Both versions are 8cm wider than the original and both share a common, 3.5cm longer wheelbase of 2.73m.
Dependent of model, there will be a choice of 625kg, 750kg and 850kg payload versions. The short models can accommodate two Euro pallets on a 1.8m load deck and have a 3.3 cubic metre load compartment. The longer versions have a 3.7 cubic metre load compartment which opens the field considerably for the Berlingo.
An interesting and useful feature is a modular cabin option enabling longer load lengths of up to three metres to be carried and increases load compartment volume by an additional 0.4 cubic metres.
But in the cabin Citroën has made a masterstroke of design in enabling a three seat configuration if required.
Citroen always makes sure it delivers its light commercials loaded with as many goodies as possible.
The LX 1.6 HDi 90hp L1 version I drove came with a neat Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation system plus Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking.
There is the choice of three engines - one petrol and two diesels mated to five-speed manual gearboxes. The petrol is a 1.6i 16V 90hp and the two 1.6 HDi diesels offer a choice of 75 or 92hp. Both 1.6 HDi engines can be operated on up to 30 per cent bio diesel without being modified.
High levels of comfort and safety are provided for driver and crew with ABS, EBD and ASR plus ESP all available.
My test van was certainly a best expression of how versatile a modern van can be with its large sliding sider door and cavernous loadspace which even included a handy torch.
The Extenso seating arrangement which gives the room for an occasional third person is an important extra for operator who need to accommodate an extra passenger from time to time. But its restricted kneeroom for the centre passenger makes it not totally suitable for full-time use.
Up to six airbags are fitted and the dash mounted gearchange is smooth and simple to use.
Vans do seem to be getting more like cars these days with a surprisingly high quality audio system with steering column mounted controls.
It is even possible to have Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, cruise control and speed limiters, automatic actuation of headlights and wipers and parking sensors, all of which were included on my test van and certainly upped the ante in terms of who can produce the best glam van.
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo Van L1 1.6 HDi 90hp LX
Price: £11,865
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 13.9 secs
Combined mpg: 48.5
C02 emissions: 153g/km
Payload: 625kg