PRACTICAL five seat people carriers don't come much better or cheaper than the Citroen Berlingo.
It is a vast load lugger with space for a bowling alley and the team of players, yet it's reasonably refined and very economical in turbo diesel form.
Earliest models should be avoided if you have children or regularly use the back seat, because they only came with three doors.
Five door models were introduced in 2000 and there are two diesel options, a rather slow 1.9 non-turbo with only 69bhp and a later two-litre HDi turbo with 90. Since 2005 this was changed to the 1.6 HDi with the same power.
Petrol options are a 1.4 with 75bhp and a 1.6 with 110 and earlier models were only available with a 90bhp 1.8.
The turbo diesel is best both for performance and economy.
It is a little noisy at speed, but not so much that it drowns the stereo and, unlike many van-derived vehicles, it has a comfortable ride, even over poorer surfaces in town.
Although there is a fair amount of lean in the corners, it doesn't fall over and clings to the road surface pretty well.
Interior
Kit is very good, with many having aircon as well as an electric pack and central locking. The clutch is light, the gear change easy and all come with very well weighted power steering.
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDI
Price: Pay around £3,500 for an '02 52-reg Forte, or £5,100 for an '04 54-reg Desire. An '06 56-reg 1.6 HDi Forte will be about £6,400.
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 13 seconds
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 5
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Renault Kangoo