THE Citroen Berlingo might be based on a van but it doesn’t feel like one and it makes an excellent five seat MPV with loads of family space.
It has plenty of space for five, plus a vast boot which should take all their stuff for a two week holiday.
It’s reasonably refined and very economical in turbo diesel form but earliest three door models should be avoided if you regularly use the back seat.
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 2.0-litre HDi turbo with 90bhp. 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 110bhp and earlier models were only available with a 90bhp 1.8-litre. 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.
Interior
The clutch is light, the gearchange easy and all come with very well weighted power steering.
Kit is very good, with many having aircon as well as an electric pack and central locking.
Although there is a fair amount of lean in the corners, it doesn’t fall over and clings on pretty well.
FAST FACTS
Citroen Berlingo
Price: Pay around £4,100 from an independent dealer for an ’04 54-reg Desire. An ’06 56-reg 1.6HDi Forte will be about £5,260
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
CO2 emissions: 155g/km
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Ford C-Max