Citroen Berlingo and E-Berlingo | Review

The Citroen Berlingo is the best-selling model in Citroen's commercial vehicle line-up and it occupies the smallest of the three segments in which the manufacturer competes.

It shares a platform with the Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo, as a member of the Stellantis Pro One range. All these vehicles share the same basic components and powertrains.

The van's underpinnings are partly derived from the group's passenger car range, which brings higher levels of refinement and driveability when compared to more conventional van platfroms.

As a result, the Berlingo is a comfortable compact van with nible handling and up-to-date technology.

The Berlingo is available in two sizes (M and XL) and with a diesel (BlueHDI) or electric (E-Berlingo) powertrain. There's also the choice of panel van or crew van, with the latter featuring a rear seat arrangement that can be folded away when not in use.

Externally, the Berlingo M measures 4,403mm x 1,848mm, giving it a slightly smaller footprint than some models in the segment. This benefits it in urban environments, for parking and manoeuvring. The XL has a length of 4,753mm. With a boxy design, the Berlingo makes good use of its dimensions and has a spacious loadbay that can fit a euro pallet between its wheel arches.

The M has a loadspace capacity of 3.3 cubic metres and a payload of up to 984Kg, these are among the best in the segment. The XL manages 3.9 cubic metres and up to 952Kg.

Both sizes are available with Extenso Cabin, which features a folding front passenger seat. When deployed, it expands the available load capacity to 3.8 cubic metres for the Berlingo M and 4.4 cubic metres for the Berlingo XL. There is also a flap in the bulkhead that enables longer items (up to 3.0m (M) or 3.44m(XL)) to be loaded into the van.

The Berlingo Crew Van (XL only) has a load capacity of 1.8 cubic metres with the rear seats in place, or up to 3.5 cubic metres with the rear seats folded. Maximum payload is 840Kg.

For electric E-Berlingo models, the dimensions and load capacity are identical. Maximum payload is around 200Kg lower, depending on spec.

All Berlingo models come with a reasonable level of standard equipment. The entry-level Enterprise grade includes air conditioning, electric windows, an adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support and armrest, rear parking sensors, cruise control and LED headlights.

There's a DAB radio and Bluetooth phone system, which is operated via the steering wheel controls and instrument cluster. Instead of a central display, there's a smartphone dock. Using the My Citroen Play app, drivers can integrate their phone with the van's functions.

Stepping up to Enterprise Plus sees the fitment of a 10-inch central touchscreen, for a more conventional infotainment setup. These models also feature the Exenso Cabin (an otherwise £450 option) and an electric parking brake.

Range-topping Driver spec gains a surround view camera system, sat-nav, electric folding mirrors and body coloured bumpers.

The powertrain line-up starts with a 1.5-litre BlueHDI unit that develops 100PS and is paired with a six-speed manual. There is also a 130PS version of this engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic. It's a relatively smooth engine that returns good efficiency. In the manual variant we achieved almost 50mpg, while the automatic manages closer to 45mpg.

Drivers may prefer the automatic version as it offers a slightly smoother drive and the additional power is noticeable in the mid-range. The manual versions are punchy enough, but the gearbox has a notchy shift and a springy clutch.

E-Berlingos have a 136PS motor and a 52kWh battery. These are the most refined versions and the most brisk. The official range figure is up to 213 miles (WLTP), although we'd expect closer to 150 miles in real world driving. 

With a starting price of £20,945 (CV OTR), the Berlingo is one of the cheapest small vans on sale. It represents great value, with its payload of almost 1,000Kg and its spacious load area. Equally, the E-Berlingo makes a strong case for itself with a starting price of £25,455 (inc grant). When it comes to running costs, the E-Berlingo leads the segment, costing fleets an estimated 27p per mile over a five-year, 100,000-mile cycle.