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The Citroën Berlingo needs little in the way of introduction, quickly becoming the benchmark compact panel van. It's been through a few iterations in its time though, so here's the background on the model introduced in 2008 and which carried through to 2015. As a used buy, it has a lot going for it.
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History
The star turn in Citroën's LCV line-up has long been the Berlingo van. The original model was launched in the UK in 1996 and it proved extremely popular with its straightforward design and robust construction. The MK2 model launched in 2008 and was shunted up in terms of size and sophistication. Styled by Gilles Vidal and based on the Citroën C4 platform, it was bigger and plusher than its predecessor.
Following the launch, updates came thick and fast, with better-specced 'Enterprise' variants joining the standard 'X' and 'LX' models in the range in 2010. The Enterprise was offered in the most popular 1.6HDi 75hp 'L1 625' and higher-payload 1.6HDi 90hp 'L1 850' configurations. 'Enterprise'-spec was based on 'LX' trim but additionally gave buyers Bluetooth with USB compatibility, air conditioning and reverse parking sensors. Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation was also fitted as standard and this was soon rolled out as an option for the whole range. A 'Grip Control' ESP system was also made available on Berlingo '850 L1' 1.6HDi 90hp LX and Enterprise vans, offering extra traction in slippery conditions.
From October 2010, emissions of Berlingos powered by the 1.6HDi 75hp and 90hp diesel engines benefited from improvements in fuel economy of up to 1.7% and CO2 emissions reductions of up to 6g/km. Towards the end of 2011, Citroën introduced the e-HDi Airdream 'micro-hybrid' drivetrain, though this engine wasn't actually a hybrid at all. Instead, it got a Stop & Start system to help the HDi 90 diesel engine reduce its emissions by around 17g/km.
The original MK1 model Berlingo, called the 'First' and initially sold alongside the second generation model, was finally axed in 2012, while the rest of the Berlingo range was facelifted and improved. The updated van was offered with one petrol and four diesel powertrains. With improved efficiency and environmental performance, the HDi 75 was good for 133g/km of CO2 - down from 136g/km - thanks to changes including aerodynamic upgrades. The HDi 90 emitted 138g/km - down from 140g/km. The e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 delivered even lower CO2 emissions of just 123g/km. A full-Electric version was also added to the range at this time. In June 2014, electronic stability control was fitted to all Berlingo models.
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What you get
There are two Berlingo bodystyles to consider and both are on the large side of what we expect from a compact van. Both versions share a 2,728mm wheelbase but the longer L2 model has 248mm extra tagged on behind. It means that even the smaller L1 is 4,380mm in length - that's 243mm longer than the original Berlingo with 350mm extra in the wheelbase department. Payloads range from 625kg to 850kg, a sizeable carrying capacity that edges awfully close to that of some small panel vans at its top end.
The space in the rear is accessed through side hinged rear doors which open to nearly 180 degrees and reveal a compartment that's 1,800mm long in the L1 version and never less than 1,229mm wide. Sliding side doors are available as options, as is a hinged roof flap through which long items can be poked. The loading lip at the rear is nice and low and the load bay gets excellent protection from its contents courtesy of panelling that extends halfway up the sides of the vehicle. The standard bulkhead is a ladder frame behind the driver's seat and an unusual touch is the load compartment light that can be detached and used as a torch.
Compact vans used to be, well, compact vans, but now this part of the LCV market has branched out into a series of niches and sub-niches. This MK2 model Berlingo was tasked with filling the yawning gap that existed between Citroën's smaller Nemo van and their Volkswagen Transporter/Vauxhall Vivaro-sized Dispatch model. Apart from the Peugeot Partner van that shares its design, the Berlingo's most obvious rival is Renault's Kangoo, a van also offered in two main sizes. Volkswagen's Caddy and Caddy Maxi models are also an alternative.
With such tough competition, the Citroën had better be well equipped and of course it is. Standard features on all Berlingos include ABS brakes, a trip computer, a CD stereo, central locking, electric front windows and internally adjustable door mirrors. There's also the considerable pulling power of a standard Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and vehicle tracking system. An interesting option some original buyers went for was the 'All-Road pack' which was designed for Berlingos regularly faced with rough surfaces. Here, you get larger tyres and underbody protection.
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What to look for
First things first - make sure that the MK2 model Berlingo isn't actually a 'Berlingo First'. That was the model name given to the old first generation Berlingos that lingered on in the range until 2012. A second-gen Berlingo will need a test drive to ensure that the gears engage cleanly and the power steering works properly. If the van's been fitted with a tow ball, check that the rear shocks and springs aren't rogered. Check the paint finish too. Citroën paint quality isn't the greatest. Electricals should all work as expected. Take a walk round and check that all indicators are functioning and have a good look at the sliding side door to make sure it doesn't jam.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2012 Berlingo 1.6) Parts prices are affordable. In terms of consumable items, an air filter is around £15 with an oil filter retailing at approximately £20. Spark plugs are £10 each with a timing belt weighing in at the £60 mark.
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On the road
Motive force for the Berlingo comes in the most part from Citroën's familiar 1.6-litre HDi diesel engines. The diesel choice comes down to a 75bhp unit with torque of 185Nm at 1,750rpm or the 90bhp alternative which delivers its 215Nm at the same engine speed. The MK2 model Berlingo tips the scales at gross vehicle weights between 1,960kg and 2,130kg (depending on your choice of bodystyle), which is around 200kg more than the original. As a result, performance isn't particularly sprightly but those sizeable torque outputs ensure there's enough pulling power for most situations you'll encounter.
Because the second generation Berlingo actually shares its basic platform with the Citroën C4 Picasso MPV, it's not surprising to find that ride comfort is in a different league from its predecessor. Road and engine noise are well contained too, making sure that big distances fly by and the steering is light, combining with the tight 11m turning circle to aid manoeuvring. A few might notice that around the twisty stuff, this larger Berlingo design feels a little less agile and immediate in its responses and rolls a tad more than the original but most operators will accept a slight loss there.
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Overall
'Berlingo' has almost become shorthand for a small van. People know what you mean when you mention it by name - and with good reason. The early first generation models were raw and a bit crude but they got the job done. This MK2 version though, showed that improving creature comforts needn't come at the cost of durability or affordability. It's possible to pick up really good quality used stock quite cheaply now. We'd be looking for a diesel in plusher Enterprise trim. The post-2012 vehicles are especially worth looking at, bringing an even classier cabin. All in all, this Citroen was a best-seller for a reason.
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