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Citroen's latest Berlingo is significantly larger than the previous offering - which continues on sale under the Berlingo First banner - and a lot more flexible.
Buyers are faced with an 11-model line-up that includes three different engines, two different load lengths on offer on the same 2728mm wheelbase and two trim levels. What's more, the newcomer is available as either a two- or a three-seater - a three-abreast set-up is unusual for this size of vehicle - and as a platform cab.
Most UK customers will make a bee-line for the 1.6-litre HDI common rail diesel at either 75 or 90PS; the latter will soon be available with a particulate trap. There's also a 90PS 1.6-litre for diesel-haters or anybody who wants to convert their van to run on LPG. CO2 emissions are 195g/km for the petrol engine and 153g/km for the diesels, no matter which version you select.
Both diesels look set to be pretty frugal and fuel economy should be enhanced further by the optional stop-start system that's in the pipeline.
The smallest model, the L1, comes with a 3.3cu/m load area, which can be increased to 3.7cu/m if you order the Extenso three-seat option because the outer passenger seat folds away. The bigger L2 offers a 3.7cu/m carrying capacity, expanding to 4.1cu/m with the Extenso option. Asymmetric twin rear doors split 60/40 come as standard with single or twin sliding side loading doors optional, while load area features include a 12v power point, plenty of load tie-down points and a hidden compartment that contains a removable, rechargeable, torch.
Inside the cabin Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and stolen vehicle tracking is standard on virtually all models. That's a first for a vehicle of its size. Three years' worth of active traffic management is included with the package.
We took to the highways just outside Paris to sample an L1 powered by the higher output diesel and fitted with an Extenso package.
With lots of head, leg and shoulder room for the driver, the initial impression the cab creates is that of a pleasant working environment.
The extra room the Extenso option provides has to be welcomed, and the outboard passenger seat is comfortable, but we disliked the middle seat. PSA Peugeot Citroen states it is only really suitable for short trips, but even so it offers zero legroom and you sit way too close to both the driver and passenger for anybody's comfort. It's a perch with a saving grace, however - fold the back flat and you can use it as a desk to complete paperwork.
On the road the 90PS diesel is no slouch - not with a modest 200kg load in the back anyway - and we had no trouble with the gearchange. Although a little on the soft side, the suspension was more than capable of dealing with pot holes and ridges too. The Berlingo rolled slightly on corners and the steering felt a little spongy at times. Otherwise the handling was competent and noise levels, aside from some droning from the tyres, were well suppressed. Citroen's latest offering also seems well put together - nothing rattled or creaked, and overall the standard of fit and finish was good.
Although it's identical to the equally modern Peugeot Partner, the Berlingo has the edge because Citroen has recently beefed up its dealer network. Which is why we made it 'our pick'.
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