Citroen Berlingo: A Versatile Family Choice

When considering family cars, the lines between traditional passenger vehicles and their commercial van-based counterparts have become increasingly blurred. The Citroen Berlingo, along with its stablemates the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life, exemplifies this trend. These 'van-derived cars' (VDCs), as they are championed, offer a compelling blend of practicality, space, and surprising refinement, challenging the dominance of more conventional SUVs in the family car market.

Introducing the Citroen Berlingo

The Citroen Berlingo, in its range-topping Flair XTR trim, presents itself as a capable and stylish family hauler. Clad in a rather apt 'Soft Sand' metallic paint, its appearance, while not overtly aggressive, possesses a subtle SUV-like stance thanks to its slightly elevated ride height and protective skid plates. Inside, the cabin is equally engaging, featuring a distinctive green and orange colour scheme on the dashboard, door mouldings, and seat trim, lending it a distinctly Gallic flair. This is a car that doesn't shy away from a bit of personality.

Powertrain and Performance

Our long-term test model is equipped with the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This combination offers a respectable top speed of 114mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 11 seconds. While these figures might sound modest on paper, the Berlingo feels more sprightly in real-world driving, particularly from a standstill. Fuel economy is also a strong suit, with official WLTP figures ranging from 45.1-50.3mpg, closely matching the mid-48s achieved during our testing. The eight-speed automatic gearbox operates smoothly for the most part, with shifts often only discernible by a change in engine note. However, the stop-start system can occasionally lead to jerky progress in very slow urban traffic, a minor frustration that can be somewhat mitigated by engaging the adaptive cruise control.

Driving Experience: More Than Meets the Eye

A frequent pleasant surprise with the Berlingo is its driving dynamics. Despite its van-derived origins, it handles corners with more composure than many might expect. The relatively low centre of gravity minimises excessive body roll, allowing it to track a chosen line with minimal steering correction. While it lacks the tactile feedback of a sportier car, its composed and planted nature makes for a relaxed and confident driving experience, even when faced with crosswinds. It feels nimble and capable, providing a competent alternative to the likes of the Ford Tourneo Connect for those prioritising dynamic prowess.

Interior Flexibility and Practicality

The Berlingo truly shines when it comes to its interior versatility. The Flair XTR trim boasts a trio of individual rear seats, allowing for numerous configurations to accommodate both passengers and bulky cargo. These seats fold forward easily, transforming the Berlingo into a capable load carrier. While the boot floor isn't entirely flat when the seats are folded, plastic ramps ease the loading of heavy items. The rear tailgate opens conventionally, but the optional separately opening tailgate glass is a godsend in tighter parking spaces, offering convenient access to the boot. The semi-rigid parcel shelf can be positioned at a lower height, further enhancing its utility. For lighter items, the Modutop roof pack, now standard on Flair XTR models, includes a handy drop-down roof-mounted storage box.

Seating Configurations: From Family Shuttle to Cargo Van

The ability to fold seats individually provides exceptional flexibility. You can easily configure the Berlingo to carry just the driver and a significant amount of luggage. Folding the passenger seat forward requires removing the headrest and the fold-down armrest, but the resulting plastic shroud on the seatback is durable for sliding heavier objects. With all five rear seats folded, the Berlingo offers a cavernous 3,500 litres of cargo space, a testament to its van-derived DNA. This impressive practicality was a key factor in the Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, and Vauxhall Combo Life winning Parkers’ Best Medium Family Car of the Year Award for 2020.

Pricing and Leasing Options

The Citroen Berlingo Flair XTR, as tested, comes with a price tag of £26,810 on the road. With added options such as the Drive Assist Pack, 180-degree reversing camera, high storage console, and metallic paint, the total cost rises to £27,905. While not an insignificant sum, it represents good value for a spacious, practical, safe, and economical family car.

Berlingo vs. Rivals: A Leasing Comparison

When examining leasing deals, the Berlingo presents a compelling case. At £235 per month, the Peugeot Rifter is only £1 more expensive, while the Vauxhall Combo Life is £242 per month. These figures are based on 48-month agreements with an £1,750 initial payment and an 8,000-mile annual limit. The Ford Tourneo Connect, however, proves to be a more costly option, with the cheapest model starting at £309 per month, a difference of £3,600 over four years compared to the entry-level Berlingo.

Higher-Spec Comparisons

Even when comparing top-spec models, the Berlingo remains competitive. A top-flight Berlingo Flair XTR with the 130hp diesel and automatic gearbox costs £295 per month. The equivalent Peugeot Rifter GT Line is slightly cheaper at £290 per month, saving £240 over the agreement term. The Vauxhall Combo Life Elite is less cost-effective at £322 per month, costing £1,546 more than the Berlingo over four years. The Ford Tourneo Connect Titanium, with the same engine and automatic gearbox, commands a significant premium, costing £348 per month and £3,044 more than the Berlingo over four years.

Berlingo vs. SUV Leasing: The Verdict

Interestingly, even Citroen's own SUV offering, the C5 Aircross, can present attractive leasing options. A mid-range C5 Aircross Flair with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and automatic gearbox can be leased for just £197 per month over 24 months, a saving of £888 over the cheapest Berlingo. However, when comparing similar diesel specifications, the Berlingo emerges as the more economical choice, costing £1,162 less than the C5 Aircross Flair Plus over four years. While the SEAT Tarraco also offers remarkable value, the Berlingo, especially in its higher trims, provides a strong balance of features and affordability compared to its direct rivals and even some SUVs.

Key Takeaways

The Citroen Berlingo is a highly practical and versatile family car that punches above its weight. Its van-derived origins translate into impressive interior space and flexibility, making it suitable for both family duties and occasional hauling. While the driving experience isn't as dynamic as some rivals, it is comfortable and composed. Leasing costs generally favour the Berlingo and its sister cars over the Ford Tourneo Connect, and even hold their own against some SUV offerings. For families seeking a spacious, adaptable, and well-equipped vehicle, the Citroen Berlingo remains a standout choice in the medium family car segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine options are available for the Citroen Berlingo?
The Berlingo is available with various diesel and petrol engines, including the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel in 100hp and 130hp outputs, and a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine. Our long-term test model features the 130hp diesel.

Is the Citroen Berlingo available as a seven-seater?
Yes, the Berlingo is available in both M (shorter) and XL (longer) body styles. The XL version typically offers seven seats.

How does the Citroen Berlingo compare to the Ford Tourneo Connect in terms of cost?
Leasing data suggests that the Citroen Berlingo is generally more cost-effective than the Ford Tourneo Connect, both for entry-level and higher-specification models. The Tourneo Connect typically incurs higher monthly payments and initial deposit costs.

What are the main advantages of the Flair XTR trim?
The Flair XTR trim adds a more SUV-like aesthetic with unique styling elements, a higher specification of interior features including dual-zone climate control and a head-up display, and the Modutop Roof with glazed panel and storage bins.

Can the Citroen Berlingo be used for carrying large items?
Absolutely. With its flexible seating arrangements and van-derived practicality, the Berlingo can be easily configured to carry large and bulky items, offering up to 3,500 litres of cargo space when the rear seats are folded.

Note: Leasing costs are indicative, subject to change, and depend on individual financial circumstances and credit status. Always do your own research and shop around.