Citroen confirms new Nemo and Berlingo van line-up

Citroen has confirmed full details of the new Nemo small van and Berlingo medium van ranges.

Nemo comes in the four variations that together draw on Citroen’s two light commercial-primed engines – 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol injection and the 70bhp 1.4-litre HDI diesel - while two trim levels are available – X and XL – with prices starting from £7,99, plus VAT.

With a wary eye to emissions all HDI-engined vehicles emit less than 120g/km. On top of this, the versatile 1.4-litre oil-burning unit can be run on 30% biodiesel without the need for any engine modifications.

On the subject of power plants, and both petrol and diesel variants can clock up 20,000 miles, or two years, between manufacturer services.

To heighten the Nemo’s driving experience, Citroen’s clutchless SensoDrive auto-manually box can be circled as an option.

Citroen says the Nemo boasts a payload equal to larger high-cube vans. At just 3.86m long and with a turning circle of 9.95m, the Nemo has a 2.5 cubic metre load compartment and utilises a 610kg payload.

Folding and sliding passenger seats and nearside sliding side door boost practicality and interior space.

Berlingo light commercial vehicle

The Berlingo goes one step further in making van drivers’ working life that much easier, with the introduction of the Trafficmaster Smartnav and Trackstar navigation and tracking devices as standard on all specs but the base 1.6-litre petrol engine that sets buyers back £12,395 plus VAT.

This time a triumvirate of petrol and diesel HDI alternatives make up the 2008 Berlingo range, which supports the two trim levels – the X and LX.

The new 1.6-litre fuel injection petrol unit is joined by the two 1.6-litre HDI diesels (75bhp and 90bhp), with all three gaining five-speed transmissions. A dual fuel conversion on the 90bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine can also be requested.

The Berlingo L1 and L2, offer different payload capacity, both of which have gained useful poundage over and above the previous model. 3.7 cubic metres is newly-flaunted by the L1, whilst the L2 grabs 4.1 cubic metres for 2008.

Nifty cabin seating arrangements results in a two-fold gain. In terms of occupancy, the driver can be joined up front by an extra passenger. When they’re surplus to job requirements, the outer passenger seat can be folded away to free up more space.

Basic caboodle on the Berlingo X runs to a trip computer, internally adjustable door mirrors, central locking and electric windows. LX models get the same, only with complete electrical function of the aforementioned rather than manual twiddling.

Elsewhere, an adaptable platform cab model is available in 1.6-litre HDI variation.

CAP applauds new Nemo and Berlingo

As a fillip for those still in the light commercial van decision-making process, CAP believe that both the Nemo and Berlingo will be fast-established as residual frontrunners in their respective classes.

CAP cites both vans optimum levels of crew comfort, safety, versatility, functionality and projected low cost operating as key performance indicators.

With a suggested residual value exceeding 32% after a typical three years/60,000 mile lifespan, the Nemo outstrips its closest envisaged rivals, a feat matched by its Berlingo stable mate which after the same period should retain some 33% of its original outlay.