New Citroen Berlingo Multispace review

The all-new bigger and better Citroen Berlingo Multispace went on sale in the UK from the 12 June with attractive and competitive pricing starting from just £10,995.

Because the Berlingo van and people carrier models use the same construction architecture and running gear as the award winning C4 Picasso MPV it not only performs and handles like a modern passenger car, rather than a commercial vehicle, it looks smarter and it is larger, but still not too large to be classed as a ‘compact’ people carrier.

Practicality and interior space

In a world where low running costs and practicality are prime considerations for buying a sensible vehicle for active families, or a car that doubles as a workhorse, the Multispace fits the bill.

It may not be totally stylish with Citroen’s usual passenger car flair, but it has a certain practical charm and will appeal to people who buy a car with their head not their heart.

Everything about the Multispace is practical. Its longer wheelbase but compact overall 4.3-metre length, combined with easy-to-use rear side sliding doors, makes it family friendly and very spacious.

Add to that the huge load area and the option to fold or take out the rear seats and the load space is at worst large and at best huge, up to 3,000-litres. So from a wheelchair to a bicycle, family luggage to the household pet or even use as a taxi the Multispace fits the bill.

There are lots of internal storage areas, including the roof section, so the practicality of the vehicle seems endless.

Prices and options

My test car, which I happily used for a hard week’s motoring up and down motorways and some city travel, was the Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi 90bhp VTR priced at £12,375. This is expected to be the main-selling model but the 1.6i 90bhp petrol engine is looking a better option for private buyers as diesel fuel gets more costly and this version costs £11,465.

But to those prices most customers will add the cost of the £620 air conditioning and they should take the Electronic Stability Programme at £350. So for £13,345 you have a really good cost effective package and you just know there will still be a deal to be had with your local Citroen supplier.

Driving and handling

Strong headwinds I suspect could take the edge of cruising performance and side wind gusting was felt but the vehicle cruised effortlessly at top motorway speeds and very economically as well. My test car returned a very realistic 47.8mpg and that was generally hard driving or sat in motorway traffic.

From the driver’s seat the Multispace, for me, was less pleasing. The visibility was excellent but I just couldn’t get the seat at the right height in relation to the height and reach adjustable off-set steering column.

I also found the room for my left foot limited. There just wasn’t enough space to get my foot on the rest which is too close to the clutch. I guess this is down to the left hand drive initial design which for the driving position doesn’t convert so easily to right hand drive. I have to admit I’m six feet tall so it will not apply to all buyers. Thankfully there was plenty of headroom.

Specifications

The level of specification with the VTR model is generally good, except for not having ESP, air conditioning, side curtain airbags or alloy wheels as standard.

But owners do get anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, front airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points, front fog lights, stereo radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, electronically operated and heated door mirrors, electric windows, rear split folding seats and armrests for the front seats plus lots of storage pockets.

It is an old and well-used saying but the Multispace ‘does what it says on the tin’.

Citroen Berlingo Multispace Milestones

Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi 90 VTR

Price: £12,375 (£13,345 as tested)

Engine/transmission: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, high pressure common rail direct injection turbodiesel, 90bhp, 215Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, five speed manual gearbox

Performance: 100mph, 0-62mph 14.3 seconds, 49.6mpg (47.8mpg actual), CO2150g/km, VED Band C £120. Benefit in Kind tax 21%. Insurance group: 4E

Load capacity: 675-3,000-litres

Maximum braked towing weight: 1,300kg

For: Totally practical, best use of space for its compact size, bigger and better than before, car not van driving performance and refinement, well priced, cheap to run

Against: Electronic Stability not fitted as standard, styling will not appeal to everybody, optimum driving position not easily obtained

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