If you're looking for a small van that's capable of carrying loads while offering great practicality, look no further than the Berlingo. It's one of the best small vans on sale right now, rivalling the Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo and Toyota Proace City.
Citroen has reworked the van's design and introduced two industry-specific versions: 'Worker' and 'Driver'. Both offer an increased ground clearance and underbody protection, plus a range of driver-assistance features.
Ground clearance
The ground clearance of a vehicle is the minimum distance between the lowest point of the car body and the level surface below it. This is the main feature that most people look for when shopping for a new car.
When it comes to ground clearance, different types of vehicles require various amounts. Sports cars, for example, require low ground clearance so that they can stay close to the road and achieve better handling. On the other hand, daily-use vehicles require a higher ground clearance so that they can avoid obstacles on the road and be able to drive with ease.
Usually, manufacturers give this dimension in millimetres or inches and it is based on an empty vehicle so it would be slightly lower when fuel, passengers and cargo is added. This is because the distance measured from the underside of a vehicle to the level surface on which it sits will be affected by the weight of these elements.
There are many advantages of having a vehicle with high ground clearance, and these are especially important when driving on bumpy or uneven roads. These vehicles are less likely to scrape against the ground and may also be less likely to get stuck in mud or sand.
These benefits are especially useful for off-roading as they allow a vehicle to stay well out of reach of rocks and other hard objects that could potentially damage the undercarriage. These cars are also less likely to roll over in bad weather.
This is because the center of gravity is lower on these vehicles, making them less vulnerable to rollovers. However, they are more difficult to maneuver and control on uneven or rough surfaces.
If you are a frequent off-roader, it’s best to go with an SUV or truck that has a lot of ground clearance. These vehicles are typically more capable of conquering challenging terrain, and their bumpers have been designed to accommodate the varying terrains they face.
Wheelbase
The Citroen Berlingo is a popular MPV that is designed to cater to the last-mile light industrial market. It debuted in 1996 as a partner to the Peugeot Partner, but it has since been developed into an independent model that can be used for a variety of different purposes.
It has been on sale for over 15 years and has an excellent reputation as a highly durable and reliable van that is easy to maintain. The third generation has been subjected to the most rigorous Euro NCAP testing, achieving an overall safety rating of four stars.
One of the major improvements made to this version of the Berlingo is the addition of new technology and features that improve its capabilities. A range of driver assistance systems, ranging from Active Lane Departure Warning to Colour Head-Up Display, are available as standard and can help you stay safe on the road.
Another key improvement is the availability of a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine in both 102HP and 131HP outputs. These units offer impressive fuel economy, especially if combined with the efficient Stop/Start system.
You'll also have the choice of a petrol unit, which is available in both 110HP and 130HP. The latter is capable of a top speed of 172km/h and has a 0-100km/h time of just 11,2 seconds.
For a small van, the Berlingo is very capable of carrying cargo and the load area is surprisingly generous. It can carry up to 3.3 cubic metres in total, with a maximum payload of up to 750kg when ordered in an uprated form.
The rear of the vehicle has a handy hatch which can be opened to increase load volume and a fold down seat that can be fitted to the bulkhead to increase loading capacity by 0.5m3. This allows you to transport up to 3.8 cubic metres in total.
The ground clearance on the XL models is a little higher, allowing you to transport longer items such as pipes or machinery. The XL version has a longer wheelbase, too, which increases the load volume to 3.9 cubic metres.
Body style
If you’re looking for a tough little van that can cope with the rougher stuff, the Citroen Berlingo is hard to beat. Its raised ground clearance and extra underbody protection makes it better-suited to tackling tricky construction sites than its rivals, while a Grip Control system and chunkier tyres boost traction on slippery surfaces.
Thankfully, you don’t have to pay a lot to make the most of these features, with the basic level offering airbags, electronic stability control and emergency braking assistance. Several driver assistance systems are available to add on, including a blind spot warning system and lane departure intervention. The more sophisticated 'Driver Pro' trim level offers satellite navigation and a 10-inch touchscreen display. It also boasts a rear parking sensor, while the rear camera provides 'tri-function' nearside and rear vision via a 5-inch screen.
There are also a number of bodystyle options, including a short load version and an XL-sized option with a wider front panel. The latter is a little more cramped up front, but rear passengers can enjoy plenty of legroom.
With a wheelbase that's almost as long as the Transit Connect's, ground clearance is more generous in this model too. The 'M' Berlingo has 1817mm of load capacity, and if you opt for the 'XL', you'll get 2152mm.
This means that the Berlingo's load area is huge and flexible, with loads of space for a wide range of tasks and vehicles. It's easy to drive too, with a refined and frugal engine line-up that makes it an excellent pick for those on a budget.
It’s also one of the most reliable small vans on the market, delivering top ratings in the latest FN50 reliability survey. As well as that, it comes with a three-year warranty, and some models are also fitted with an aftermarket conversion for four-wheel drive.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Worksite Pack to give the Berlingo an even more capable off-road ability. It adds an extra 30mm of ground clearance to the standard van, as well as Citroen's Grip Control traction system, which boosts traction on slippery surfaces like mud and gravel. You can also upgrade to four-wheel drive if you want to go off-road more, and the chunkier tyres boost grip too.
Engine
If you're buying a new Berlingo, it's worth taking a look at the engine size. There are a variety of options to choose from, including the latest 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit. These engines offer impressive performance and reliability.
There are also a number of diesel models available too, with many offering combined fuel consumption figures of over 60mpg. These are ideal for business users looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Citroen has a wide range of different diesel engine options, with most able to run on low-sulphur fuel to save money on the cost of gas. This is especially important in the UK, where fuel prices are currently at an all-time high.
The Citroen Berlingo is a popular choice among buyers thanks to its versatility and affordability. It's available as both a minivan and a van, with the former being more suitable for families who need plenty of space and the latter better suited to business users.
You can purchase the Berlingo with a petrol or diesel engine, both of which are available with a manual or automatic transmission. Both engines have good acceleration and are smooth enough to be easy to drive around town.
In addition, the Citroen Berlingo comes with a host of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Depending on the model, you can expect a wide range of driving assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and active lane departure warning.
Another option to consider is the Multispace version, which has a higher load area than the standard Berlingo and can hold up to 850 kilograms of cargo. This makes the Berlingo a great choice for hauling large loads in and out of tight spaces.
The third generation Berlingo isn't available yet, but it's expected to be released in the first half of 2018. It comes with a variety of improvements over the previous model, including a new interior and more advanced driver assistance technology. Its third-generation body is designed to offer a stylish and modern appearance, while the interior offers plenty of space and comfort for a number of people.
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