Citroën Berlingo verdict
Should you buy a Citroen Berlingo MPV?
Undoubtedly, the third-generation Citroen Berlingo won’t be to everyone’s taste: all manner of split-level lights at the front and AirBumps along the side are not distraction enough from those perpendicular van-like lines in the minds of some, but as a pragmatic choice, the Berlingo bristles with appeal for those who value spaciousness, comfort, practicality and low running costs. So yes, it should be on your shopping list.
Whether you prefer the styling of the Citroen over those of the Peugeot Rifter, Vauxhall Combo Life or forthcoming Toyota Proace City Verso, all four offer a range of touches that make them more appealing than the Ford Tourneo Connect and Volkswagen Caddy Life.
Which to buy depends on how you intend to use your Berlingo. If you're after the van-like space with occasional use of the seats, go for the cheapest to buy and run you can - a Feel BlueHDi 100 with no options, but if thiis is going to be a comfy family car where its enormous space will be occasionally called upon, then the Flair BlueHDi 130 with the automatic gearbox in the shorter M body would our model of choice.
Options-wise, the old XTR pack - now the separate Flair XTR trim - is appealing if you like the pseudo-crossover look it introduces, plus on new models this is now the only model where the useful and appealing Modutop glass roof and storage system is available, although it is standard-fit.
Other extras we'd go for includes the Drive Assist Pack including automatic main beam headlights and adaptive cruise control (now only available with the BlueHDi 130 engine anyway), the Visio Park system with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, plus the darkened rear privacy glass and opening tailgate window combination.
Whichever you choose, the Berlingo - and its close cousins - are fine family cars which we'd heartily recommend.
Also read:
>>> Is the Berlingo's styling too van-like? How about the Citroen C4 Cactus instead?
>>> A new Berlingo too expensive? See how well we rate its predecessor
>>> Fancy a practical Citroen with SUV looks? The C5 Aircross could fit the bill
