Citroën Berlingo verdict
Should you buy one?
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 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.
What we like
Like its siblings, the Berlingo scores highly for the amount of space you get for your money. Even the shorter M version has a boot far larger than similarly priced SUVs and estates, while the XL is particularly cavernous, especially if you remove the rear seats.
We appreciate the focus on comfort over handling, and the Berlingo has a more appealing interior than the majority of van based MPVs. That it’s also reasonably equipped also helps make it more appealing.
What we don’t like
The big one is range. Although the official figures might seem alright, you’ll only get near them driving very slowly in warm weather. Expect nearer 120-130 miles of range in real world mixed driving conditions. CCS charging capability helps offset this, although some rivals charge faster.
It’s not particularly fun to drive either, while the interior is a symphony of scratchy plastics albeit lifted by a few colourful trims. It’s certainly much less drab than the Vauxhall Combo Life, and it’ll no doubt be hardwearing, too.
