Citroen Berlingo M Flair BlueHDI 130

THE van-based MPV sector used to be the mainstay of the family day out before the plethora of SUV’s hit the market. Their functionality and usability proved invaluable to carry large loads and still bring half your family along for the ride.

Although the school run is now performed solely by a sea of similar looking SUV’s, the van based MPV market still holds a place and despite possibly loosing out in the looks department compared to, say, the snazzy Nissan Duke, you will struggle to get a more practical type of car on the road.

Here’s where the new Citroen Berlingo comes in. In 2018 the best selling Berlingo range of vans underwent a facelift, replacing the model that would go on to become Citroen’s second-best seller for that year and the most popular in 27 different countries.

The facelift was designed to make the model appeal to a broader market, appealing to the millennials and outdoor enthusiasts with the option of aftermarket roof boxes and rails and a chunky new appearance.

Chassis wise the new Berlingo shares its EMP2 platform with a host of other models such as the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life as well as a number of SUV’s such as the Peugeot 5008 and DS 7 Crossback, meaning the drive feels much more like a car than a van.

The new model will come with a range of petrol and diesel engines. For the purpose of the review, we went for the range topping diesel model with 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which creates 129hp.

An XL model is available for the first time, adding two more seats and an extra 35 cm to the overall length but boot space is decreased.

Interior storage space is where the Berlingo comes into its own with a total of 28 separate pockets and cubby holes adding up to (according to Citroen) 186 litres of extra storage space, I’m not going to argue with that figure but there is certainly ample places to keep your bits and bobs.

If that isn’t enough, for €800 an extra modular fitting roof box is available that can be access from the boot or back seats.

Other features available to add to the interior include wireless charging plate for my smartphone and a driver assist pack, which adds adaptive cruise control.

An 8.0in infotainment system has synchronises nicely with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and adaptive climate control takes care of the temperature needs.

Prices for the new range start at €20,100 and the model tested, with all added extras comes in at €26,545.

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