Skip to content

 
 

First drives

Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

By Christopher Hubbard

17 June 2008 11:00

The old Citroen Berlingo Multispace looked like a van, drove like a van. Was a van. But it defined a whole new segment of functional family carriers. Citroen has sold nearly a million of the boxy little people movers since 1998, and over 50,000 in the UK. Thus the new Citroen Berlingo Multispace has a reputation to uphold. But could also do with despatching a few of the old model’s crudities.

The new Citroen Multispace certainly looks modern. But just as much like a van.

That’s because it still is one. But this time round the Berlingo van the Multispace is based on is a) bigger, and b) shares its platform with the C4 Picasso (rather than using ancient Citroen ZX components). The result is an extra abundance of passenger and luggage room, and a much more comfortable car-like driving experience.

The rear is accessed by twin sliding doors, and although shoulder room in the back is a little tight, the Multispace easily swallows five adults. And, with 675-litres of boot even before you’ve hoiked out the parcel shelf or started investigating the mind-boggling number of cubby holes, you shouldn’t struggle to pack in all their luggage.

Click 'Next' below to read more of our Citroen Berlingo Multispace first drive

Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

Statistics

How much? £12,375
On sale in the UK: Now
Engine: 1560cc 16v turbodiesel, 89bhp @ 4000rpm, 159lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual, front wheel drive
Performance: 14.3secs 0-62mph, 100mph, 49.6mpg, 150g/km CO2
How heavy / made of? 1407kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4380/1810/1801
Need to know

CAR's rating

Rated 3 out of 5

Handling

Rated 3 out of 5

Performance

Rated 3 out of 5

Usability

Rated 5 out of 5

Feelgood factor

Rated 3 out of 5

Readers' rating

Rated 3 out of 5

Page

Rate this article...

Average rating: Rated 3 out of 5 (74 votes)

Discuss this

Add your comment

Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

Subject

Your comment

By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions

Cancel

 

sbotting

sbotting says

RE: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

I've always thought that this was what Citroen was good at and the latest Berlingo seems to justify that thinking. Yes, I'd love a DBS or even an XKR-S (as they seem such damned good value) but the in the real world with kids, dogs and bicycles this is the sort of thing we need. It feels significantly more spacious than my wifes Scenic and looks different. I personally don't give a stuff if it still looks like a van (I do have an old VW Camper afterall) -I'll take one! P.S. Not sure about the comment regarding being driven badly. Think that person might be confusing them with BMWs!

01 July 2008 10:19

 

Archibold

reward badge

Archibold says

RE: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

Why have you not mentioned the smaller Fiorino Combi that starts at £8599 and is 119co2?

23 June 2008 17:03

 

revcounter

reward badge

revcounter says

RE: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

Proves Europe can still build useful cars. Also proves the flawed business model built on running and hiding from the U.S. market.

21 June 2008 03:02

 

Batty

reward badgemoderator

Batty says

RE: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

A truly outstandingly pratical vehicle. Exactly what this type of Citroen should be. Anti premium, maxi versatility. Childern love cubby holes, the more they can find, the more they can fill. Just dont give them anything that can decay, as inevitably, they put those things in the hardest to find holes.

18 June 2008 00:07

 

PT100

reward badge

PT100 says

RE: Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi VTR CAR review

The car is nice enough for what they are. Its the way, the majority of them are driven, that iritate and make many of us adverse to them.

17 June 2008 18:12

Become a CAR contributor

Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)