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Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6

Drive a Berlingo Multispace and it makes a statement that you value functionality above form. There is no car which is more practical for the active young family, but where's the style? Unlike its arch rival the Renault Kangoo, the outgoing model looked bland from some angles and strange from others.

By Chris Thorp

November 2002

  • Rating:
Drive a Berlingo Multispace and it makes a statement that you value functionality above form. There is no car which is more practical for the active young family, but where's the style? Unlike its arch rival the Renault Kangoo, the outgoing model looked bland from some angles and strange from others. But now the designers have changed things.

The high-sided Citroen has never been blessed with the most elegant of profiles, but the nose revamp has certainly worked wonders up front. Large headlamp lenses are far more modern, while new foglamps make the Multi-space seem quite funky. Unfortunately, the rear has not been revised, remaining ungainly and bland. Better news inside sees the dash get a restyle, bringing with it up-to-date air vents, new-look dials and a much more car-like feel than the previous model.

But the Multispace is all about practicality, and it can't fail to appeal in this department. The innovative sliding side doors which allow easy access to the rear seats remain, but the length of the rear tailgate can be awkward in tight spaces. Numerous storage bins and cubbyholes add to the versatility, the finishing touch being the collapsible Modubox folding trolley - first seen in the Picasso - which can be secured in the big 624-litre boot. Equipment levels are also up, with remote central locking and a dashboard mounted security button as standard across the range, as well as electric front windows and passenger door mirror and the world's largest sunroof. Similar to the unit used on special-edition Saxos, the powered fabric top adds to the car's character and is reminiscent of past Citroens.

A hi-tech electrical system has also been added to cater for features such as the speed- sensitive volume on the stereo.
The engine line-up is unchanged, with 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units and 1.9 non-turbo and 2.0-litre HDi diesels. The 1.6-litre model seen here is the pick of the range for those drivers who appreciate sprightly performance. The free-revving 110bhp powerplant is nippy in town, and only the Berlingo's lack of aerodynamic slipperiness slows it down at motorway speeds. The sprint from a standstill to 60mph takes 11.3 seconds, with a top speed of 107mph.

The emphasis is clearly on money saving, and fuel economy of 38.2mpg should stretch your pounds even further. Better still, the diesel models offer even more impressive figures, with the range-topping 2.0-litre HDi capable of returning an excellent 49.6mpg.

In terms of refinement, though, the Multispace can't get away from its van origins. As a result, wind noise and an unsettled ride quality make motorway travel tiresome. While the mechanical changes have been kept to a minimum, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution are available as options. In addition, variable power-assisted steering is now standard.

However, it's value for money which makes the Citroen so appealing. The range begins at ΂£7,668 and this version has a list price of ΂£9,795. But the French firm's current VAT cashback deal sees that drop to ΂£8,081, thus undercutting the virtually identical Peugeot Partner Combi by nearly ΂£1,000 and Renault's Kangoo by ΂£1,869.

Although Fiat's Doblo looks a more attractive proposition than that pair at ΂£8,695, it only offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine. If practicality and value come top of your wish-list, the Citroen could well be your ideal solution.

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For an alternative review of the latest Citroen Berlingo Multispace visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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FIRST OPINION

    This facelift brings more standard equipment, better value and fresh front styling. Citroen's Berlingo Multispace offers virtually unrivalled practicality for a five-seater, plus great value for money and a healthy dose of character - what more can you ask for just over £8,000?
 

AT A GLANCE

    Revised Berlingo Multispace on sale in the UK now
    VAT cashback offer means that prices start at £7,668
     
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