Citroen Berlingo Multispace (2008-)

Styling/Image

Although it’s a clean-sheet design, the new Berlingo clearly displays its commercial vehicle heritage. However, it’s squared off styling, high roof and sliding doors all boost practicality. While you’d struggle to call the shape attractive, it does have character. Three trim levels are available – VT, VTR and XTR. The latter gets raised suspension and chunky, SUV inspired body cladding.

Interior/Practicality

It’s when you climb aboard the Multispace that its appeal becomes clear. Open the sliding rear side door and you’re confronted with one of the most versatile cabins in the business. All five occupants get bags of room, while there’s plenty of stowage courtesy of deep door pockets and a neat aircraft-style overhead locker. Fold the rear bench flat and you’ll free up an incredible 3,000-litres of carrying capacity. VTR and XTR add air-conditioning to an otherwise decent specification.

Engine/Performance

Pick a petrol Berlingo and you get to choose either 88 or 108bhp versions of the firm’s gutsy 1.6-litre unit. However, we’d recommend going for the smooth and torquey 1.6-litre HDi diesel powerplant. Avoid the entry-level 74bhp version, which takes an extremely sedate 17.1 seconds to get from zero to 60mph. The 88bhp model is a much better bet, mixing decent mid range urge with fuel returns of nearly 50mpg. However, our choice is the punchy 108bhp oil-burner, although it’s only available in the range-topping XTR.

Driving experience

While it looks like a van, the Multispace certainly doesn’t drive like one. Sharing its platform with the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 308, the French car displays surprising agility. Turn into a sharp corner and you’ll discover direct steering and strong grip. Also impressive is the supple ride that easily shrugs off severe bumps and pot holes. Better still, a high driving position and large glass area help give drivers a commanding view of the road.

Ownership costs

There’s little to match the boxy Citroen when it comes to value for money. Entry-level models will cost no more to buy than a range-topping supermini. Go for a diesel-engined version and you can expect 50mpg fuel economy, while CO2 emissions of 150g/km, mean annual tax bills of just £120. On the other hand, petrol variants are much thirstier at the pumps and fall into VED band F and a yearly outlay of £210.

Safety/Environment

Disappointingly, only two airbags are fitted as standard – you’ll have to pay extra for side and curtain items. Electronic stability isn’t available on the entry-level VT, but is at least an option on the VTR and XTR. On the plus side, the Berlingo did manage to score a commendable four-star EuroNCAP rating. The range-topping 108bhp HDi diesel emits just 147g/km of CO2, while the exhaust benefits from a particulate filter.

Our Choice: Berlingo Multispace XTR 1.6HDi 110