Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Citroen Berlingo review

Bargain MPV remains one of the best value ways to transport a growing family and everything that goes with it

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£24,150 £27,650
Avg. savings
£3,701 off RRP*
  • Comfortable
  • Van-like practicality
  • Pure-electric e-Berlingo
  • Van-like looks
  • Wind noise
  • Clunky manual gearbox
Find your Citroen Berlingo
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The Citroen Berlingo has always been a great MPV and an ideal family car thanks to the generous passenger and boot space, low running costs and great value it offers. The latest iteration improves on each of those areas even further, plus it’s much better to drive, reasonably comfortable and certain versions can seat seven. It’s also offered with a choice of petrol, diesel or pure-electric power, with the e-Berlingo one of the few EVs available with seven seats right now. Sure, the Berlingo doesn’t have kerb appeal of a typical family SUV, but those with more sense than money should have it on their next family car shortlist. 

About the Citroen Berlingo

Ever since it launched in 1996, the Citroen Berlingo has taken a different approach to its MPV rivals. While most were developed from the ground up to be cars first and foremost, the Citroen used more humble van underpinnings. Adding windows and seats to a popular commercial vehicle made for a rugged, simple and affordable alternative to the mainstream. This ‘van with windows’ formula is one that Citroen and others continue to employ, with its current crop of rivals like the Volkswagen Caddy, Peugeot Rifter, Vauxhall Combo Life and Mercedes T-Class all following a similar recipe. 

The third generation Berlingo is more car-like than ever. Under the metal is a mix of the old Berlingo and PSA’s (now Stellantis’s) EMP2 platform. The latter also serves as the underpinnings for dozens of cars, including the Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland family SUVs, while the Berlingo’s modified platform is the same one used by the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life MPVs. The result is vastly improved refinement, infotainment and safety tech compared to its predecessor.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

But it’s practicality where the Citroen Berlingo has always shone, and the good news is that it’s now more useful than ever. The boxy exterior shape translates into fantastic passenger and boot space, while deep cubbies, a huge glovebox and a host of other clever storage spaces shows that genuine thought has been invested in the cabin.

There are two body styles to choose from: the M model is the standard model, while the XL measures 35cm longer – enough space for a third row of seats, taking the total from five to seven. There are two trim levels to choose from: Feel and range-topping Flair XTR. Standard kit includes an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, myriad safety systems and Citroen’s ‘airbump’ panels on the doors which protect against minor dings in supermarket car parks.

In addition to the size and specification, buyers also have a choice of power sources. Base models feature a 1.2-litre PureTech 110 petrol engine under the bonnet, while those who cover lots of miles will find the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 and 130 diesel motors more appealing. The more powerful BlueHDi 130 is the only engine available with Citroen’s eight-speed automatic, with the other two paired with a simple six-speed manual gearbox.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re after a greener option, there’s the pure-electric e-Berlingo. It uses a 50kWh battery to power a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. Citroen says the e-Berlingo will cover up to 177 miles on a single charge, and can charge from 0 to 80 per cent in just half an hour.

Used and nearly new

The Berlingo's ‘van with windows’ formula has proven incredibly popular, with Citroen shifting more than three million units of the Berlingo in the past two decades. It remains one of Citroen’s biggest sellers worldwide, so you should have little trouble finding a used Citroen Berlingo for your budget if a new car doesn't quite fit the bill.

Citroen Berlingo Mk3: 2018-

The current Citroen Berlingo is the best of the breed, as you'd expect. More car-like than ever, with a subtle hint of SUV in the styling, it uses a platform shared with the likes of the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008. This means it’s safer and more refined than before, with the latest tech you’d expect to find in a modern family car. It might look like a van, but it doesn’t feel like one when you’re inside. Practicality is now desirable. Read our full Mk3 Citroen Berlingo buyer’s guide here...  

Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2015 front

Citroen Berlingo Multispace Mk2: 2008-2018

It’s not the most stylish car on the market, but few cars offer such a compelling blend of practicality and value for money. The diesel versions should be inexpensive to run, and reliability is good, providing you buy a good example. The Mk2 Berlingo Multispace  was one of a relatively rare-breed of van-based people-carriers, which accounts for its exceptional space efficiency. It shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot Partner, has highly practical sliding side doors and can transport seven passengers. If you take the last row of seats out, the luggage area is a whopping 3,000 litres. Read our full Mk2 Citroen Berlingo buyer’s guide here… 

berlingo

Citroen Berlingo Multispace Mk1: 1996-2008

This is where it all began for the Citroen Berlingo. Claims that MPVs were nothing more than vans with windows didn’t worry Citroen when it launched its original Berlingo in 1998, playing on the fact this boxy people-carrier was derived from a van in order to offer as much practicality as possible. Being based on a van meant immense practicality for relatively little outlay, while with no sporting pretensions, owners also loved the comfort offered by their Berlingos. 

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

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 BlueHDi 100 Plus M 5dr [WAV]
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £24,150
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 BlueHDi 100 Plus M 5dr [WAV]
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £24,150
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 BlueHDi 130 Plus M 5dr EAT8 [WAV]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £26,750
Select car
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Our latest car deals

Citroen Berlingo

Citroen Berlingo

RRP £23,050Avg. savings £3,701 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £27,565Avg. savings £2,686 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Berlingo

Show me:
Best used vans to buy now
Best used vans - header image

Best used vans to buy now

Our favourite used vans offer a cheap and practical alternative to brand new commercial vehicles
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024
Best seven-seater cars - header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2024

We pick the best seven-seater cars across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
2 Oct 2024
Best electric vans 2024
Best electric vans - header image

Best electric vans 2024

We reveal the best electric vans to buy or lease in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
1 Oct 2024
Best diesel cars 2024
Best diesel cars - header image

Best diesel cars 2024

Diesel power strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, and these are the best diesel cars you can buy
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2024
Best small vans 2024
Best small vans - header image

Best small vans 2024

Small vans are practical, affordable and cheap to run. This is our top 10 rundown of the best low-cost load-luggers
Best cars & vans
20 Sep 2024
Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2024
Best MPVs - header image

Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2024

These cars are loaded with family-friendly features and acres of space
Best cars & vans
20 Sep 2024
Citroen Berlingo MPV gets major refresh and cheaper price, but e-Berlingo now the only 7-seater
Citroen e-Berlingo facelift - front tracking

Citroen Berlingo MPV gets major refresh and cheaper price, but e-Berlingo now the only 7-seater

The popular Citroen people carrier has been restyled in the e-C3’s image and features a bigger touchscreen, but only the all-electric e-Berlingo is av…
News
15 Mar 2024
Top 10 best cars for dog owners to buy 2024
Best cars for dog owners - header

Top 10 best cars for dog owners to buy 2024

Our dogs deserve the best, so here are the cars that’ll keep their tails wagging.
Best cars & vans
1 Jan 2024
Ooh la la! Facelifted Citroen Berlingo and e-Berlingo get fresh look, bigger screen and comfier seats
2024 Citroen e-Berlingo - front tracking

Ooh la la! Facelifted Citroen Berlingo and e-Berlingo get fresh look, bigger screen and comfier seats

Facelifted people carrier will arrive in Spring 2024, with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, plus all-electric model now with 198-mile range
News
12 Dec 2023
Best cars for £3,000 or less
Best cars for £3,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £3,000 or less

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some great used cars available for £3,000 or less
Best cars & vans
28 Feb 2023
Citroen Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette revives classic 2CV van style
Citroen Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette front

Citroen Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette revives classic 2CV van style

Citroen has taken inspiration from the Fourgonnette van version of the iconic 2CV to create a retro Berlingo-based model with coachbuilder Caselani.
News
26 Sep 2022
Skip advert
Advertisement
Used Citroen Berlingo (Mk3, 2018-date) review
Used Citroen Berlingo - front

Used Citroen Berlingo (Mk3, 2018-date) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Citroen Berlingo covering the Berlingo Mk3 that has been on sale since 2018
Used car tests
2 Aug 2022
Citroen e-Berlingo: long-term test review
Citroen e-Berlingo long term test - serving ice cream

Citroen e-Berlingo: long-term test review

Final report: We’ve learned to love our pure-electric MPV
Long-term tests
22 Jul 2022
Used Citroen Berlingo Multispace (Mk2, 2008-2018) review
Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2015 front

Used Citroen Berlingo Multispace (Mk2, 2008-2018) review

Practicality is the Citroen Berlingo Multispace USP, but it lacks refinement and luxuries
Used car tests
28 Apr 2022
2022 Citroen Berlingo and SpaceTourer MPVs go electric-only
Citroen e-Spacetourer

2022 Citroen Berlingo and SpaceTourer MPVs go electric-only

Citroen has eliminated combustion power for its Berlingo and SpaceTourer people-carriers, with the all-electric models receiving a price reduction
News
10 Jan 2022
Used Citroen Berlingo review

Used Citroen Berlingo review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Citroen Berlingo covering the Mk2 (2015-2018)
Used car tests
10 Nov 2020
Citroen Berlingo XL Flair: long-term test review

Citroen Berlingo XL Flair: long-term test review

Final report: Does van-based Citroen Berlingo offer a first-class MPV experience? 
Long-term tests
6 Mar 2020
Citroen Berlingo Multispace - best people carriers and MPVs
citroen berlingo xl cornering

Citroen Berlingo Multispace - best people carriers and MPVs

It's not the most stylish, but the Citroen Berlingo Multispace offers van-like practicality and good value
Best cars & vans
10 Jul 2019
Citroen Berlingo MPV gains Flair XTR trim level
Citroen Berlingo Flair XTR

Citroen Berlingo MPV gains Flair XTR trim level

New flagship Citroen Berlingo Flair XTR models join the range priced from £23,600 and only available to UK customers.
News
4 Jun 2019
VW Caddy vs Citroen Berlingo
Ex-Motability cars

VW Caddy vs Citroen Berlingo

Can the new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life knock the Citroen Berlingo XL off the top step of the MPV podium?
Car group tests
8 May 2019
Berlingo vs Combo Life vs Tourneo
Citroen Berlingo XL vs Vauxhall Combo Life XL vs Ford Grand Tourneo Connect header

Berlingo vs Combo Life vs Tourneo

New van-based MPVs from Citroen and Vauxhall are more practical than ever. But do they leave their seven-seater rival from Ford all at sea?
Car group tests
17 Mar 2019
New Citroen Berlingo 2018 review
Citroen Berlingo - front

New Citroen Berlingo 2018 review

The new Citroen Berlingo ticks the practicality boxes, but how does it stack up against the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life?
Road tests
19 Jun 2018
Fiat Doblo vs Citroen Berlingo vs Ford Tourneo Connect
Fiat Doblo vs Citroen Berlingo vs Ford Tourneo Connect - header

Fiat Doblo vs Citroen Berlingo vs Ford Tourneo Connect

Fiat's new Doblo squares up against its van-based Ford and Citroen MPV rivals
Car group tests
1 Jul 2016