MPV of the Year 2019: Citroen Berlingo XL
The Citroen Berlingo XL is the 2018 Auto Express MPV of the Year, with the Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer and Renault Grand Scenic commended
If space is key to your next new car purchase, the Citroen Berlingo XL is a clear winner. It’s a valuable commodity in the people-carrier sector, so there are few better platforms on which to base an MPV than one that also works well as a van.
But that’s certainly not to do the Berlingo down, because the EMP2 architecture that underpins it is also put to good use in much more premium models, such as sister brand Peugeot’s 3008 SUV and 508 fastback. That makes the Berlingo surprisingly refined for such a spacious and value-focused model.
Plenty of thought has gone into the interior. There’s lots of storage, infotainment from Citroen’s car range and sliding doors to aid access, but it’s the seven-seat set-up and masses of passenger room and luggage space in this XL version that make it such a strong choice. The middle-row seats slide and can be folded individually, while the two chairs in the very back fold completely flat into the floor to reveal a cavernous 3,500 litres of space, according to Citroen.
While the 118bhp diesel engine delivers better performance, the 101bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDi offers adequate grunt, impressive efficiency and will be cheaper to buy and run.
Our choice
Citroen Berlingo XL 1.5 BlueHDi 100 Flair (£24,230)
By saving on the engine, we’d spend a little more and go for Flair trim to boost practicality. You get parking sensors, an eight-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air-con, and some good safety tech as standard – important in a family-mover.
Commended
Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer
Citroen’s more stylish MPV isn’t quite as spacious as the Berlingo XL, but if you don’t want to sacrifice style too much, this should be your choice. Efficient engines, solid tech and good refinement make the package.
Renault Grand Scenic
All Grand Scenics come on 20-inch wheels to ensure Renault’s MPV never looks anything other than on point. But its talents don’t stop there: it offers space for seven, flexible storage and a decent driving experience.
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