Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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 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

Best 7-seater cars 2017/2018 - 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.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2019

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2019 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Auto Express Issue 1,583
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025