Citroen Berlingo proven pedigree

Greater standards of practicality and versatility are key features of the new Citroen Berlingo. At the launch of the original Berlingo, Citroen were pioneers in the development of the high cube non-car derived van sector. The all new, larger Berlingo van builds on the success of its predecessor – which has sold over 800,000 units worldwide – with the benefits of greater choice, increased versatility, as well as improved comfort and safety.

Due on UK sale in the second half of 2008, the new Berlingo will complement and further expand the Citroen light commercial vehicle (LCV) range to no less than six models. With the UK launch of the new Berlingo the Citroen LCV range will consist of:-

- C2 Enterprise, the UK’s most fuel-efficient diesel van
- NEW Nemo, Citroen’s new compact high cube, ground-breaking van (on UK sale April 2008)
- Berlingo, the pioneer of the modern high cube van concept
- NEW Berlingo, more choice and greater operational versatility
- Dispatch, International Van of the Year 2008
- Relay, the range that offers more LCV choice

Robert Handyside, Citroen’s commercial vehicle operations manager, comments, “The all new Berlingo will provide an unbeatable combination of design and engineering innovation, together with major practical, functional and cost benefits. With the launch of this new model Citroen will have the most comprehensive and technically advanced range of LCVs it has ever offered. Citroen’s LCV technical advantage means that our business customers gain from greater operational efficiency, versatility, financial, safety and environmental benefits.”

The new Berlingo van is larger than its predecessor – and for the first time this range is offered with a choice of short and long versions. The short version, at 4.38m is 24cm longer than its predecessor, while the long model is 4.63m long. Both versions of the new Berlingo are 8.0cm wider than the original model and both share a common, 3.5cm longer, wheelbase of 2.73m.

Dependent of model, there is a choice of 625, 750 and 850kg payload versions. The short model can accommodate two Euro pallets on its 1.8m load deck and has a 3.3cu.m load compartment. The longer version has a 3.7cu.m load compartment.

Both short and long versions of the new Berlingo are available with the option of an Extenso® modular cabin which enables longer load lengths of up to 3.0m to be carried and increases the load compartment volume by an additional 0.4cu.m. In addition the new Berlingo will be available with a choice of seating for driver and one passenger or driver and two passengers. Also there will be a wide range of load compartment door options.

A choice of three engines – one petrol and two HDi diesels – will be available in the new Berlingo, all with five speed manual gearboxes. The new petrol engine is a 1.6i 16V 90hp (66kW) unit, which has a peak torque rating of 132Nm at 2,500rpm. This engine will primarily appeal to operators wishing to convert it for use with petrol or LPG fuel.

The two 1.6HDi diesel engines available in the new Berlingo have a reputation for refinement, fuel efficiency and low emissions characteristics. The diesel power choice is either a 1.6HDi 75hp model with a peak torque rating of 185Nm at 1750 rpm or a 1.6HDi 92hp (66kW) with a peak torque rating of 215 Nm at 1750rpm. Both 1.6HDi engines can be operated on up to 30 per cent bio diesel without any modification.

The new Berlingo provides high levels of comfort and safety for driver and crew with ABS, EBD and ASR plus ESP all available. Dependent on seating configuration up to six airbags are fitted. The well insulated Berlingo cabin has been designed for ease of driving and includes a conveniently, dash-mounted gearchange. The high quality audio system has steering column mounted controls. Available equipment includes Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, cruise control and speed limiters, automatic actuation of headlights and wipers and parking sensors.

Further details of the new Berlingo will be released nearer to its UK on-sale date.