Do not be fooled by the understated appearance of Citroën’s Berlingo van – in the world of light commercial vehicles, this is a real heavyweight.
Last year alone, no fewer than 16,000 took to the road in the UK – about one in five vans in its sector – and the latest extensively revised range is set to continue that sales success.
Key to the changes is an engine lineup, all of which meet Euro 6 emission legislation, along with two new, stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise models and a high-value Berlingo Enterprise option pack.
The engine range, with both petrol and diesel options, deliver improved fuel economy and increased efficiency. But it is the improvements to the ride comfort and boost to technology that will win it just as many friends.
Priced from £12,515, plus VAT and delivery, the Berlingo offers a wide range of factory-built variants, including two panel van lengths, three trim levels, an electric van, an XTR+ enhanced traction van, a crew van and a platform cab for special bodywork.
The test model was a range-topping Enterprise model which adds air conditioning, a touchscreen audio pack, anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors and a connecting box, that gives both Bluetooth telephone link and a USB port for iPod connection. The Enterprise Pack, which is available as an option for £800 plus VAT on any Berlingo LX van, includes the same equipment as listed above, saving buyers up to £730 plus VAT compared with specifying the individual options.
The 120 horsepower engine in the test car gives real zippy acceleration and the ability to cruise at speed, while still offering the potential to squeeze out more than 50mpg fuel consumption in day-to-day use.
The ability to shift cargo is clearly key to any van and the payload of the Berlingo is a whopping 647kg, with the cargo area accessible via twin doors at the rear and a nearside sliding door.
External specification upgrades include a redesigned grille and front bumper, and an optional styling pack that includes LED daytime-running lights. Options include front parking sensors, a reversing camera and a colour touchscreen with audio streaming.
Internally, both the Berlingo LX and Enterprise trim levels now have cruise control and a programmable speed limiter as standard.
The top-of-the-range Enterprise specification comes with a seven-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen technology and an upgraded DAB audio system.
In addition, Enterprise trim level now includes an alarm for increased security and peace-of-mind.
All Berlingo panel vans are fitted, as standard, with Teletrac Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. This advanced telematics platform, which provides operators with cost-saving efficiency, safety, security and productivity benefits, can be optionally upgraded to include real-time fleet management capability.
With improvements to technology and economy, the Berlingo remains a best-seller with real commercial punch.


Auto facts
Model: Citroën Berlingo BlueHDi 120
Price: £19,782
Fuel consumption (Combined): 58.9mpg
Top speed: 108mph
Load length: 180cm/71in
Load width: 162cm/63.8in
Load height: 125cm/49.2in
Load volume: 3,300 litres/116.4 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/60 litres
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles