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TORQUE CHE
Page 60
Page 61
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SCitroen has treated its Berlingo compact to a torquey common-rail 1.6-litre turbo-diesel for pEuro-4, and boosted its fuel economy too. Brian Weatherley cheas it out A. nother driving impression of a Citroen Berlingo? OK, we admit it — this popular high-cube van has had plenty of exposure in Commercial Motor in recent times. But it's now got a new common-rail engine for Euro-4, and that's not to be ignored.
The engine in question is a 1.6-litre HDi turbo-diesel, rated at 75 and 90hp; it replaces the 2.0-litre HDi turbo and 1.9-litre non-turbo lumps.
Our American cousins are fond of saying you can't beat cube', but the French clearly disagree.The latest engine certainly has fewer cubes than its predecessor but it offers more torque, combined with improved fuel consumption and longer (12,500-mile) service intervals.Ancl judging by our time in it with a load on board, it's a flyer.
Acceleration in second and third gear, and at mid-range speeds on the motorway, is particularly impressive. It's quiet too usually the only noise reaching the driver from the smooth-revving 1.6-litre HDi is turbo whistle.
Bottom line
As with most Citroens you get a decent bang for your buck —f11,165 (ex-VAT) will secure a Berlingo 600 1.6HDi 90hp Enterprise with a side loading door as standard so you don't have to put your back out stretching to reach the front of the loadbed.
Perhaps more importantly, the Berlingo doesn't break that all-important 2,000kgGVW barrier. With either a 600 or 800kg payload it can legally run at the 'ear' speed limits of 70mph on dual carriageways (where posted) or 60mph on derestricted two-lane roads.
Yes, you can get more payload in other vans —not least 900kg in a Ford Transit Connect 230L LWB (CM 19 April). But as the'liansit grosses 2,340kg it falls into the new van speed limit category so you can expect to lose lOmph on major non-Motorway roads.
Out on the road we had little reason to fault the Berlingo in terms of handling or ride.The direction and feedback from its power steering was particularly impressive, despite being lighter than we normally like.The standard five-speed box is particularly slick, and for a small van it has surprisingly good storage including a deep headlining tray that is just right for clipboards, maps and the like.
The large wing mirrors do a good job; lateral vision is also excellent.
Comfort factor
The seat is typically 'French soft' but offers good support, although there's not enough rearward travel for long-legged drivers (the seat is stopped from going back further by the front edge of the load bed).
We're not convinced by the ladder-cage bulkhead behind the driver's seat. A fullwidth/half-height bulkhead would be our first choice. but you'll have to pay £70 for it. •