Taking your van off-road is not particularly advisable in the great scheme of things.
Page 44
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
With the uneven terrain and reduced traction to contend with, you may have to turn to a 4x4 to pull you out of trouble — which is the vehicle you probably should have been using in the first place.
However, for those who need to leave the smooth security of the blacktop on occasion, but don't want to invest in the extra machinery of an off-roader, Citron offers a solution.
Badged XTR+ and available on the latest version of its Berlingo van, it incorporates a multi-plate limitedslip differential, which automatically apportions up to 75% of the engine's torque between the (front) driving wheels in slippery conditions — or, to put it another way, the wheel with the most grip gets the most power.
Adding to the off-road Berlingds repertoire is uprated, heavy-duty suspension, to take the knocks, which has also been raised by 40mm for improved ground clearance. Also included are underbody protection and larger wheels with Michelin Synchrone tyres. which are designed for on/off-road use.
Powering the XTR+ is a 1.6-litre HD1 engine that produces 90hp at 4,000rpm and 215Nm of torque at 1,900rpm.
Mated to a five-speed manual, the XTR+ package, which is also available on the company's Dispatch van, is designed to give you that extra bit of reassurance when you are travelling in less-certain conditions.
Priced at £14,360. a 11,695 premium over the standard version. the XTR+ in LX guise gets ABS with EBD, remote central locking, Trafficmaster Smartnav sat-nay. electric front windows. CD/radio with steering columnmounted controls. Extenso multi-function passenger seat and heated door mirrors with electrical adjustment for the passenger side.
In terms of competition, there's very little to stack up against it directly, although the likes of Mitsubishi's Outlander 4Work and the more expensive Shogun 4Work provide similar load capacity and increased off-road biased capability. mounted on the hinge, which all combines well with the appreciably low load lip.
There's also a floor-mounted protective rubber mat fitted as standard to soak up any bashes and stop the load sliding around.
Cab comfort
While cab access and level of seat adjustment are both complimentary we are less enthusiastic about the actual driving position of the Berlingo.
Yes, the seat is comfortable, and yes, visibility is also good, hut it doesn't feel particularly positive.
This is further compounded by the tight footwell space and transmission tunnel.
A unique selling point in the Berlingo is its three-seat arrangement, allowing a second passenger, although they may not thank you on long journeys, such is the limited space, but no matter, the hinged back allows for a handy flat surface to pop the laptop/lunch/colouring book on.
In fact, there's a real sense of practicality about the Citron's cab, with numerous details to help cope with he day's events.
There's excellent storage, with welldesigned top-mounted storage trays and a deep glovebox, together with parcel shelf and 'curry hook' — door bins and central bottle holders complete the job.
However, the most praise is reserved for the Extenso flexible seating arrangement, which allows you to lower both the central and left side passenger backrests, as well as raise both benches, which, combined with the (optional) removable mesh bulkhead, extends load volume to 3.7m (up from 3.310.
Away from these specifics, the Berlingo provides a relaxed environment when on the move, with little exterior noise penetrating in, and this is assisted by the smooth nature of the engine.
On the road
Unsurprisingly, the XT12.+ drives just like a standard Berlingo on the road, if a touch less wieldy because of the raised and beefed-up suspension, but its refined engine, which performs well for its size, and excellent ride make it a good vehicle for long distances; it fairs particularly well on motorways and A-roads. The steering is OK, although it is a touch vague through the corners and it also has an overenthusiastic centring. While the vehicle grips the road securely enough, you're never going to get a truly inspiring drive because of its 'safety first' set-up.
This is similar when it comes to the gearshift it does the job, but you can't snick it between gates Switching to off-road, the XTR+ proves to be a competent performer. It grips well enough on level muddy surfaces, transferring power discreetly between the front wheels when the need arises, while the suspension copes admirably with any dips or bumps.
Moving to more challenging terrain, the Berlingo digs in with enough gusto to avoid you getting stuck in tricky situations. It may start to slip its wheels, but it tends to find a way through without getting bogged down.
But let's not get carried away here...
For all the )(TR-Cs admirable ability from such minimal modification, we wouldn't want to push on too much into the unknown. In other words, it does have its obvious limitations, particularly when tackling inclines, and compared with a Mitsubishi Outlander, with its multi-ratio 4x4 mechanicals, the Citroen would fail to keep up. •