AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

A greener

2nd August 2012, Page 33
2nd August 2012
Page 33
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Page 38
Page 33, 2nd August 2012 — A greener
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

experience

Citroën’s new Berlingo is badged the Airdream to highlight its greener credentials, but do the changes make for a better, more economical drive?

When we got the call from Citroën about

the availability of a new Berlingo Airdream with a micro-hybrid system and automated gearbox, we understandably jumped at the chance to put it through the revised CM road test. Little did we know that just a few weeks later a ‘brand new’ Berlingo Airdream sporting a revised front end would arrive in the ofice car park, equipped with a manual gearbox.

With the opportunity to test them side-by-side now gone, we resorted to putting the manual Berlingo through an exact replica of the test carried out in the automatic Berlingo. The comparative results make for an informative read, but of the two models, the automated Berlingo is arguably the most interesting.

Automated transmissions have become fairly common in the LCV market, particularly in higher GVW vans where the greatest economy gains are likely to be achieved. So, too, have the stop/start systems that manufacturers have begun itting across many models to help lower CO2 emissions. What we have yet to experience, however, is the two systems on the same vehicle – until, that is, the Berlingo Airdream ESG6 arrived.

With a six-speed automatic transmission, controlled by a dash-mounted selector the Berlingo’s gearbox functions as you would expect. Simply rotate the dial to select drive and press the accelerator, or if you want to take control of the shifts yourself, pull on the paddle-shifts located on either side of the steering wheel. It’s not until you begin to slow down that the system gets interesting.

Ready to pounce as you near a standstill is the stop/start system, which is activated at around 3mph to help cut idling times in trafic. While this is a worthwhile system it is different to the conventional three-pedal systems where the stop/start is not activated until the clutch and brake pedal are both depressed. Without a clutch pedal, the Berlingo waits until the brake is pressed to kill the engine, a reasonable method, albeit one that is slightly unnerving when we found ourselves coasting into a parking space with the engine already in shutdown.

The system is part of a much wider fuel-saving set-up used in these new Airdream models, with the £340 premium customers will pay for an Airdream model adding a micro-hybrid drivetrain system with ‘regenerative braking’ (see ‘under the bonnet’ box).

The Berlingo pictured is an outgoing model in terms of exterior design, with changes to newer models incorporating a wider grille, larger air intake on the front bumper, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement, with indicators that are now to the side of the main light units. The changes are subtle to say the least, but they allow the lower part of the grille to be itted with optional cornering lights, while the mirrors have been given a more aerodynamic design.

Engine options remain unchanged, which meant both vehicles arrived with a 1.6-litre Euro-5 engine producing 88hp and 215Nm of torque at 1,500rpm. A Traficmaster satellite navigation system is included as standard on all Berlingo models, along with a CD/MP3 player, Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking and all the usual expected items. In addition, LX models such as this Berlingo get electric windows, load area protective covering, nearside sliding door, height-adjustable driver’s seat, heated electric mirrors and a rechargeable and removable torch over regular X models. LX models also get the Extenso multifunction dual passenger seat that allows items as long as 3,000mm to be transported.

Productivity

Competition among 2-tonne vans is ierce, and many of the rivals to the Berlingo are exceptional. Because of the availability of automatic transmissions, our comparison vehicles are Volkswagen’s Caddy, the Fiat Doblò and the Renault Kangoo, but there are several other badgeengineered variants available and Mercedes-Benz will shortly be launching its Kangoo-based Citan.

These medium-sized city vans need to be suitable for a wide range of customers, and lexibility is vital for success. Fortunately for the Berlingo, its loadspace is certainly accommodating. The Extenso folding seat in this model ensures large loads can be carried, increasing its usability among tradesmen and adding an extra 0.4m3 of useable volume. This means the Berlingo can transport up to 3.7m3 or 3.3m3 with the passenger seat folded upright.

This, and the minimal intrusion from the wheelarches, helped when scoring the loadspace for volume and features, but access is hampered by the small opening of the sliding side door, while the central rear door catches (both top and bottom) stick out too much and could either tear items being loaded in, or catch out unsuspecting victims as they attempt to load items towards the middle of the vehicle.

The rear doors open to 180°, and six lashing points are located throughout the loadspace. The loor has a wooden covering and side protection comes from half-height plastics.

On the road

First impressions are good as you settle into the cab. The seat is height adjustable and there is plenty of travel in it to allow long-legged occupants ample room. Turn the key, and the engine grumbles into life at a fairly subdued level, but as you begin to accelerate away that volume rises, while additional noise resonates from the open rear.

Power delivery is strong throughout the rev range, particularly in high gears where the 1.6-litre engine delivers beyond expectation, especially given its economical top-end gearing. Under normal driving you will notice the over-assisted steering that limits feeling from the road, but you can still have an enjoyable time behind the wheel.

The suspension set-up is a bit soft, and there is a tendency to wallow around the road. Also, when pushed on track, the Berlingo did suffer badly from understeer, but during normal driving its benign characteristics are relaxing. Although the gears can be changed using the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, the novelty quickly wears off. Instead, it is better to leave the automated transmission to its own devices and focus instead on being light-footed on the throttle to avoid the box making clunky shifts.

After learning these idiosyncrasies, a smooth and economical drive can be achieved through provoking gear changes by lifting off the throttle early, or when really necessary (in the event of a steep gradient) through use of the paddles.

Amazingly, fuel economy in both the city and on motorways was nearly equal. The Berlingo’s ‘regenerative braking’ undoubtedly helped achieve 39.9mpg on our urban route, while the gearing boosted its performance on faster roads, allowing it to notch up a creditable 41mpg. Both are a long way off the claimed 60.1mpg and 0.7mpg and 1.4mpg lower than the manual model but, as we always say, our test routes are demanding, as demonstrated by the vehicle’s stop/ start counter that record 27 minutes and 43 seconds as the time spent stationary in London’s trafic. The rest of the 3.5-hour journey was spent travelling at an average speed of 12.5mph.

Safety, security, equipment and value

With a removable navigation system and the Extenso seat itted as standard in this Berlingo, the list price of £14,015 seems reasonable for a van of this size. Add stolen-vehicle tracking and electric windows and mirrors into the equation and the Citroën is a well-specced basic vehicle.

Extras including air-conditioning, Bluetooth, parking sensors and cruise control help add considerably to our test vehicle’s price, but even without them many of the basics are there. A three-year, 100,000-mile warranty is standard for the industry but the Berlingo’s service interval of 12,500 miles is well below the competition which offer 20,000-plus miles between inspections.

Parts prices are also something to be aware of, and although a saving can be had on purchase price compared to rivals, our basket of spares shows that simple items such as headlights are up to 90% more than the competition. ■ SPECIFICATIONS Website www.citroen.co.uk Engine Direct injection common rail Cylinders 4 in-line CO2 123g/km Bore x stroke 75 x 88.3mm Capacity 1560cc Compression ratio 16:01 Maximum power 88hp (66kW) @ 4000rpm Maximum torque 215Nm @ 1500rpm Transmission 6-speed, automated manual Gear ratios 0.28, 0.53, 0.86, 1.21, 1.51 Final drive ratio 0.75 Clutch Dry single plate Brake dimensions Front discs: 283mm, Rear discs: 268mm Suspension Front: Independent MacPherson struts

with coil springs and anti-roll bar, Rear: Independent trailing arms with coil springs and anti-roll bar

Steering Rack and pinion ,Power assisted Wheels and tyres Michelin Energy Saver 195/65 R15 Fuel tank 60 litres Extras fitted Air conditioning £600, Metallic paint £315,

ESP/traction control/Hill assist (£460) Cruise control/speed limiter £150, Bluetooth/USB £180, Reverse parking sensors £190

Basic/test price £14,015/ £15,450

CAB COMFORT

In vans of this size our team of testers always struggles with leg room, but the Berlingo offered a welcome surprise with large amounts of seat travel.

Getting comfortable isn’t a problem because the steering column is adjustable for rake and reach, while the seat is height adjustable.

However, support from the seat is pretty basic and has no lateral supports, no lumbar support and a seat squab that many will find too short.

Storage locations on the other hand are plentiful – however, we would question the usefulness of some.

The overhead is always a bonus, but the immediate storage around the driver is poor with 11 small holes suitable only for knick-knacks and crumbs. Bizarrely, there is no cup holder.

It’s a shame because the interior feels robust, with good quality materials.

THE COMPETITION Fiat Doblò Large range of models offering excellent payloads with torquey, economical engines. The Fiat Doblò is a former International Van of the Year, and has been rebadged by Vauxhall to make the new Combo. Volkswagen Caddy Stylish, with a choice of two engines and three engine outputs as well as a more efficient BlueMotion model. Caddy is available with a CNG powertrain and buyers can also opt for VW’s superb seven-speed DSG gearbox.

CM’s road tests have changed, but you will find the same balanced and unbiased views as before, only in a new visual format, with more information to better reflect the modern purchasing decision. Each vehicle put through a CM road test is rated according to a strict set of parameters. We appreciate that certain factors are likely to hold more influence when it comes to buying a vehicle, which is why some criteria are scored more highly than others. For example, while we realise that safety is important, all vehicles are designed with high safety levels, so elements of the test that are more variable between vehicles, such as payload, are scored more highly than those where industry-wide standards are similar. This way our road tests reward vehicles that perform above expectation and penalise those that fall short. Our fuel economy test routes cover a variety of road types where normal economical driving techniques are employed and speed limits are rigidly observed. All additional testing is carried out at private test tracks using specialist equipment. Vehicle dimensions (mm) a) Vehicle length 4,380 b) Vehicle width 1,810 c) Vehicle height 1,812 d) Vehicle width including mirrors 1,992 e) Front overhang 925 f) Rear overhang 975 g) Loadspace length 1,800 h) Loadspace width 1,620 i) Loadspace height 1,250 j) Width between wheelarches 1,229 k) Loading height (unladen) 612 l) Wheelbase 2,728 UNDER THE BONNET The term regenerative braking is perhaps a little misleading when used in the context of the Berlingo Airdream.

Unlike an electric or hybrid system, where energy clawed back through braking is used to increase mileage, the Airdream’s system feeds power back to the alternator during braking, allowing alternator load on the engine to be decreased at other times.

It’s not really regenerative braking, but it does reduce the power drain to contribute a small amount to boosting overall MPG. The 1.6-litre engine producing 88hp and 215Nm of torque meets Euro-5 requirements thanks to the inclusion of a

DPF and emits just 123g/km of CO2.

How we score: Each of the above scoring criteria has been weighted to reward vehicles that push the boundaries of expectation. A score of 50% means the test subject has hit our expert’s industry-wide basic standard for that class of vehicle, be that on seat comfort, engine performance or fuel economy.

TESTER’S VERDICT Reinventing the Berlingo with a new Airdream badge to highlight its greener credentials is a smart move by Citroën, which might be following in the wake of successful BlueMotion and Ecoflex signatures from VW and Fiat. Whether that will translate into sales is uncertain, but the lure of lower fuel consumption thanks to low rolling resistance tyres and that ‘regenerative’ system might turn a few heads.

The engine is the centrepiece of the Airdream Berlingo, which is just as well, because the cab lacks useful storage. The folding passenger seat is a useful addition in smaller vans like the Nemo, and although the Berlingo can take 3,000mm lengths with the seat folded down, the lack of a proper bulkhead on one side of the vehicle and no protection to the driver’s left should be a concern if extensive racking or lashing isn’t used.

TESTER’S VERDICT

Fuel economy IIIIIII Payload IIIIIII Load volume IIIIIII Load access IIIIII Engine performance IIIIII Drive position IIIIII Visibility IIIIII Manoeuvrability IIIII Gearing IIIII Noise IIIII Ride comfort IIIII Seat comfort IIIII Fit and finish IIIII Dash layout and storage IIII Steering and handling IIII Gearshift IIII Braking IIII Loadspace features IIII Safety III Standard equipment III Total 65/100


comments powered by Disqus