CITROEN I ERLINGO 800D LX
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• Like its "tiny-Sevel" clone, the Partner (from Peugeot), and the Renault Kangoo tested below, the Berlingo benefits from a clean-sheet design.
The first thing that strikes you about it is the driving position. The supportive seat puts you in a very comfortable, upright position with an excellent view out of the large windscreen. Only the Kangoo can match it for all-round vision.
Rear doors also have large windows and wing mirrors are a good size. Like the other vans tested here, the Citroen doesn't have a blind-spot section in either wing mirror. They must only cost a penny or two and offer a great opportunity for marketing men to dream up a snappy selling line along the lines of "hindsight enhancement system", or possibly "rearward ocular enabling technology"...
Once settled into the seat the second thing to hit you is the solid "thunk" of the door. The Citroen is put together nicely and this contributes to a quiet ride.
Gear shifting feel could be more positive but never posed a problem, with gear ratios equally at home around town and on the motorway. The engine itself is smooth and pulls the van to speed well, with the second best figures on test.
Steering is well weighted, neutral through corners and stable at high speeds, but at 11.3m the Berlingo has the largest turning circle in the group, almost a metre more than the Volkswagen or Vauxhall. The steering wheel is height-adjustable as standard.
Braking is confident and direct. We did lock up at speed during track tests, but without drama—performance in this area is good.
Load bay access is gaping with a loading height of 567mm and simple operation of the doors that open to 180°. The Berlingo has the biggest claimed payload and capacity with 725kg and 3m3 which included the folddown front seat (of which more later).
The van can take a Euro pallet, but with one of those in the back we'd like to see a bigger bulkhead than the standard ladder affair behind the driver's seat. The optional half-height steel version costs 175 to fit, but the bay comes with a load mat and six tiedown points as standard.
For an extra £180 a roof flap can be fitted at the rear to further boost the Berlingo's versatility There's plenty of storage in the side pockets with slots for bottles or cans to the lidded glovebox with a cup holder. The excellent standard forward-folding seat has some more cup holders, a strap for documents and a place for pens. If thrown fully forward it even offers another concealed storage area. Unbeatable.
The radio/cassette fitted is not an ADS unit but it does come with a cover which folds down over the system and obscures it from avaricious eyes.