The Citroën Berlingo Van is a compact van that offers versatility, affordability, and efficiency to fleet and business users. It comes with both diesel and electric powertrains and a wide range of configurations. In 2023, it outsold every other small van in the UK, with 14,065 units sold, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This article will analyze how the Berlingo Van achieved this remarkable feat and what makes it stand out from the competition.
The Berlingo Van’s History and Evolution
The Berlingo Van is not a new model. It has been in production since 1996 when it was launched as a joint venture between Citroën and Peugeot. The first generation was based on the Citroën ZX and Peugeot 306 platforms and offered a spacious and practical cargo area with sliding side doors and a tailgate. The second generation, introduced in 2008, was based on the Citroën C4 and Peugeot 308 platforms and featured a more modern and aerodynamic design with improved safety and comfort features. The third and current generation, launched in 2018, is based on the Stellantis EMP2 platform, which is shared with other models such as the Citroën C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008. The third-generation Berlingo Van has a more distinctive and expressive style, with a large grille, LED daytime running lights, and a two-tier headlight design. It also has a more refined and ergonomic interior, with a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a range of driver assistance systems.
The Berlingo Van’s Key Features and Benefits
The Berlingo Van has many features and benefits that make it appealing to customers. Some of the key ones are:
- Size and capacity: The Berlingo Van is available in two lengths, M and XL, with load volumes of 3.3 and 3.9 cubic meters, respectively. It can carry payloads of up to 800 kg and tow up to 1,500 kg. It also has a modular design, with a folding passenger seat and an opening bulkhead, that allows it to accommodate longer items up to 3.4 meters in length. The Berlingo Van also has wide and easy access to the cargo area, with sliding side doors and 60/40 split rear doors that open up to 180 degrees.
- Power and efficiency: The Berlingo Van offers a choice of diesel and electric powertrains with different power outputs and transmissions. The diesel engines are 1.5-liter BlueHDi units with 75, 100, or 130 horsepower and either a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel engines are compliant with the Euro 6d emissions standards and have low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, ranging from 4.1 to 5.1 liters per 100 km and from 108 to 134 grams per km, respectively. The electric powertrain is a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor with a 50 kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 171 miles (WLTP). The electric powertrain also supports rapid charging, meaning that a 0-80% charge can be completed in as little as 30 minutes from a 100 kW public charger. The electric powertrain also has lower running costs and maintenance needs and benefits from tax incentives and environmental zones access.
- Comfort and convenience: The Berlingo Van has a comfortable and convenient cabin with a high driving position, a multifunction steering wheel, and a range of storage compartments. It also has a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Citroën Connect Nav, which provides real-time traffic information, speed limit recognition, and danger zone alerts. The Berlingo Van also has a range of driver assistance systems, such as active safety brakes, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist.