Citroen Berlingo Panel Van (2023 - ) review

M and XL versions (essentially, short wheelbase and long wheelbase) offer up load volumes of 3.3 cubic metres and 3.8 cubic metres, respectively, and payloads of over 1000kg depending on which model/trim is chosen. M lengths get a single sliding door, while the longer XL models get two. Both lengths have two back doors that open to a full 180 degrees, split 60-40 regardless of trim. A full steel bulkhead is standard, as are the six lashing points lined up on either side of the loadspace. It’s a highly-accessible space that, even in the smaller M configurations (and with the lack of height option), provides a practical cargo carrying space for small but heavy items like boilers or large tool sets.

Two trim levels are available and are the key differentiators for standard equipment levels - you get the choice between Enterprise and Driver, with the model tested being a fully-specced Driver trim. Enterprise comes with remote locking, air-conditioning, driver and passenger airbags and a range of highly-improved safety equipment. As standard, Enterprise trim level Berlingo vans don’t have the infotainment screen, instead you get a smart device holder and a USB charging socket. It’s the step up to Driver trim that bags you (in addition to the things already mentioned) the 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10.0-inch digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel. This screen package also links to the full surround-view camera system, which plots a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings and works as a reversing camera too. The new seats are also packed with a special foam designed to be more comfortable when coupled with the lumbar support - the middle seat is small and the occupier will be competing for knee space, but that’s par for course with small vans. The new cabin is built on the foundations of the previous ones, which means the storage spaces are similar with good door storage, glovebox, dashboard pop-top cubby, phone shelf (with USB-C sockets right next to it) and the small cup holders. Driver trim also gets the Extenso load-through seat functionality meaning the passenger side of the bench seat can either flip forward to extend the load space or flip up to increase storage space in the cabin. A nice addition at the Driver trim level is the camera-fed rear-view digital mirror display (not a real mirror) that displays an always-on rear view display from the externally-mounted cameras - it’s an excellent and very useful addition, although I was caught out more than once trying to spot the corner of my head in the mirror. This wasn’t vanity, just the fact I’d always been taught that you should be able to see the corner of your head in a correctly-aligned rear mirror.

With the new 1.5-litre diesel engines you’ll get 40-55mpg across the range (WLTP). Electric range tops out at 177 miles (WLTP), realistically closer to 150-160 miles in colder weather or under half load. Home charging with an electric will save you some money, as will running an electric vehicle in general (with the obvious caveats). So, whichever power train you choose, you’re getting an efficient van that will offer good return on investment. And, if you decide to finance or lease the vehicle, that’s a good way of breaking down the acquisition costs, too.

The previous models saw uncommon issues with misaligned steering, engine noise and water leaks, but those are even less common in the newer models. Now in its new guise, the Citroen Berlingo is a wholly reliable commercial vehicle provided with a 3-year or 60,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), a standard level of coverage in the market. Extended warranties are available. There are small vans that offer longer warranties, so if that’s something you put stock in there are other small vans - for example, Renault Kangoo - that are covered for as long as five years.

The version I was loaned packed a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the bonnet outputting 100hp and mated to the 6-speed manual gearbox. It performed nicely with a smooth drive and responsive gearbox, more so at the lower end than higher. Speed limits in the UK restrict opening the engine up too much, but I was impressed with its getaway responsiveness. I put some load into the back (250kg) which stiffened up the suspension nicely.

Without load, the vehicle had some wobble into corners, but was stable throughout most journeys. Motorway driving was very smooth with a drop in gears offering up enough power for lane switches when needed. Under load, the vehicle felt more comfortable with no wobble to speak of. There was a slight dip in power responsiveness, but nothing to complain about. In both load situations, urban driving was very easy with the high driving position offering great visibility. It performed as expected and in line with the other Stellantis small vans, with no noticeable improvements on the previous version beyond the smoother diesel engine.

At the top ‘Driver’ trim level, safety is at an all-time high. You get remote central locking (with deadlocking) and the 3-button fob allows parts of the vehicle to be opened separately. A central locking internal button is included and the vehicle automatically locks at speeds of over 7mph. You get electric stability control, ABS, hill start assist, EBA and EBFD, automatic hazard light activation with hard braking,, driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, inertia reel seat belts, rear parking sensors, cruise control and limiter, lane keep assist, emergency braking, speed information and driver attention alert. It’s a veritable packed vehicle when it comes to safety specification and a huge improvement on the previous model. The only real downside is the alarm system as a cost option on some specs, rather than standard kit - although you get the full perimeter and volumetric as standard on the 'Driver' trim.

The Berlingo is equally well equipped in general, particularly at the ‘Driver’ trim level. You get air conditioning in the cabin, adjustable and control-covered steering wheel, one-touch electric windows, fully adjustable driver’s seat, passenger seat or bench seat, bulkhead, storage in the cabin and doors, 12-volt socket, carpet flooring, infotainment system with USB sockets, wipers, adjustable halogen lights, electric door mirrors, steel wheels, high beam assist, an electric parking brake and more. There’s a lot to like in the package and the needs of most van drivers will be met with little worry.

The Citroen Berlingo deserves attention because it’s a van that does its job with little fuss. The cabin is good, the equipment and safety specification is high (at the top trim level especially), and it’s a cost-effective workhorse loved by fleets and small businesses alike. It looks good, drives well and performs its functions to the letter. Admittedly, there’s not a lot to choose between this and the other Stellantis small vans, but I hear from my van driving colleagues that many start their small van search here or with the Renault Kangoo (and its platform sharers), which speaks volumes to me.