Launched in 1998, the Citroen Berlingo Multispace has become one of Citroen's most popular vehicles, selling 53,000 in the UK alone, and more than one million in total. Many badge snobs look past the Berlingo Multispace and its kind when looking for an MPV; unable to get past the cars' van-derived heritage, but the new Berlingo Multispace is a different beast entirely this isn't just a van with windows. It boasts the same construction architecture and running gear as the award winning C4 Picasso MPV it not only performs and handles like a modern passenger car, rather than a commercial vehicle, it looks smarter and it is larger, but still not too large to be classed as a ‘compact’ people carrier.In a world where low running costs and practicality are prime considerations for buying a sensible vehicle for active families, or a car that doubles as a workhorse, the Multispace fits the bill. It may not be totally stylish with Citroen’s usual passenger car flair, but it has a certain practical charm and will appeal to people who buy a car with their head not their heart. The Multispace is offered with three trim levels, and five engine options - two petrol 1.6i 16v (90bhp or 110bhp) and three diesel. All diesel engines are 1.6 HDi units, the principal difference being their power outputs, 75, 90 and 110 bhp, and consequent performance. All come with five-speed manual transmission.
Everything about the Multispace is practical. Its longer wheelbase but compact overall 4.3-metre length, combined with easy-to-use rear side sliding doors, makes it user friendly and very spacious. Add to that the huge load area and the option to fold or take out the rear seats and the load space is at worst large and at best huge, up to 3,000-litres. There are lots of internal storage areas, including the roof section, so the practicality of the vehicle seems endless.
The only complaint I have is there was limited room for my left foot there just wasn’t enough space to get my foot on the rest which is too close to the clutch. I guess this is down to the left hand drive initial design which for the driving position doesn’t convert so easily to right hand drive. I have to admit I’m over six feet tall so it won’t apply to all buyers. Thankfully there was plenty of headroom. Over all Citroen has done more than enough to keep its value MPV at the top of its class
