PSA Peugeot Citroën recently unveiled its new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner vans at its Vigo plant in Spain, where the two vehicles are produced. The vehicles represent a total investment of €660 million, of which €334 million has been for research and development, the new models are completely revised versions of the original vans, they build on earlier strengths, with more comfort, space and equipment levels to match the latest mid-range family cars. With the new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner small vans, PSA Peugeot Citroën boasts the youngest and the most extensive line up of light commercial vehicles offered by a European automotive manufacturer. The two vehicle ranges have been entirely renewed and expanded in less than two years. Each marque will offer five van families this year, ranging from the small Citroën Nemo and Peugeot Bipper city-use vans, to the Citroën Jumpy and Peugeot Expert compact vans.Thanks to this broad range of vans covering a wide array of load volumes and payloads, PSA Peugeot Citroën offers solutions capable of satisfying the most diverse business user requirements.The Peugeot Partner and the Citroën Berlingo update both firms’ successful small van offerings promising versatility, value for money and a new best load capacity in the small panel van segment. The new van is 4.38m long and in standard format offers a load volume of 3.3 cubic metres (against the old model’s 3.0 cu m) and payloads of between 625kg and 850kg. Later in the year an extended model will be launched with the same wheelbase that will increase load volume further to 3.7 cubic metres. The load area is wide enough to contain a standard Europallet while six load-lashing eyes will help keep cargo in place.
As a vehicle designed with the understanding that its users may need to spend many hours in it, the door openings are wide and the controls ergonomically designed. With a height adjustable driver’s seat and a height and depth adjustable steering wheel it is very easy for the driver to find a comfortable driving position. Inside the passenger compartment there are many different storage areas: around the fascia panel, above the driver’s head, in the doors and under the seats. The innovative Multi-Flex dual passenger seat offers unrivalled modularity and enables the vehicle to carry two passengers. The middle seat can be folded down which reveals a handy desk, while the outer passenger seat also folds to reveal extra cargo space, which allows for loads of up to 3m long to be carried. Comfort features include self-regulating air-conditioning, automatic headlight activation and rain sensors, while safety features include ABS and front airbags as standard equipment and head curtain airbags, ESP and cruise control as options. Under the bonnet there is a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6 HDi diesel offers 75bhpP or 90bhp, while returning over 45mpg on the combined cycle, the 1.6-litre petrol offers 90bhp, returning 34mpg on the combined cycle. Both the diesel and petrol engines are mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox.
Another innovation is that the Berlingo and Partner will be the Group’s first vehicles to offer a remote fleet management system. Thanks to an aftermarket service based on a telematics device installed on the vehicle, fleet managers will be able to check mileage, service dates, brake pad wear and oil levels via email messages that arrive directly in their inbox. By providing invaluable vehicle data, this solution simplifies fleet tracking and maintenance and enables managers to optimise their spending. Beginning in May 2008, these new vehicles will complete the line-up and the previous generation will remain in the catalogue as a redefined range of Berlingo First and Partner Origin.
