Citroen Berlingo First Van Review

Citroen Berlingo First Van Range - FIRST FOR VALUE?

There’s still life in Citroen’s first generation Berlingo van. 

The first generation Berlingo has proved to be Citroen’s most successful van ever. So successful in fact that the marque can’t bear to part with it following the launch of the all-new MK2 Berlingo van model. Hence the decision to continue MK1 Berlingo sales alongside the new van. It makes sense after all. There are plenty of the older versions in the network and these LCVs, now badged ‘Berlingo First’, can be offered at an attractive £9,000-£10,000 price that gets budget buyers onto the Citroen ownership ladder. 

The ‘First’ range consists of two competitively priced, 600kg payload vans. The 1.4i variant is powered by a Euro 4 75hp petrol engine, while the 1.6HDi diesel that most will choose has a Euro 4 75hp diesel unit, which is able to run on up to 30 per cent bio diesel without modification. All Berlingo Firsts come decently equipped, with a driver’s airbag, anti-submarine seats and pyrotechnic seat belt pre-tensioners, an RDS radio/CD player, with steering column mounted controls, variable power assisted steering, a height adjustable steering column and adjustable door mirrors.

As before, this Berlingo can carry a full size pallet (1000 x1200mm) or two smaller metric pallets. It has a load deck length of 1700mm, a 1600mm maximum width and has a 600kg payload capability. Standard load compartment equipment includes load securing eyes, interior load area lighting and a ladder frame bulkhead behind the driver. Both Berlingo First models have a gross vehicle weight of under 2,000kg, which allows them, under UK legislation, to run at 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 60mph on unrestricted single carriageway roads.

Available options for the range include a Pack Plus, which provides remote central locking, electric front windows and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors. Other Berlingo First options include air conditioning, a nearside, sliding side load door, a choice of bulkheads and a front passenger airbag.

Otherwise, it’s the standard Berlingo recipe, a van that’s still as big, robust and accessible as ever. At the front, the deep bumper, the prominent grille and the large lights that curve up into the bonnet and wings give the van a distinctive face. The designers didn’t cut loose to the extent that fashion-conscious van users might have liked but the prerequisite mainstream appeal has been succinctly achieved.

"On value for money at least, few can eclipse Citroen’s star CV performer."

Inside, the cab is tastefully done and pleasing aesthetically. There’s a digital centre console display brimming with useful information, chunky buttons, decent storage space and attractive circular vents dotted around the place. You’ll find better quality plastics and a more upmarket feel in some rivals but the Berlingo’s success has been built on keeping it simple and this interior isn’t going to offend anyone.

On the road, this, like most small vans, isn’t going to set many pluses racing, unless you’ve just made the step-up from a horse and cart. But it’s relaxed enough at motorway velocity and nimble around the urban jungle. The turning circle is tight, the gearchange punchy and the steering always imparts a feeling of control while remaining light enough so as not to overwork the driver.

Price-wise this Berlingo remains on a par with or slightly cheaper than the rest of the top contenders in the light van sector. It’s also worth pointing out that the vehicle continues to be manufactured under the PSA partnership with Peugeot, who are also continuing with this design, badged as the Partner Origin. Another thing to bear in mind is that Citroen dealers are notorious for their special offer antics and you could well find the odd favourable deal at your local branch that makes the Berlingo First appear even more of a tempting package. There’s also the manufacturer’s innovative LCV warranty arrangement where you can select either two year’s unlimited mileage cover or a three-year deal that’s limited to 100,000 miles – just go for the one that suits you best.

If you simply need a van rather than the latest thing, the Berlingo First might well make more sense than its more modern second generation stablemate – though the lack of the higher 800kg payload that was previously offered might well count against it with some customers. The 1.6HDi engine still offers good refinement, performance and economy and you can’t ask for much more than that. There is some stiff competition out there in this sector but, on value for money at least, few can eclipse Citroen’s star CV performer.