2018 Citroën Berlingo – new design, EMP2 platform

2018 Citroën Berlingo – new design, EMP2 platform

After 22 years and two generations, it’s time for a new Citroën Berlingo – and here it is. The cargo/people-carrying box-on-wheels has been rejuvenated with an all-new look that takes after the latest C3, C3 Aircross and C4 Cactus models. That’s as it should be, given that the car is the Chevron’s second most popular model after the C3, and was the brand’s outright bestseller in 17 countries last year.

As is customary on Citroëns nowadays, the Berlingo features a distinctive front fascia with dual-tier headlights, which split the LED daytime running lights and main lamps into upper and lower units. There are also chunky body mouldings for a more SUV-like appearance, incorporating Airbumps along the side to protect against everyday dings and scratches.

More typical Citroën touches can be found inside, with a simple horizontal dashboard incorporating warm and soft-touch materials for improved perceived quality and a novel top-mounted glovebox, enabled by a roof-mounted passenger front airbag à la C4 Cactus. Another neat feature is a new-generation Modutop roof with a panoramic glass roof and aeroplane-style overhead storage.

2018 Citroën Berlingo – new design, EMP2 platform

Also introduced is a folding front passenger seat that provides a flat load bay when the 40:20:40-split second-row seats are also folded. Folding those second-row seats will be even easier with the Magic Flat controls available next year, allowing for a single movement in the boot to stow those pews.

In the meantime, the Berlingo is available in the regular M bodystyle and the new, larger XL, with body lengths of 4.4 and 4.75 metres and wheelbases of 2.78 metres and 2.97 metres respectively; the XL also throws in sliding third-row seats. The boot is now 100 litres larger at 775 litres in the M (1,050 litres in the XL), and with all seats folded, there’s a total load length of up to 2.7 metres in the M and 3.05 metres in the XL.

In terms of infotainment, the Berlingo is available with Citroën Connect Nav with an eight-inch capacitative touchscreen, Mirror Screen Function with Apple CaPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity, Citroen Connect Box with emergency and assistance features, a head-up display and a Qi wireless charging system.

The vehicle is also available with a whole swathe of driver assistance systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, post-collision braking, lane departure warning, Driver Attention Alert and Coffee Brake Alert, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and park assist. Adaptive cruise control is also available, which, on models equipped with an automatic gearbox, can also come to a complete stop in traffic.

The front portion of the Berlingo sits upon the PSA Group’s modular EMP2 platform, which allows for a shorter, higher front end and enables the front windscreen to be pushed further forward. The use of electric power steering and a tighter turning circle also improves manoeuvrability. The rear of the outgoing platform has been retained for extra load volume and to preserve the body width between the wheel arches.

At launch, the Berlingo will be available with the PureTech 1.2 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol with 110 hp and a six-speed manual transmission, as well as a BlueHDi 1.5 litre four-pot turbodiesel in 75 hp, 100 hp, and 130 hp variants; the last of these is also available with an eight-speed automatic. A 130 hp version of the PureTech petrol will be introduced in the second half of 2019, also with the eight-speed auto.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Iriz rims.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • AutoFrenz (the original) on Feb 23, 2018 at 10:27 am

    But still cannot get rid the van roti image…the windows especially…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Fireant on Feb 23, 2018 at 11:43 am

    Too bad Citroen don’t bring in this model with the right specs. & right price. It looks kinda funky and good for private as well as commercial use..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Ulysse on Feb 23, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Chevron wrongly mentioned in the beginning of the article

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Ng Chee Yat on Feb 23, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    I want a new model to replace my Renault Kangoo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Bernard on Feb 23, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    Nice but bolehlanders won’t buy…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • suomynona on Feb 23, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    I remember when my neighbour had a red Berlingo, when the design was so similar to Peugeot’s you could just slap the lion badge there & call it your Partner FAP.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Never owned a french car but would loved too! on Feb 23, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    I really like this car! Especially the amount of practicality this car have! And i like funky looked car especially this Citroën done with their cars!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Hayenadeblue on Feb 25, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    I’ve driven this too! What a fantastic car, perfect for moving stuff. Citroëns, the best in suspension, but will cause you major money-ache if got problem.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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