Citroen Berlingo
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family car that puts practicality first without breaking the bank? The Citroen Berlingo might be exactly what you need. This van-based MPV offers incredible space and versatility at a price that won’t stretch your budget. It’s the perfect choice for families who prioritise function over fancy features and need a car that can handle everything from school runs to weekend camping trips.

The Berlingo stands out in the crowded family car market by offering genuinely impressive interior space and clever storage solutions. While rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Nissan Qashqai focus on style and refinement, the Berlingo takes a refreshingly honest approach. It’s built to work hard and make family life easier. The latest generation brings improved styling and better interior quality while maintaining the core strengths that made previous versions so popular.

What makes the Berlingo special is its commitment to being genuinely useful. The massive boot space, flexible seating arrangements, and abundance of storage compartments make daily life smoother. It rides comfortably and offers efficient engines that keep running costs sensible. While it may not win any beauty contests or offer the most engaging driving experience, the Berlingo succeeds where it matters most. It’s a dependable, practical family companion that delivers excellent value for money.

How Does the Citroen Berlingo Drive?

The Citroen Berlingo isn’t designed to be exciting, and that’s perfectly fine. The range of petrol and diesel engines focuses on efficiency and refinement rather than outright performance. The 1.2 PureTech petrol engine with 110hp provides adequate power for most situations. Around town it feels responsive and capable, while motorway driving is comfortable if not particularly thrilling. The diesel options offer better fuel economy and more pulling power for those who regularly carry heavy loads or tow trailers.

The driving experience prioritises comfort and ease of use. The steering is light and manageable, making parking this tall MPV surprisingly easy despite its size. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sharp handling, which means it glides smoothly over bumps and potholes that would unsettle smaller cars. Road and wind noise are well controlled for a vehicle of this type. The Berlingo feels stable and secure on the motorway, though the tall body means you’ll notice crosswinds more than in a conventional hatchback. It’s a relaxing and unstressed driving experience that suits family motoring perfectly.

Inside the Citroen Berlingo: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Berlingo and you’ll immediately notice how spacious everything feels. The high roofline creates an airy, light cabin that feels much bigger than most family cars. The dashboard is simple and functional rather than stylish, but everything is clearly laid out and easy to use. The materials aren’t premium, but they feel robust and suitable for family use. The touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to integrate your smartphone.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position. Where the Berlingo really excels is in passenger space. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom that puts many larger SUVs to shame. The high seating position gives everyone a good view out, which helps reduce travel sickness. Three adults can sit comfortably across the back seat, something that’s impossible in most family cars. The individual rear seats can be folded, removed, or slid forward and back to create the perfect balance of passenger and cargo space.

The Citroen Berlingo succeeds by focusing on what really matters for family motoring: space, practicality, and value. It may not be the most stylish or exciting car on the road, but it excels in areas that make daily life easier. The enormous interior space, clever storage solutions, and flexible seating make it genuinely useful in ways that conventional cars simply can’t match.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Citroen Berlingo?

The Berlingo’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points. The efficient engines deliver excellent real world fuel economy, with diesel versions easily achieving over 55mpg in mixed driving. Even the petrol engines return respectable figures in the mid 40s. Insurance groups are reasonable, and the simple, robust engineering means maintenance costs tend to be lower than for more complex vehicles.

The initial purchase price represents excellent value compared to conventional SUVs or MPVs with similar space. While the Berlingo may not have the prestige of premium brands, you get exceptional practicality for your money. Depreciation is steady rather than dramatic, helped by strong demand from families who value substance over style. car finance options make the Berlingo accessible to buyers on tighter budgets. Overall, it’s one of the most cost effective ways to get genuinely useful family transport.

Is the Citroen Berlingo Practical for Everyday Use?

The Berlingo’s practicality is in a class of its own. The enormous 775 litre boot is just the starting point. With the rear seats removed entirely, you have van-like carrying capacity that can swallow furniture, bikes, or camping gear with ease. The low loading lip and wide tailgate opening make it simple to load heavy or bulky items. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find clever storage solutions including overhead compartments, door pockets, and cubbyholes designed to make family life easier.

The flexible seating arrangements set the Berlingo apart from conventional family cars. The individual rear seats can slide, fold, or be removed completely depending on your needs. This means you can prioritise passenger comfort for long journeys or maximize cargo space when moving house. For families with young children, the high seating position makes fitting car seats much easier than in low-slung vehicles. The used Citroen cars market shows strong demand for the Berlingo precisely because of this exceptional practicality. It’s a vehicle that genuinely adapts to your lifestyle rather than forcing you to adapt to it.

The Citroen Berlingo offers a refreshingly honest approach to family motoring. It prioritises practicality, space, and value over style and prestige, delivering exceptional capability at a reasonable price. The massive interior space, flexible seating arrangements, and clever storage solutions make it genuinely useful for busy families. While it may lack the refinement of premium alternatives, it more than compensates with its ability to handle whatever family life throws at it.

You choose the Berlingo because you want a car that works as hard as you do. Its van-based origins mean it’s built to last and designed to carry loads that would challenge conventional cars. The efficient engines keep running costs sensible, while the straightforward design minimizes maintenance headaches. For families seeking maximum practicality from their motoring budget, the Berlingo deserves serious consideration.