Citroen Berlingo XL
Prices £21,350-26,650 Engines 1.5-litre diesel (100, 130PS); 1.2-litre petrol Trims Feel, Flair Economy 37-51.6mpg CO2 115-131g/km 0-62mph 10.7-12.9 seconds
WHEN space is your uppermost concern, van-based MPVs are impossible to beat. With a boxy exterior, a fairly low floor and a high roof, they’re perfect for large families or those with hobbies requiring lots of space.
The Citroen Berlingo XL fits the brief perfectly, but don’t think you’re simply getting a basic van with seats bolted in. The Berlingo is based on PSA’s EMP2 architecture, which also underpins models such as the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Grandland X, so it’s more car-like to drive than some rival van-based MPVs. The XL version is around 35cm longer than the five-seater to make room for the third row, and practical highlights include sliding rear doors, decent head and legroom in all three rows, and even a usable boot with 322 litres of room when all seats are in place.
And the drawbacks? There aren’t as many as you might think. The interior plastics are more robust than plush, and the driving experience is far from engaging. But while the steering feels remote, the ride is perfectly acceptable and visibility is good.
You might expect a 1.5-litre diesel to feel weedy in such a big car, but it’s quiet and perfectly up to the task in most situations. Regular motorway users may want to choose the 130PS engine; the 100PS model requires commitment to make progress.
“Practical highlights include sliding doors, decent head and legroom, and a usable 322-litre boot with all the seats in place”