Engine choice
Mechanically, the Multispace is pretty straightforward. It was initially available with three engines: PSA’S 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol engines and the 1.9 XUD diesel. None of these is a great performer, nor particularly refined, but all are doggedly reliable and, in used car terms, that’s often the most important factor.
The 1.4 is PSA’S tried and tested TU unit, as found in most of the company’s small cars since the 1980s. Aside from the need to keep on top of cambelt changes and a tendency to burn oil in old age, they soldier on very well. Bank on head gasket replacement every 90,000 miles or so, but again, assuming it’s spotted before the car overheats and warps the head, it’s not a particularly difficult or expensive problem to put right. The 1.8 petrol is the XU unit, as found in the Xsara and Xantia, and offers a bit more performance, though only an extra 19bhp over the 1.4. Neither is a rocket ship.
The 1.9 XUD has charm. It’s loud, a bit rattly and you certainly know it’s there, but despite its rather lazy performance, it’s a cracking engine, known for its ability to go on and on and on, with only the occasional (and easy to fix) head gasket failure blotting its copybook.
Later Berlingos got Citroën’s HDI diesel engine in 2.0 HDI (and later 1.6 HDI) form, which was much punchier and more refined. However, these also have multiplex wiring and are much more sensitive to servicing requirements. It’s imperative to use the correct oil – 5w30 semi-synthetic – and be wary of leaking injector seals, which can lead to severe smoke under acceleration.