Citroën Berlingo Multispace MPV (2008-2018) - Interior & comfort
The Citroen Berlingo is based on a van, but its interior isn't too basic
The Berlingo's van roots are as apparent here as elsewhere, but there are lots of useful benefits to the Multispace’s commercial DNA – not least plenty of head, leg and shoulder room for the driver and up to six passengers. It's obvious what this car's USP is when you step inside the cavernous interior, with the seven-seat version particularly appealing to those with a large family.
Citroen Berlingo dashboard
The Citroen's dashboard is as utilitarian as a van-based car can really get. But at least a facelift in 2015 saw the addition of more luxuries, jazzier upholstery and up-to-date technology to keep it fresh. A seven-inch touchscreen is offered in the top-spec Flair model.
Unfortunately, the interior isn't much better than the exterior in terms of aesthetics. It appears crude in relation to that of a more upmarket or modern car and the overbearing greyness makes it rather dull. As well as that, the Berlingo's interior materials feel outdated, scratchy, hard and slightly unwelcoming. Despite allusions to passenger-car comforts, the overall effect is one of a van made into a car rather than the other way around.
Some owners have reported that it's difficult to get comfortable in the Berlingo, so make sure you take it for a thorough test-drive before buying.
Equipment
Citroen offers the Berlingo Multispace in two trim levels. The entry-level Feel comes with rudimentary equipment (front electric windows, air-conditioning and a stereo, with Bluetooth and a USB connection being the only highlights). If you want more kit, you have to upgrade to Flair trim, which costs roughly £1,900. This gets you remote central locking, front electric windows, electric door mirrors, a split-opening tailgate, privacy glass, individual row two seating, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels and airline-style overhead storage.
Options
Citroen doesn’t offer many options, so it’s best to choose the trim level you’ll need from the off. Go for Feel and adding roof bars will cost around £300, while interior roof bars can make use of the extra headroom by giving somewhere to put long objects like skis for around £180. Front curtain airbags are a £320 option. For the Flair trim, sat-nav costs £400, while front parking sensors and a reversing camera will set you back £210.
