All-new Citroen Berlingo features overload indicator and surround rear vision tech

SO this is the all-new Citroen Berlingo. We’ve had a look at the new van already in its MPV guise, but this is the real thing. And this smart van boasts some great new tech. Get this – there’s an overload indicator, the first on this class of van. And to reduce the possibility of reversing into something unforgiving – and to increase safety around the van – there’s surround rear vision. The new tech marks out this innovative new Berlingo, which will be available in two versions. Standard M length – 4.40m long with a 2.78m wheelbase. And an XL version measuring 4.75m long with a 2.97m wheelbase. Previous generation Berlingo had a payload of 600-800kg; the new van extends this from 650kg to 1,000kg. The new Berlingo retains its width between the wheel arches (1.23m). It can load up to two euro pallets. There’s a choice of one or two sliding side doors. Rear doors open 180 degrees and are split 60/40 split unglazed. Citroen is using the tag line ‘Inspired By Pro’ for its LCV products and says this all-new Citroen Berlingo is absolutely bang-on for small businesses, self-employed trades, and SMEs in the construction and related industries.

Panel van or crew van

The new Citroen Berlingo panel van retains its Extenso Cab layout: it can transport three people in the front (row one), with the central seat able to transform into a mobile office with a pivoting writing table. The folding side passenger seat can extend load capability. It can take load lengths of up to 3.3cu m in size M; 3.9cu m in XL. The new Berlingo Crew Van can take five people (two in row one, three in row two). Crew Van is available as XL version only. The second row of seats, front passenger seat and adjustable mesh bulkhead (with access flap) can be repositioned to accommodate long items.

‘Driver’ or ‘Worker’ versions

Citroen is offering two styles of new Berlingo van. Most small businesses will likely choose ‘Driver’ versions. These are tuned to make short trips or longer delivery trips with greater ride comfort and and have driver oriented features:

• dual zone air conditioning,
• seats with lumbar adjustment,
• automatic headlights and windscreen wipers,
• Cruise Control/Speed Limiter,
• Automatic Electronic Parking Brake,
• 8-inch colour touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav and DAB radio,
• and the Surround Rear Vision system.

The ‘Worker’ Berlingo is more the construction industry. It features:

• raised ground clearance (+30mm),
• a protective plate under the engine
• enhanced traction thanks to Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist
• large wheels (690mm) with Mud and Snow tyres,
• extra payload of up to 1,000kg and a Loading Pack with enhanced LED lighting in the load area,
• Overload Indicator,
• 12V and 220V power sockets
• and mid-height load securing rings.

Choice of petrol or diesel engines

The new Citroen Berlingo van can be specified in either petrol or one of two diesel units – 1.5 or 1.6. For small businesses concerned about urban area access and clean air issues there is the PureTech 1.2 petrol range:

• A PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed manual
• and a PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 auto (available from second-half of 2019)

The more popular diesel range features:

• BlueHDi 1.5 130 S&S 6-speed manual
• BlueHDi 1.5 130 S&S EAT8 auto
• BlueHDi 1.6 75 manual
• BlueHDi 1.6 100 S&S manual

Dispatch inspired front end

The new styling of this third generation Berlingo features a similar design to the bigger Dispatch. There’s a short and high bonnet for a commanding view of the road, sliding side door and upright rear end. Inside is all-change too, with a new dash, multi-function steering wheel and a Colour Head-up Display. New Berlingo Van also features smart new materials on the dashboard, central console, doors and seats. The cabin features a hardwearing and easy to clean TPO floor covering. New Berlingo Van is also available with optional plywood lining to the floor and side panels.

Tell me more about the new tech

If you’ve driven a Citroen Berlingo before you’ll know all about its value for money and carrying ability. But what you’ve not had before is some of the innovative new driver assistance tech. Chief of which is the Overload Indicator and Surround Rear Vision The Overload Indicator informs the driver when the maximum authorised payload is exceeded: either overall maximum laden weight or the weight on each axle (front and rear). Citroen says the new Berlingo’s Overload Indicator will prevent on-road risks stemming from tyre blowout or premature wear, and to avoid the risk of a fine for exceeding the load limit. The Overload Indicator’s measurement of load weight is triggered in two ways: automatically, when the engine is started; manually, when parked, by pushing the button located in the load area. The system remains active for five minutes.

Onto Surround Rear Vision, then. As you might expect, this system enhances visibility around vehicles specified with unglazed rear doors (glazed windows are a special build). Images from two cameras (located at the base of the passenger-side door mirror and at the top of the rear doors), are displayed on a 5-inch colour screen that replaces the traditional rear-view mirror. The system has three main functions:

• Side Passenger View: The driver can see the passenger side of the vehicle, by pushing a button on the indicator stalk.
• Rear View Monitoring: Provides an image from the rear of the vehicle when travelling forward. This effectively replaces the rear-view mirror.
• Reversing Camera: Displays the area behind the vehicle when in reverse gear. In forward gear, the default is Rear View Monitoring.

The feature is likely to be significant in reducing reversing incidents, and improving safety around the van. Other driver assistance features of new Berlingo include:

• Colour Head-up Display
• Automatic Electronic Parking Brake
• Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop Function on EAT8 auto)
• Active Lane Departure Warning System
• Driver Attention Alert
• Coffee Break Alert
• Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Recommendation
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Distance Alert
• Active Safety Brake
• Intelligent Beam Headlights
• Cornering Light Function
• Keyless Entry and Start
• Hill Start Assist
• Flankguard – informs the driver of the proximity of objects to the side of the manoeuvring vehicle by memorising the data recorded by sensors located in the front and rear bumpers, combined with the vehicle trajectory.
• Reversing Camera
• Trailer Stability Control – on models equipped with a towbar (factory option), New Citroen Berlingo Van is equipped with a towed-object stabiliser.
• Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist – extra traction for off-road applications
• This is the third generation Berlingo. The first gen Berlingo was launched in 1996; the second gen Berlingo was launched in May 2008 and further facelifted in spring 2015.

No word yet on prices for this new generation Berlingo.

Watch the video on the new Citroen Berlingo

Technical spec of new Citroen Berlingo

• Length: 4.40m size M / 4.75m size XL
• Width: 2.10m (with door mirrors)
• Height: 1.80m to 1.90m (depending on the version)
• Load volume: 3.3m3 size M / 3.9m3 size XL.
• Load volume with Extenso Cab: 3.8m3 size M / 4.4m3 size XL
• Payload: up to 1,000kg size M / up to 950kg size XL
• Usable length: 1.81m size M / 2.16m size XL
• Towable weight: up to 1,500kg