The 2008 Citroen Berlingo will have its world debut at the 2008 Commercial Vehicle Show and will go on sale in UK on 5 June. The 2008 Citroen Berlingo in UK will come in two versions - L1 and L2 - with prices starting at 10,395 pounds without VAT and delivery.
The 2008 Citroen Berlingo will be available with a choice between one petrol engine (1.6i 16V with 90hp) and two diesel ones (1.6HDi with 75 hp and 1.6HDi with 90 hp).
Citroen Press Release:
Citroen’s new Berlingo range makes its world debut at the 2008 Commercial Vehicle Show – and will go on UK sale on 5 June.
The all-new Berlingo is set to make a major impact in the light commercial vehicle market. It takes over from its predecessor, which was one of Europe’s most successful light commercial vehicles, with over 800,000 Berlingo vans sold worldwide. With its proven pedigree, the new Berlingo is a giant step forward for the high-cube van sector.
Robert Handyside, Citroen’s commercial vehicle operations manager, comments, “The original Berlingo pioneered the high-cube van sector. The fantastic new Berlingo retains all the successful key
ingredients of its predecessor, which were valued by discerning van customers and builds upon these to redefine the benchmark in this all-important sector. Citroen has worked closely with business operators throughout Europe to ensure that the new Berlingo provides the optimum combination of load carrying efficiency, driver/passenger comfort and safety, performance and economy.”
To meet business demands for greater efficiency, better performance and lower running costs, Citroen has developed the new Berlingo to deliver more. It has greater carrying capacity,
thanks to its larger load compartment and higher payload capability, has even higher standards of driver/passenger safety and comfort, including optional Extenso® three seat capability and delivers optimum performance and economy with low running costs.
To provide the key benefits of flexibility and versatility, new Berlingo is available with two trim levels, three engines and two vehicle lengths in an 11-model range (which includes a unique platform cab model) and is available with Citroen’s optional Extenso® modular cabin.
With this option, new Berlingo has the ability to transport loads of 3 metres or more long dependent on model or occasionally carry up to three people. Maximum Berlingo payloads rise to 850kg and the larger of the two new Berlingo models has a load compartment volume of 3.7cu.m (4.1cu.m with Extenso® option).
Robert Handyside continues, “New Berlingo offers a unique range of benefits in the high-cube van sector. It leads the way with two or three seat capability, a first in this sector, along with an ultra-flexible load compartment configuration, high levels of comfort and safety and the availability of a unique platform cab. We fully expect new Berlingo to be another major success and fully complement its predecessor, which now continues as Berlingo First.”
New Berlingo – bigger and better load carrying efficiency
Two versions (L1 and L2) of the new Berlingo will be available in the UK (full range and pricing details are at the end of this release). Both models share a common 2728mm wheelbase. The larger L2 version of the Berlingo has a 248mm longer rear overhang. Compared with the original Berlingo, the L1 model is 240mm longer at 4380mm overall length and 80mm wider, with a wheelbase that is 350mm longer.
These increased overall dimensions result in the new Berlingo L1 having a load compartment volume of 3.3cu.m, while the L2 model has a 3.7cu.m capacity load compartment (the original Berlingo had a load compartment volume of 3.0cu.m). Payloads have also increased from the 600kg or 800kg of the original Berlingo. The new Berlingo L1 is available in 625 or 850kg payload capacities, while the L2 version has a 750kg payload.
Two ISO pallets can be carried in either version of the new Berlingo van, thanks to a load compartment length of 1800mm for the L1 or 2050mm for the L2. Width between wheelarches is an impressive 1229mm while the maximum width of the load compartment at 1620mm is outstanding in this category.
Citroen will offer the new Berlingo with a wide range of load compartment door options including single or twin sliding side load doors. As standard, new Berlingo has unglazed twin hinged rear doors with glazed rear doors as an option. The twin rear doors are an asymmetric design, split 60/40. Both open out to 177 degrees, to enable the new Berlingo to back right up to a loading bay. A further access choice available with the twin rear doors is the optional availability of a hinged roof flap. This enables ladders or other long items to be carried in the new Berlingo, with both the rear doors shut, where safe to do so.
The new Berlingo’s load carrying versatility is further enhanced with Citroen’s innovative modular Extenso® cabin option. This provides the ability to seat a driver and two passengers, thanks to a middle seat for occasional use. With the Extenso® cabin option the outer passenger seat can be folded away to enable loads of 3.0m or more long dependent on model to be carried.
The outer passenger seat can also be configured so that its seat cushion can be raised vertically against the seat back, to enable tall items to be carried on the cab floor next to the driver. With the Extenso® cabin, the load space of new Berlingo is increased by 0.4cu.m to give a total load volume of 3.7cu.m for the L1 and 4.1cu.m for the L2 model.
In two-seater format the passenger seat back folds flat onto the seat squab to provide a load carrying platform for longer lengths. At the rear of the vehicle the load sill height of the new Berlingo ranges from 584mm for the 625kg payload L1 to 612mm for the L2.
Internally new Berlingo’s load compartment is fully panelled to the waist rail to prevent damage. The standard load compartment specification includes a 12V socket and a rechargeable torch, which doubles as the load compartment light or a portable light and a ladder frame bulkhead behind the driver.
New Berlingo is offered with a wide range of bulkhead options including a choice of a removable half height steel bulkhead, which can be specified with or without a removable panel and in either instance there is the further option of a mesh upper bulkhead section.
New Berlingo – modern, but practical styling
The new Berlingo combines style and practicality – but the stylish exterior has not compromised its practicality in a demanding working environment. Thus, new Berlingo’s contemporary looks include a large glass area for excellent visibility and the large cabin doors ensure ease of access.
The overall shape of new Berlingo has also been designed to achieve good aerodynamic characteristics with resultant low noise levels at cruise speed. Other practical features of the design include robust bumpers and generous side impact protection – with rear lights and headlights positioned to avoid minor impact damage.
New Berlingo – designed for crew safety and comfort
New Berlingo, like its predecessor, majors on comfort, safety and convenience, with a working environment which combines both style and practicality. Thus, new Berlingo has a light and airy cabin which makes full use of stylish but hard wearing materials, including fabric-lined door trims and in-cab carpeted flooring. The option of a removable, washable PVC load compartment mat is also available.
Considerable effort has been made within the new Berlingo to provide the driver with a proper office on wheels. In two seater format the passenger seat can be folded down to give a flat writing surface, complete with two cup holders.
New Berlingos fitted with the Extenso® cabin option also provide a desk function, as the central seat folds flat to form a writing surface, complete with a document retaining strap. In addition the Extenso® centre seat houses a 7.6 litre secure storage bin to conceal valuables from passers-by.
Storage space is an area where new Berlingo’s cabin excels. A combination of a passenger side glove box, a glove box behind the steering wheel, over-windscreen storage, large door pockets, a central console and additional driver’s seat storage provide a total in-cab storage space of up to 61 litres.
The dashboard of the new Berlingo has been designed to provide a premium quality feel and appearance – and all controls, including the dashboard mounted gear lever, are within easy reach. In addition all new Berlingo models incorporate an airbag as standard and the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach. Both driver and passenger(s) are provided with comfortable, hard wearing/easy clean cloth faced seats. In addition, the driver’s seat has the benefit of height adjustment and an arm rest.
The benefits of new Berlingo’s aerodynamic design and resulting low wind noise levels are complemented by extensive internal noise reduction measures. Low cabin noise levels are achieved with effective acoustic encapsulation of the engine and the under-floor body pan is specially coated to reduce road noise and protect the vehicle body structure from stone chipping. In addition, the new Berlingo interior also boasts a wide range of noise-absorbent acoustic materials applied to dash, roof and other interior surfaces.
Standard equipment on all Berlingos includes a trip computer, central locking, electric front windows and internally adjustable door mirrors. The already high level of standard trim is further augmented in new Berlingo LX models with remote central locking, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and an external temperature sensor. Standard audio equipment includes a stereo radio/CD player on all models.
A wide range of competitively priced options is available for the new Berlingo including a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit, rear parking sensors, a visibility pack which includes automatic rain sensitive wipers, automatic actuation of headlights and a heat reflecting windscreen. Passenger, side and lateral airbags are also optionally available, as is air conditioning, cruise control, tyre pressure sensors, ESP and ASR.
New Berlingo – platform cab convertibility
The original Berlingo range included a unique and successful platform cab model. This configuration is continued in the new Berlingo range with a 1,000kg body-payload platform cab which is available to suit mini-motorcaravan, pickup, temperature controlled bodywork and other specialist body applications.
To provide an easy and fully compliant match for the new Berlingo’s advanced CAN electronics system, the platform cab includes a Coachbuilder Transformation Box (CTB). This allows body-builders to connect the body electrics up to the new Berlingo’s main electrical circuit without adversely affecting the integrity of the system. An added bonus is the significantly reduced size of wiring bundles and improved overall reliability. The CTB is also optionally available for Berlingo vans destined to be converted for wheelchair transport and other specialist applications.
New Berlingo – the optimum combination of ride and handling
Many operational benefits of the new Berlingo stem from its state-of-the-art platform. This includes a sophisticated suspension package to provide the new Berlingo with the highest standards of ride and handling and the associated safety and cost benefits of ultra-modern running gear.
Front suspension is by means of MacPherson-type struts, with lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. At the rear new Berlingo’s rubber mounted suspension package is made up of a twisting transverse beam, with an anti-roll bar. To maximise internal load space between wheel arches the rear shock absorbers are inclined.
All new Berlingo models have 283mm ventilated front discs and rear 269mm disc brakes with ABS fitted as standard. Standard wheels are 15-inch units with 195/65 Michelin tyres. The new Berlingo is optionally available with an All-Road Pack. This includes larger tyres to provide increased ground clearance and greater traction. In addition, this Pack includes an under-engine protection skid plate and reinforced under-body protection to help new Berlingo find its feet on building sites and similar rough terrain.
New Berlingo – efficient power choice
New Berlingo is available with a choice of three frugal engines – a new 1.6i petrol engine and two 1.6HDi diesels. All three engines have five speed gear boxes. For dual fuel conversion, new Berlingo is offered with a 90hp (66kW) 1.6i 16V petrol engine. This new unit has good low-speed torque characteristics (132Nm @ 2,500rpm) and develops its peak power of 90hp at 5,500rpm. The proven 1.6HDi engine is offered in both 75hp (55kW) and 90hp (66kW) formats. The 75hp diesel develops its 185Nm peak torque at 1,750rpm, while the 90hp 1.6HDi has an even more impressive peak torque rating of 215Nm at 1,750rpm.
Both versions of the 1.6HDi engine fitted to the new Berlingo can be operated on up to 30 per cent bio diesel without any technical modification or loss of warranty. In addition to their high levels of fuel efficiency, all three power units offered in the new Berlingo have long service intervals. Both diesel engines have 12,500 miles or two year service intervals, while the petrol engine has 20,000 miles or two-year service intervals. Other maintenance reducing features of new Berlingo include a new, extended life cam belt for the 1.6HDi engine, which only requires changing every 150,000 miles or 10 years.
