Citroen Berlingo Multispace review

So, what can we say about the Berlingo Multispace’s looks? It’s certainly not going to win any design awards, but there’s something pleasingly utilitarian about its appearance.  

There are no quirky design flourishes here, no ‘look-at-me’ garish trim additions. The Berlingo Multispace looks purposeful, with those sliding doors and chunky roof rails adding to its unpretentious, family workhorse credentials. You’re not buying this to make a visual statement. You’re buying it to do a job.  

Thanks to the Berlingo Multispace’s height, you get a nicely elevated driving position that provides a commanding, SUV-like view out the front.  

Handling-wise, the Multispace is surprisingly capable. Considering how tall it is, there’s less body roll than you’d expect while cornering, and the ride makes fairly light work of rutted, bumpy surfaces and potholed city streets. 

While its diesel and petrol engines offer enough power to keep up with motorway traffic and get you out of trouble, bear in mind the Berlingo Multispace is a commercial vehicle re-imagined for family life.  

Overall, it’s a solid performer that will get you where you need to go without much in the way of drama. If you want a car that will tear up B-roads and attack corners like a Lotus Elise, we suggest you look elsewhere. 

The interior of the Berlingo Multispace is not exactly luxurious. Hard plastics, an over-reliance on grey interior trim and a generally utilitarian feel give the Multispace’s van roots away. There’s an honesty here that’s hard to ignore. For its price, the Multispace offers just what you need, and not a lot more.

Equipment levels are in line with the rest of the car’s rather spartan philosophy. The entry-level Feel version features a stereo, Bluetooth and a USB connection, as well as front electric windows and air-conditioning, while the Flair model includes a 7-inch touchscreen, privacy glass and a split-opening rear tailgate. 

Post-2015 facelift, cars are a little less austere than previous models, with the addition of snazzier upholstery and more up-to-date onboard technology.

When it comes to being based on a van, the Berlingo Multispace has its advantages. Thanks to its vast and hugely practical interior, there’s loads of head and leg room for the driver and up to six passengers – if you go for a model with the optional third row of seats.  

The Citroën’s large sliding side doors give fantastic access to the rear passenger compartment, and the boot is enormous. With the second row of seats folded down, the resulting load space is equivalent to what you’d find in a mid-sized commercial van. No surprises there.  

Additionally, the massive rear tailgate makes loading and unloading large items a breeze. There are an array of interior storage spaces and cubbies dotted about the cabin, with Citroen’s innovative Modutop overhead storage system – available on top-spec Flair models – just adding to the Multispace’s practical nature. 

The Citroen Berlingo Multispace range comes with 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines. The BlueHDi 100 S&S, with stop-start technology, returns an impressive 67.3mpg, with the slightly more powerful BlueHDi 120 managing up to 64.2mpg. The turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers 55.4mpg, while the 1.6-litre petrol VTi 95 will give you 44.1mpg. CO2 emissions figures for all engines are in line with the competition. 

Citroen has traditionally not fared well with reliability, but things have improved over the years. As the Berlingo Multispace’s underpinnings are based on those of a van, parts and mechanicals should prove durable. Additionally, its engines are tried and tested units, so we don’t foresee any major ownership problems but you might want to consider cinchCare for added peace of mind. 

We love the Citroen Berlingo Multispace’s back-to-basics approach. It may lack certain luxuries, but it will handle everyday duties with aplomb. When it comes to safety it’s not class-leading. Many cars will have been optioned with curtain airbags and autonomous emergency braking, which are good to have on a family vehicle. It’s perfect for parents with children of all ages, as well as a dog or two. It’ll handle family holidays, camping trips or big excursions to the dump with consummate ease.