What's the news?
Rejoice, for Citroen is about to launch the latest version of one of our favourite cars, the distinctly-anti-fashion Berlingo. The van-based MPV was first launched in 1996, and this will be the third generation of a hugely successful model line. It switches to a version of the EMP2 platform (as found under the C4 Picasso and Peugeot 3008) and gets a choice of two engines - the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo in 110hp and 130hp forms, and the 1.5-litre BlueHDI diesel in 75hp, 100hp, and 130hp forms. Six speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes are available, but Citroen hasn't released emissions figures just yet.
The biggest news (literally) is that there will be a bigger Berlingo - an XL model with an extra 190mm in the wheelbase, giving stretching room to rear-seat passengers. Both standard and long-wheelbase models will come with seven seats, the rearmost seats can be lifted out, while the centre row, which has three individual seats, can either fold flat (using a boot-mounted 'Magic Flat' control) or also be removed. The third row seats also slide back and forth on long-wheelbase models. Boot space, with the third row seats out, is 775 litres for a standard model, and 1,050 litres for the XL. Sliding side doors are also standard, which will be manna from heaven for families who regularly park in narrow parking slots. They also get proper winding windows on top-spec models, too.
On top of that, the Berlingo boasts an additional 186-litres of storage and cubby spaces scattered around the cabin, including a whopping 92-litres in the roof-top 'ModuTop' overhead bins. As with the C4 Cactus, the passenger-side airbag has been moved to the roof to allow more space for the glovebox.
While the Berlingo will still be something of a bargain alternative to mainstream MPVs, it will come with a host of high-end options, including a head-up display, lane departure steering, traffic sign recognition and active cruise control which can, on versions fitted with an automatic gearbox, bring the Berlingo to a total stop in traffic.
There's also a blind spot monitor, emergency autonomous braking, active high-beam headlights, keyless entry and ignition, reversing camera with 'top-down view', an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging.
As far as style is concerned, the new Berlingo lifts cues from the current C3, C3 Aircross and C4 Cactus, with a distinctly-SUV-ish front end and 'Airbump' door protectors. For a bit of extra style an optional XTR pack will be available which includes a bodykit, and orange trim highlights.
The new Berlingo will make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in the second half of this year.