Citroen Berlingo: Owner Review

1.4-liter multispace (2004 model year), got it from the automobile sales center. No music, conditioner, cost somewhere about 15000-16000 UD dollars. In the course of the year and a half I did 25000 km on the city roads and a 500 km trip to the seaside, however it was a highway. I didn't experience any kind of troubles at all. During the first few months I was falling asleep while driving, it wasn't a ride but a rest as there was no noise at all! I did a checkup twice and it cost me some 40$ (the first time) and 200-some in Citroen service center along with filters and plugs replacement, and what not. It isn't at all costly. What concerns fuel consumption, it consumes some 6-8 liters per 100 km and that is with the turned-on conditioner.

General impression: very comfortable driver seat, great visibility (glass saloon, large mirrors), I happened to spend eight hours driving without a stop and didn't get tired. Surprisingly nice noise insulation (velour interior trim), it is quiet even with the removed backseats and without rear shelf. The ceiling is high and boasts of a convenient shelf with numerous pockets.

I got used to the large saloon and therefore in all other cars I kind of suffer from claustromania, it's like a job riding in them, and it is worth mentioning, I'm not too big bulky a guy. I once gave a ride to three two-meter strappers who drank a lot of beer before that and there was enough room for them, it was okay. The engine operated nicely in cold weather and in dampness, started immediately, heated seats and mirrors are awesome, it feels great in a minute after you get in the car in cold weather.

The air blow-off is powerful and efficient. There is no problem with saloon sealing, nothing whistles, nothing blows and it's warm even in winter. The steering is sharp and accurate (booster), the steering wheel can be put almost on your knees and it's easy to steer even with your finger. The right hand is on the gearbox lever and it doesn't get tired. I installed expensive Hi-End system although without a subwoofer yet, now it's like driving a conservatory however I need to put the finishing touches on the doors' sound insulation as they clank because of being too big.

The automobile is provided with elastic cargo suspension (I once had to transport 500 liters of spring water for 500 km distance and it is was all good). Nice flat 1.5-meter trunk that comprises the entire roof can be easily the place to put a two-cell fridge plus loads of stuff in.

We once went to the seaside and spent several nights in the car. There were three of us and the dog so we slept on the blankets that were on the floor with the backseats removed and it was enough room for all of us. There's not a scratch on the body, not a hint of corrosion. The automobile boasts of nice dynamics although its engine is quite weak, I was the first to overtake at the traffic lights not once however the car is a bit dull anyway when it comes to a highway. The automobile is of no particular interest for car thieves and for road inspectors, I was never stopped even while piquets. People are always curious about it and then realize that this is the car they actually need. So to sum it up, I'd say this is a comfortable, compact, inexpensive, and efficient van functionally and rationally designed for an 'economy class' family.Dunlop