Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6I 16v Forte Modutop Review

Citroen Berlingo Multispace: van looks and urban appeal

Most of us have been overtaken by a white van charging along the outside lane, its driver once more determined to 'push the envelope' while heading to an urgent plumbing job. The Berlingo Multispace is essentially that same machine, but gains rear seats and windows, sliding doors, and some remarkably imaginative interior trim schemes.

Mr Magoo could perhaps confuse the Berlingo with an MPV, but few others will be taken in by its fundamental silhouette. It is, plainly, a van with windows. It is bigger than it first appears, too: the front doors are enormous, whereas the rear sliding doors are narrow and have an annoying habit of bouncing back towards you. Citroen has worked hard to separate the Multispace from white-van associations, offering 'Esprit' upholstery and several bright paint options, among them 'Wicked Red'. The result resembles an Early Learning Centre outing, although it is rather less entertaining.

Its unusual styling may do little for your street cred, yet it proves useful in town. Motorists tend to let you pull out at junctions, nobody tries to cut you up, and builders wave encouragingly as you hurry by.

Family space and the Modutop interior

The Multispace is not intended for ambitious twenty-somethings; it is built for families, and that is where it excels. Its pair of sliding doors make getting in and out straightforward. At the front, there is almost too much headroom, alongside a practical, workmanlike dashboard.

This Multispace 'Modutop' model - “not a Pokémon character, I'm assured” - has a ceiling-mounted storage arrangement for belongings that will not fit in the boot. Put a mobile phone in the driver's overhead compartment before pulling sharply away from the lights, though, and you may experience an unwelcome Nokia-to-forehead encounter. Ouch. Choosing Modutop brings assorted little storage pockets and flaps, five separate sunroofs, and additional air vents. The boot also merits a mention: it is sizeable, but its tough corrugated-plastic finish seems ready to batter your shopping at the first bend, making luggage nets essential.

Berlingo Multispace driving and value

The Berlingo is enjoyable to drive. It is not a sports car, but when empty it can still raise a smile. Its controls feel excessively light and somewhat flimsy, while the high-set driving position is pure van, yet it remains eager to be flung around. The narrow front tyres can also be easily persuaded into producing amusing squeals through bends. The Multispace is available with 1.4-, 1.8- and 1.6-litre 16v engines, plus a 1.9-litre diesel. This 1.6-litre engine is economical and more than sufficient around town; it is only on motorways that the shortage of torque and breeze-block aerodynamics hold it back.

Who is likely to purchase it? Presumably the same buyers drawn to Renault's Kangoo. The 1.6I 16v Forte is priced at a modest £9,480, with the Modutop option adding £500. Set that against a £12,300 Scenic or a £13,995 Zafira and its value becomes clear. For budget-conscious families, the Multispace is close to ideal, offering abundant space, a usable cabin and modest running costs.

If you can accept its utilitarian image and set aside a little pride, the Citroen deserves consideration. In the end, it is a car bought with your head rather than your heart.