The Citroën Berlingo is a compact multi‑purpose vehicle (MPV) and light commercial van produced by the French automobile manufacturer Citroën since 1996. It has been marketed in passenger‑car, cargo‑van, and leisure‑activity (Luton) configurations and is developed in collaboration with the PSA Group (now part of Stellantis), sharing its platform and many components with the Peugeot Partner and Peugeot Expert series.
Overview
- Vehicle class: Compact MPV / Light commercial vehicle
- Layout: Front‑engine, front‑wheel‑drive (all‑wheel‑drive offered on selected models)
- Production locations: Primary assembly at the PSA Vigo plant in Spain; additional production at the PSA plants in Trnava (Slovakia) and other Stellantis facilities for specific markets.
- Platform: First two generations based on the PF1 platform; third generation built on the EMP2 platform.
Generations
| Generation | Production years | Key developments |
|---|---|---|
| First generation (Typ M5) | 1996 – 2008 | Launched as a compact van, later expanded to passenger versions (Berlingo Multispace). Offered with a range of small‑displacement petrol (1.1–1.6 L) and diesel (1.4–1.9 L) engines. Introduced a high‑roof Luton variant for increased cargo volume. |
| Second generation (Typ M7) | 2008 – 2018 | Restyled exterior and interior; new PSA “Suction‑Side” doors for easier rear‑hand access. Engine line‑up refreshed with PSA EU5 diesel units (1.6 L) and PureTech gasoline engines (1.2 L, 1.6 L). Added safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and multiple airbags. |
| Third generation (Typ W) | 2018 – present | Built on the EMP2 platform, offering improved crash safety, reduced weight and better fuel efficiency. Introduced digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and advanced driver‑assistance systems (e.g., lane‑keeping assist, traffic‑sign recognition). Powertrains include 1.2 L PureTech petrol, 1.5 L BlueHDi diesel, and, from 2022, an optional fully electric version marketed as the Citroën Berlingo Electric (available in select European markets). A facelift in 2022 refined the front‑end styling and updated the technology package. |
Variants
- Berlingo Van: Panel‑van configuration with sliding side doors, aimed at commercial users. |
- Berlingo Luton: Extended‑roof version with a rear cargo box, designed for higher payloads. |
- Berlingo Multispace (Passenger): MPV layout with flexible seating for up to seven occupants, featuring rear‑hinged doors (depending on market). |
- Berlingo Electric: Battery‑electric model with a nominal range of approximately 275 km (WLTP) and a 50 kWh lithium‑ion battery. |
Market Position and Production
The Berlingo has consistently ranked among the best‑selling compact vans in Europe, competing directly with the Renault Kangoo, Volkswagen Caddy, and Ford Transit Connect. Its popularity is attributed to a combination of practical interior packaging, low running costs, and a broad range of body styles.
Related Models
- Peugeot Partner / Expert: Mechanically identical siblings sharing chassis, powertrains, and many interior components. |
- Opel/Vauxhall Combo: Badge‑engineered counterpart sold in certain markets. |
References
Information compiled from manufacturer press releases, technical specifications released by Stellantis, and automotive industry publications up to the knowledge cutoff of 2024.