New Citroen Berlingo van on the way

Citroen has unveiled the third-generation Berlingo, with new engines, lower fuel costs and improved practicality. The all-new Berlingo panel van will go on sale in late-2018 and start from an expected in the region of £16,000 before VAT.

Replacing the Berlingo van that was launched back in 2008, the all-new model promises better comfort and practicality. Payloads now start at 650kg (55kg more than before) and peak at 1000kg. Load volumes are larger too at 3.3 - 4.4 cubic metres and all vans get a 1.2 metre load width between the rear areas and a handy overload indicator that will warn the driver when they approach or exceed the van's weight limit.

The 2018 Citroen Berlingo is available in two sizes - M and XL - that measure 4.40 and 4.75 metres long respectively. There are also two trim levels that should make it easy to find the right van for the job in hand, owing to the fact they're named 'Worker' and 'Driver'. 

Builders, electricians and engineers will naturally be attracted to the Berlingo Worker, with three front seats, raised ground clearance and a protective plate under the engine to protect it from bumpy roads and general building site debris. The Worker model gets the maximum payload of 1000kg and a Loading Pack with enhanced LED lighting in the load area. Driver versions are designed (yes, you've guessed it) with delivery firms in mind. All come with cruise control, automatic electronic handbrake, navigation and an eight-inch colour touchscreen.

All versions are offered with a BlueHDi 1.5 diesel with 130PS and a six-speed manual or EAT8 automatic gearbox. The 1.6 turbodiesel from the outgoing van will also be available, along with an all-new PureTech 1.2 petrol with 110PS or 130PS. Citroen hasn't released any fuel economy figures for the new engines, but promises lower fuel costs compared to the old Berlingo. 

Inside the van will get a 'plethora of ingenious storage spaces', from the smallest pens to the largest 15-inch laptops. This includes a drawer under the driver’s seat, an overhead storage unit, large door bins and up to four cupholders. The vehicle is also home to two USB sockets, two 12V sockets and one 220V socket, which should make it easy to keep phones and portable sat navs fully charged. 

The Extenso Cab option provides a foldable centre seat, with a pivoting writing table for those who need a mobile office. The folding seat also lets the driver make full use of the load length of the van, which is 1.81 metres in the M model and 2.16 in XL versions.

Officially there are no details on pricing, but the 2018 Citroen Berlingo is expected to go on sale in late 2018 and start in the region of £16,000 before VAT.