Great value for a compact van that offers decent space and comfort.
Practical load bay can cope easily with a Euro pallet or loads of up to 600kg.
Well equipped cab offers decent amount of standard kit and plenty of storage options.
The 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesel engine is a keen performance and suits the Berlingo First’s comfortable ride and decent driving manners.
Recall 16-05-2005: The airbag control unit may underestimate the severity of an impact and affect airbag deployment.
Recall 13-07-2005: Suspension spring may break.
Recall 03-07-2008: Faulty electrical component may affect wipers, lights and battery charging.
Recall 08-06-2009: Left-hand seat belt may become detached in a collision.
Recall 03-07-2009: Spare wheel carrier heat shield may become detached.
Recall 09-10-2009: Rear shock absorber may become detached.
Recall 01-12-2010: Rear tailgate strut’s ball supports may fail and prevent tailgate from closing.
Recall 09-09-2010: Passenger airbag may not deploy due to incorrect wiring.
Recall 11-10-2010: Roof flap may detach.
The driver’s seat could do with more lower back support for longer stints at the wheel.
Refinement is not as good as more modern rivals, especially at higher speeds in the diesel model.
On HDi engines, the rubber cushioned timing belt pulley needs replacing at same time as timing belt (60k - 70k miles) otherwise it can separate.
Problem with Siemens ECU/injection system on HDi engnes (no problem with Bosch ECU/injection system).
Oil starvation to turbo of 1.6 HDi is a common problem because the oil supply pipe is easily blocked.
Airbag prone to failure because connecting cables rub and chafe on steering column. Airbag warning light on is an MoT failure. May be expensively misdiagnosed as needing new airbag ECU.
22-5-2019: Report of 113,000 mile 2004 Citroen Berlingo Desire diesel losing power and juddering with black smoke from the exhaust.
May 2007
Berlingo Ready to Run LPG launched
The Berlingo 600 LX dual fuel conversion includes a state-of-the-art sequential, common rail, gas injection system which has been specifically developed for the Berlingo 1.4i 75PS engine. Common rail gas injection allows the LPG to be injected at high pressure into the engine’s inlet manifold, as close to the valves as possible.
April 2008
Citroen introduces the Berlingo First name.
The old Berlingo continues in the Citroen van range but with the new name of Berlingo First. The range consists of two competitively priced, 600kg payload vans. The Berlingo First 1.4i is powered by a 75PS petrol engine, while the Berlingo First 1.6 HDi has a 4 75PS diesel engine, which is able to run on up to 30 per cent bio diesel without modification.
January 2010
Berlingo First is improved with a new Plus Pack
This adds high-frequency remote control central locking, electric front windows and electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors to the Berlingo First specification. In addition, for 2010, the Berlingo First van also gains a near-side sliding side load door as part of its standard equipment.
February 2010
Berlingo finally goes off sale
Since its launch in 1996, the Berlingo First has built a reputation for reliability, durability and low running costs of operation. After 15 years, and approaching 140,000 Berlingo First vans sold in the UK, it was withdrawn from the UK market.
October 2010
Berlingo payload upgrade
The upgraded Berlingo First gets an increase in payload from 600kg to 749kg. To reflect its 25% payload boost, this model is now designated as the Berlingo First 750. Other changes include the addition of an underbody engine protection plate and suspension revisions. As a result, the van’s gross vehicle weight has increased from 1,730kg to 1,955kg and braked trailer towing capacity has been raised to 1,070kg.