Citroen Berlingo Multispace (2008-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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Aside from the noisy engines, the Berlingo Multispace is comfortable, though it does still feel rather van-like. The seats are upright and quite basic, and nowhere near as sumptuous as those of the C4 Picasso, and the ride is quite bouncy. It does not soak up bumps and potholes particularly well, rebounding and jolting out of the worst gaps in the Tarmac, and it is prone to vibration through the steering wheel at motorway speeds.

Where the Multispace scores, however, is its space - as the name implies. The high roof allows for numerous handy overhead consoles and storage shelves. There's also the optional Modutop - roof bars which can be mounted length- or widthwise - allow for even more storage space.

The roof bars can also be fitted on the inside, for greater security and improved aerodynamics. The internal bars can't carry anything too heavy, but they are fine for items such as skis. Further storage facilities on offer include the usual door bins, a removable centre console, under-boot cubbyhole and under-seat areas.

There's a big boot - 675 litres below the parcel shelf with all three seats in place, and a flat 3000 litres with all the seats taken out - and a load bay up to 2m long behind the front seats. You could camp in there, and there's also more-than-adequate space for a wheelchair-carrying conversion. Plenty of rear legroom, loads of headroom, and if you don't need to carry a full complement of passengers, the seats can be removed or folded. VT and VTR models come with a split-folding rear bench, the XTR with three individually folding/removable seats (optional in the VTR).

Access to the cabin is easy, with wide-opening front doors and large sliding side doors, and the tailgate has separately-opening glass for a quick reach into the boot.

Not quite as many gadgets on offer as in the C4 Picasso or similar, however: don't expect DVD players, for example, or standard sat nav. Only XTR models have air conditioning (optional in the others) and front electric windows are extra-cost options in the VT. All models have a radio/CD, but only the XTR has an MP3 input.

Options include tinted glass, a Bluetooth system, the Detection pack (electric-folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control), Visibility pack (rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, heat-reflecting windscreen), sat nav, alloy wheels and metallic or black paint - take care, as by the time you've ticked a few of these boxes, prices will be well into C4 Picasso territory and the Berlingo will be less of a bargain.