The Evolution of the Citroen Berlingo Van
Small vans don’t come more popular or well-regarded than the Citroen Berlingo, a model that has generated huge sales since it was first introduced in 1996.
Since then, the Berlingo has successfully carved a reputation for itself in the small van segment as reliable, spacious, easy-to-drive and great value.
Such is its popularity that it now enjoys the rare privilege of its name being synonymous with the small van class, creating a level of notoriety that ensures it remains a metronomic best-seller in the UK, Europe and beyond.
The Citroen Berlingo is a Descendent of the Citroen 2CV
The better understand the history of the Citroen Berlingo, it is important to deeper into the past beyond 1996 to get an idea of its roots.
Indeed, the Berlingo has a very famous ancestor in the Citroen 2CV Utility, a van-based version of the classic 2CV, a model that helped get millions of people on the road during the 20th century.
A model borne out of the desire to give French labourers a hard-wearing machine to cross rutted terrains without breaking eggs, the 2CV Utility was built to be a robust, durable and spacious workhorse.
The 2CV Utility evolved into the Citroen Acadiane between 1977 and 1987 before being replaced by the Citroen C15, the model that would precede the Berlingo the French manufacturer’s commercial vehicle lineage.
Citroen Berlingo – First Generation (1996-2002)
Launched in 1996, the first-generation Citroen Berlingo ushered in a new era, not only for the French marque’s commercial enterprise, but also for the small van class as a whole.
While the styling bore some resemblance to the Citroen Saxo and Xsara, the Berlingo was otherwise developed on its own and thus had an integrated load volume.
This was quite the departure for a class better used to seeing models like the Ford Escortvan and Vauxhall Combo (Corsavan), which were derived from passenger car models. By being developed from the ground up, the Berlingo could therefore be more compact in exterior dimensions without sacrificing room inside.
Nippy, frugal and practical, the Berlingo – and its sister Peugeot Partner – were instant hits... and not just with the van community.
Indeed, a passenger version that made the most of the dimensions to offer unrivalled practicality proved a surprise hit with buyers too and would spawn a whole new class of ‘van-based multi-purpose vehicles’.
Citroen Berlingo – First Generation Facelift (2002-2008)
After six years on sale, the Berlingo got its first major update with a facelift that brought it closer into line with other models in the Citroen range.
Visually this meant a more emphatic grille and badging, plus chunkier headlights, as well as an overhauled interior space and dashboard.
Citroen Berlingo – Second Generation (2008-2012)
Revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham 2008, the second-generation Citroen Berlingo van followed on from its predecessor by carrying over the car-like performance, handling and comfort from the previous model.
Citroen also showed that it had listened to customer feedback by making the second generation model larger in every major dimension whilst still offering excellent driving dynamics.
An L2 long wheelbase model soon joined the range with an additional 0.4 cubic metres of load volume, followed by an L2 crew van in July 2009.
Citroen Berlingo – Second Generation Facelift (2012-2018)
In 2012 the second generation Citroen Berlingo van received a facelift, endowing it with new headlights, revised badging and streamlined door mirrors.
Emissions were also reduced due to improved aerodynamics, while Citroen even introduced an electric version as it began to dabble in the idea of emissions-free motoring long before it became commonplace in the van industry.
Citroen Berlingo – Third Generation (2018-2023)
The third generation Citroen Berlingo was launched in a selection of configurations, with one or two sliding doors which provide optimised opening for ease of loading and unloading, plus unglazed rear doors which open to 180 degrees.
The new small van also offered record load capacity thanks to its load space design, which is a development of the previous platform, allowing for payloads up to one tonne to be accommodated.
There was also the availability of award winning PureTech 1.2 petrol and BlueHDi 1.5-litre diesel engines which are adapted for use on the motorway and city.
Having been sold alongside the sister Peugeot Partner from launch, the sale of Vauxhall to PSA (owner of Peugeot and Citroen) would result in the Vauxhall Combo being integrated into the line-up from 2019.
They were then joined by the Toyota Proace City as part of a deal between PSA and Toyota, before the FIAT Doblo also joined the ranks when PSA merged with Chrysler-FIAT to create the Stellantis Group.
Citroen Berlingo – Third Generation Facelift (2023 – Present)
In 2023, the Citroen Berlingo received a major update to help stem against increased competition by launching a series of technological updates.
As well as a revised front-end, the engine range saw the petrol variant phased out in favour of a bigger push behind the electric e-Berlingo launched in 2019. It is offered alongside two versions of the 1.5-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel.
Lease A Citroen Van With Vansdirect
The Citroen Berlingo is the smallest of the commercial options available to lease with Vansdirect.
It is joined in Vansdirect’s Citroen commercial range by the mid-size Citroen Dispatch , which is available in diesel or electric powertrains (Citroen e-Dispatch).
At the top of the Citroen commercial range is the Citroen Relay, which is available in standard, long and high body styles, as well as diesel and electric powertrains (Citroen e-Relay).
