Citroën SA has launched a five-seater version of the Berlingo utility vehicle in SA and at a retail price of R139 995, it becomes the cheapest MPV on the market. Will it begin a new trend?
Citroën SA has launched a five-seater version of the Berlingo utility vehicle in South Africa and at a retail price of R139 995, it becomes the cheapest MPV on the market. Will it begin a new trend?
Powered by Citroën’s 1,4 litre fuel-injected motor mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the Berlingo Multispace’s interior is carried over from its Citroën Picasso MPV sibling.
The dashboard consists of a central section housing the standard front-loading CD player system, of which the volume control will adjust itself according to road speed, and air-conditioning controls. The glove compartment lid provides holders for cups, cans and pens. Full instrumentation, including a rev counter, maintenance indicator and digital clock, are standard.
There are two sliding doors on the sides and two vertically-hinged rear doors and the load floor is covered with a durable mat that can be hosed down. The load space with the rear seatbacks in place is 624 litres and the area increases to 2,8 m3 with the 60:40 split seats folded.
In addition, there are extra storage areas in the centre console, doors, the dashboard, and front and rear passenger areas.
Features:
The headlamp beams are height-adjustable and have a 60-second delay function. The cabin and load areas have delayed-action lights and a high-level braking light at the rear. The steering wheel column, head restraints and safety belts are also height-adjustable.
On the safety front, the Berlingo comes with a dual stage full-size airbag for the driver in front and the seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters. The passenger compartment is protected by a high-tensile steel cage with reinforcements in the doors. A cut-off device for the fuel supply helps to protect against fires in a collision.
Double door seals keep the sills free from water and dirt and provides insulation against road noise.
The Citroën Berlingo Multispace is covered by a three year or 100 000 km new car warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty for the more than 90 percent galvanised bodywork. It also carries a 3-year paintwork warranty and comprehensive Auto Assist emergency roadside assistance for a year.