Summary
The third-generation Citroën Berlingo launched in 2018 as a no-nonsense small people-carrier based on a van. This is Citroën’s second-biggest global seller after the C3, but was discontinued in early 2022 in favour of the all-electric ë-Berlingo people carrier.
The MPV is also part of one of those manufacturer alliances – the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life are effectively the same car with the main distinction of the Citroën some slightly quirky styling panels which give it a little more presence than its siblings.
The car was offered in two varieties – a standard five-seater and a 35cm longer XL version with seven seats. Engine choices were between two petrol and two diesel – most reviewers favoured the diesels for their combination of performance and economy.
All versions were marketed on what you got on a budget, and reviews emphasised this. Auto Express called the Berlingo “one of the best-value ways to transport a growing family and all that goes with it,” while Top Gear dubbed it “epic value”. As of September 2023, the Citroën Berlingo holds a Used Car Expert Rating of 76%.
Reviewers highlighted the space – basing the car on a van profile meant loads of room for both people and their belongings. The interior was still somewhat basic, with no posh digital touchscreens and the like, but despite the hard plastics several testers noted that the quality of the fit and finish had stepped up significantly over the previous version.
On the road, reviewers found the Berlingo “surprisingly good”, with smooth, refined progress. However, at high speeds the wind noise became intrusive while big bumps could crash their way around the cabin.
The petrol-powered Berlingo is now no longer in production as Citroën shifts its focus to electric models. As such, the conventional Berlingo has been replaced by the all-electric version called the ë-Berlingo.
Berlingo highlights
- Loads of space for both people and luggage
- Cheap to buy and run, low insurance premiums
- Refined on road
- Tight turning circle
- Build quality better than previous model
Berlingo lowlights
- Less fun to drive than car-based alternatives
- Body rolls a lot in corners
- Wind noise at high speeds
- Overall quality still basic
- Autonomous braking not wholly effective
Key specifications
Body style: Small MPV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £22,135 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Discontinued: Winter 2021/22
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo Van adds passenger-car tech to make it a front runner in the small van class.” (Dean Gibson)
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Model reviewed: 2020 update
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo keeps all of the things that made the previous model a great MPV – brilliant passenger and boot space, low running costs, great value – and improves on each even further. It’s much better to drive than before, too.”
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Model reviewed: XL Flair BlueHDi 130
Score: 8 / 10
“Inner peace is difficult to find on today’s hectic roads, but the Citroen Berlingo instantly brings about a sense of calm, relaxation and equilibrium.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo provides a gargantuan amount of space for a very affordable price. It’s reasonably comfortable and quiet to drive, too, and it’s packed with some really clever storage solutions.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“It rides quietly and softly, assuming a ‘strolling’ motion reminiscent of the original model but far better controlled.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo MPV was very ‘no-frills’ before, but now has a surprisingly nice interior, lots of kit and Citroen’s latest safety features.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo majors on space and practicality, but it’s comfortable too.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Flair
Score: 7.7 / 10
“It does what you’d expect, and well. Sensible family choices don’t come in a more sensible package, including space, kit and efficiency. But not much raw excitement.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen Berlingo is well worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of space and couldn’t give a monkey’s about style. It’s not even that unstylish so long as you go for a Flair model with alloy wheels, you could even say that the Berlingo has a fun, just-back-from-the-beach look.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroën Berlingo MPV has exceptional leg room and loadspace, a high level of standard equipment, and affordable running costs.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“As a pragmatic choice, the Berlingo bristles with appeal for those who value spaciousness, comfort, practicality and low running costs.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Flair
Score: 10 / 10
“A refreshingly honest and practical family car that’s a genuine breath of fresh air. But there’s craft and substance beneath the commercial vehicle underpinnings – and it’s great value, too.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Epic value. The Berlingo majors on comfort, economical diesels and an enormous interior.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“For the money the Citroën Berlingo offers unrivalled interior space and a relaxing ride. It’s also better-trimmed inside then the Vauxhall Combo Life and slightly nicer to drive than a Peugeot Rifter.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“If space and effortless usability are your top priorities, the Citroen Berlingo will hold plenty of appeal. However, as funky and versatile as the Berlingo is, it can’t quite match the driving experience, interior quality or safety ratings of the best large MPVs we’ve tested.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: August 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 58%
Safety assist: 68%
The Citroën Berlingo’s four-star safety rating is based on Euro NCAP’s testing of the almost-identical Peugeot Rifter. The only real differences are some cosmetic body panels in the nose section, and Citroën would have been required to demonstrate that those differences would not affect the Berlingo’s performance in a crash.
Areas that prevented a full five-star rating included the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking, which while performing well at low speeds was rated ‘marginal’ at motorway speeds and in its reaction to pedestrians.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of October 2022, the Citroën ë-Berlingo has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 10
Average repair cost: £91.43
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2022, the Citroën Berlingo has an excellent reliability rating of 78%, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both this version of the Berlingo as well as both older (pre-2018) models, although the data is currently only based on a small number of warranty claims.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën Berlingo has received
2022
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best MPV
2021
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best MPV
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Utility Vehicle
2020
- Autocar Britain’s Best Car Awards – Best Large Car
- What Car? Awards – Best MPV
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Medium Family Car
2019
- Auto Express Awards – Best MPV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Citroën Berlingo, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Fiat Doblò Passenger | Ford Tourneo Connect | Peugeot Rifter | Vauxhall Combo Life | Volkswagen Caddy Life
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