Name: Citroën Berlingo (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Citroën Berlingo
Rating: 74

Citroën Berlingo (2018 – 2022) | Expert Rating

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 replaced in early 2022 by the all-electric e-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 comes in two varieties – a standard five-seater and a 35cm longer XL with seven seats. Engine choices are between two petrol and two diesel with an electric version on the way – most reviewers favour the diesels for their combination of performance and economy.

All these cars are marketed on what you get on a budget and reviews emphasise this, Auto Express calling the Berlingo “one of the best-value ways to transport a growing family and all that goes with it,” while Top Gear dubs the car “epic value”. Currently the Citroën Berlingo holds an Expert Rating of 74%.

Reviewers highlight the space – basing the car on a van profile means loads of room for both people and their belongings. The interior is still somewhat basic, no posh digital touchscreens and the like here, but despite the hard plastics several testers note that the quality of the fit and finish has stepped up significantly since the previous version.

On the road reviewers find the Berlingo “surprisingly good”, with smooth, refined progress. However at high speeds the wind noise becomes intrusive while big bumps can crash their way around the cabin.

The petrol-powered Berlingo is now no longer in production – replaced by the all-electric version, the e-Berlingo.

More Citroën ratings, reviews, news and features

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: From £22,135 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replaced: 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: 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10
“Bargain MPV remains one of the best value ways to transport a growing family and everything that goes with it.”
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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

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.”
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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.”
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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 rating: 4 stars
Date tested: October 2018

91%

ADULT OCCUPANT

81%

CHILD OCCUPANT

58%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

68%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Notes on safety rating

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.