Citroen Berlingo Multispace Modutop Review

Citroen Berlingo Multispace: van roots

Most of us have been overtaken by white vans charging along the outside lane, their drivers once more "pushes the envelope" en route to an urgent plumbing job. The Berlingo Multispace is essentially the same animal, but gains rear seats and windows, a pair of sliding doors, and some remarkably imaginative trim combinations.

Mr Magoo could perhaps confuse the Berlingo with an MPV, yet few people will be deceived by its fundamental silhouette. It is a van with windows. It is also bigger than it first appears, featuring enormous front doors but tight rear sliding doors that irritatingly tend to bounce back towards you. Citroen has made a concerted effort to separate the Multispace from its white-van associations, equipping it with 'Esprit' upholstery and several bright paint options, including 'Wicked Red'. The result feels rather like visiting an Early Learning Centre, although it is less entertaining.

While its unusual looks do nothing for your street cred, they prove useful in town. Motorists allow you out at junctions, nobody cuts in front of you, and builders wave their approval as you hurry by.

Family practicality and the Modutop

The Multispace is not intended for ambitious twenty-somethings; it is designed for families, and that is where it excels. Its two sliding doors make getting in and out straightforward. At the front, there is nearly excessive headroom and a plainly functional dashboard.

This version, the Multispace 'Modutop' (I am assured it is not a Pokémon character), has a ceiling-mounted storage arrangement for belongings that will not fit in the boot. Put a mobile phone in the driver's overhead compartment before pulling sharply away from the lights, though, and you may experience an unwelcome Nokia-to-forehead encounter. Ouch. The Modutop package brings a selection of small cubbies and hatches, together with five separate sunroofs and an additional set of air vents. The boot also merits particular attention. It is sizeable, but its durable corrugated-plastic finish seems ready to batter your shopping at the gentlest bend, making luggage nets essential.

Citroen Berlingo Multispace driving and engines

The Berlingo is enjoyable to drive. It is not a sports car, but when unladen it can still bring a smile. Its controls feel excessively light and somewhat flimsy, while the upright seating position comes directly from the van, yet it remains eager to be flung around. The narrow front tyres can also be easily encouraged into amusing squeals in corners. The Multispace is offered with 1.4-, 1.8- and 1.6-litre 16v engines, alongside a 1.9-litre diesel. This 1.6-litre engine is economical and entirely sufficient in town; only on motorways do its shortage of torque and breeze-block aerodynamics hold it back.

Who, then, would purchase one? Presumably the same buyers who choose Renault's Kangoo. The 1.6I 16v Forte is priced at a modest £9,480, with the Modutop option adding £500. Set that against a £12,300 Scenic or a £13,995 Zafira, and its value becomes obvious. For budget-conscious families, the Multispace is close to ideal, offering abundant space, a useful cabin and inexpensive running costs.

If you can accept its workmanlike image and are willing to sacrifice a little pride, this Citroen deserves consideration. In the end, it is a car bought with the head rather than the heart.