Car Test
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R0289 | |
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See also
R0128
December 2002 |
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| Citroen Berlingo Multispace | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.0HDi Forte | |
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Multispace’s success has taken even Citroen by surprise. As we write, one month’s sales have exceeded the whole first year’s figures.
But perhaps even the image-conscious British can see Gallic good-sense when it’s staring them in the face. Also, this Berlingo van-based domestic holdall has become even more versatile and better equipped since its inception, yet its price has come down significantly. The latest bevy of changes is easily dismissed as a minor facelift, with styling of the front end conferring a more ‘butch’ image. But beneath that taller bonnet, existing engines have been repositioned, wider, lower-profile tyres adopted on higher-powered versions and more brake and crash-safety is designed in, as well (although the model has yet to be NCAP assessed). Inside, fittings and furnishings remain little changed, but there’s a revised facia with a useful central information display that exploits the model’s multiplex wiring. It can tell you (in words) that a door is open, if something is amiss under bonnet, and even that the remote handset battery is getting low. It’s a pity that the main dials are hard to decipher in poor daylight, however. Nearside rear legroom is better for the deletion of the oddments box under the front seat. The seats have upgraded upholstery, with front hand wheel rake adjusters, but there’s still no cushion height/tilt. The stalks now include a radio satellite control with a cassette player retained; reception is good. Some size 12’s may find accelerator foot room cramped, but the under-facia trim does respond to adjustment - there’s no room for big feet beside the clutch, however. Having tried all the others previously, we were majoring on the latest direct-injection diesel this time. However, we drove the most recent 1.6 and 1.4 petrol versions, as well. There’s a minor but discernible shift towards optimising steering response and cornering ability in these revisions, at slight cost to the model’s ride absorbency. The latest 1.6 definitely pulls more smoothly from low revs, however. This more powerful diesel provoked both delight and disappointment. For a start, its extra weight makes the best of the revised suspension, giving an added measure of grip in both cornering and braking, with little firming up over the bumps and good steering feel. It’s also better installed than most - after initial noisiness from a cold start, it’s very subdued and vibe-free, with a lovely loping 2500rpm at the legal limit. It’s a ply, therefore, that both cars we drove had engine surge when trickling along below 1500rpm - especially apparent in the warm-up phase. Most disappointing, however, were our acceleration and fuel consumption test results - better than the older diesel’s, but we were expecting more. |
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