Citroën Berlingo long-term test: report 5

The car Citroën Berlingo BlueHDi 130 Flair XTR M EAT8 Run by Will Williams, senior photographer  

Why it’s here We know the Berlingo is a practical choice, but can it also show a wealth of other talents for a young family?

Needs to Be comfortable and efficient, function as a mobile office and have plenty of space for camera kit and the family

Miles 4998 List price £27,635 Target Price £26,437 Price as tested £28,180 Test economy 42.7mpg Official economy 49.5mpg

23 March 2021 – Delivering the goods

Forgive the diversion, but I’m going to start this update at my local pub. The landlord, Steve, is a lovely chap who’s been delivering decent food to the elderly and vulnerable throughout our village for years.

Where does my Berlingo come in? Well, Steve was recently looking for volunteers to deliver his wares – and there I was, perfectly willing to sacrifice an hour of my time to do a good deed, with what was easily the most spacious car in the area to fit all the tasty treats in.

As I was using it as a food delivery vehicle, I could see why Berlingos are so popular among van drivers, and the same attributes also make it a fantastic family car. The tiny turning circle meant fewer three-point turns were needed in cul-de-sacs, for instance, while the dual-zone air climate control (cranked up to furnace levels on the passenger side) ensured that my deliveries arrived piping hot and ready to be enjoyed.

The accurate sat-nav stopped me getting lost, and the wide opening doors meant it was a breeze to jump out at each contactless drop-off. Impressive stuff, and it left me feeling that each of those fairly small elements would add up to make a real difference in your daily life.

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