£165
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Drive Type:
Front Wheel Drive
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Engine Size:
1,500.0L
Doors:
5-door
Cylinders:
4
Color:
White
Offer Type:
Available
Engine Size:
1,500.0L
Color:
White
Description
Citroen Berlingo Automatic Review: 6 Months & 10,000 Miles Later - Should You Buy?
The Citroen Berlingo automatic offers 1,255 litres of boot space when the front seats are in use. Six months and 10,000 miles behind the wheel have revealed this van-based car delivers more than its practical appearance suggests. Source
Recent categorisation changes fitted a mesh steel bulkhead behind the second-row seats, legally making them vans since spring 2023. The Berlingo…
Citroen Berlingo Automatic Review: 6 Months & 10,000 Miles Later – Should You Buy?
The Citroen Berlingo automatic offers 1,255 litres of boot space when the front seats are in use. Six months and 10,000 miles behind the wheel have revealed this van-based car delivers more than its practical appearance suggests. Source
Recent categorisation changes fitted a mesh steel bulkhead behind the second-row seats, legally making them vans since spring 2023. The Berlingo maintains its versatility regardless. Five-seat mode still provides 775 litres below the parcel shelf – considerably more space than most family SUVs manage.
The 130hp diesel engine works with an eight-speed automatic gearbox across city streets and motorway journeys. Comparing it to conventional SUVs like the Citroen C5 Aircross or Kia Sportage shows the Berlingo’s substantial boot space as its standout feature.
This practical vehicle debuted in its third generation at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. Various marques now sell versions including Peugeot, Opel, Vauxhall, Toyota and Fiat. The question remains whether living with the Citroen Berlingo automatic matches what the specifications promise. Half a year of real-world testing provides the answers. See electric Citroen Berlingo
What Is the Citroen Berlingo Automatic and Who Is It For?
The Citroen Berlingo automatic combines van-based utility with car-like comfort. This boxy vehicle prioritises function over form while incorporating modern touches that prevent it feeling purely utilitarian.
Model Overview: 1.5 BlueHDi 130 EAT8
The 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine produces 130 horsepower with 300Nm of torque. This powerplant achieves 45.4-52.6 mpg depending on driving conditions. Conservative driving enables up to 500 miles from a single tank. See Citroen Berlingo dimensions
The EAT8 8-speed automatic transmission defines this model. This gearbox delivers smoother gear changes than previous Citroen automatics. The combination accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds with a 114mph top speed. See Citroen Vans For Sale
The BlueHDi 130 EAT8 configuration represents the premium Berlingo option. Both standard M (4.40m length) and extended XL (4.75m length) body styles are available. Feel and Flair XTR trim levels offer this powertrain, with prices starting from £25,635 when new. See Citroen Van Finance
Target Audience: Families, Tradespeople, Dog Owners
The Berlingo automatic appeals to those valuing space and practicality above all else. Three distinct groups find particular benefit from its design. See Citroen Berlingo Vans for sale
Families discover genuine versatility in the Berlingo’s generous dimensions. The M version provides 775 litres of boot space below the parcel shelf with all seats in place. Three full-size rear seats, 27 storage compartments, and the optional Modutop® roof storage system create a family-friendly environment.
Tradespeople benefit from van-based DNA without sacrificing comfort. The “Driver” version features enhanced acoustics and driver assistance systems for those making numerous deliveries. The “Worker” variant offers raised ground clearance, protective plates, and enhanced traction for equipment transport.
Dog owners appreciate the thoughtful design elements. Low loading height makes entry easier for pets compared to SUVs, reducing injury risks. The flat load floor eliminates awkward steps that challenge older dogs. Vertical sides provide maximum headroom for taller breeds. Hardwearing materials resist scratches and clean easily after muddy excursions.
Key Differences from Manual Versions
The automatic Berlingo offers several advantages over manual counterparts. The EAT8 transmission eliminates jerky gear changes that plagued earlier Citroen automated manuals. This smoother operation proves valuable in stop-start traffic.
The EAT8 features a proper creep function, making slow-speed manoeuvring and parking more intuitive. The electronic parking brake on automatic models enhances the urban driving experience.
Fuel economy takes a minor hit with the automatic transmission. The BlueHDi 130 manual achieves slightly better figures than the automatic’s 51.9mpg maximum.
Citroen now offers the all-electric e-Berlingo alongside conventional engines. This variant shares the same practical body but uses a 50kWh battery and electric motor instead of the diesel engine.
Driving the Berlingo: 10,000 Miles of Real-World Use
The Citroen Berlingo automatic reveals its character across different driving conditions. Ten thousand miles of varied use demonstrates how the EAT8 automatic transmission changes the driving experience compared to manual variants, particularly under challenging conditions.
Urban Driving: Visibility and Manoeuvrability
The Berlingo automatic excels around town. The commanding driving position with vast glass area creates a 360-degree view from the driver’s seat – rather like piloting a greenhouse. This exceptional visibility proves invaluable when dealing with tight urban environments.
Steering remains surprisingly light at low speeds. City manoeuvres become remarkably stress-free. The Berlingo’s dimensions might initially seem intimidating, yet its decent turning circle helps tremendously when dealing with tight streets. Parking such a spacious vehicle could potentially challenge drivers, though the available reversing camera eliminates much of this concern.
Motorway Comfort and Noise Levels
Motorways present a mixed experience for the Berlingo. The pliant suspension and comfortable seats create a relaxing environment for longer journeys. Standard cruise control helps reduce fatigue during extended motorway stints, though it lacks adaptive functionality.
Higher speeds reveal the vehicle’s van-based origins. Wind noise becomes quite noticeable as air rushes around the boxy shape and large door mirrors. Road noise echoes throughout the cabin. The diesel engine adds its characteristic drone to the acoustic mix. These remind you this remains primarily a practical vehicle rather than a luxury cruiser.
Country Roads and Handling Feedback
Country roads show the Berlingo’s surprisingly composed handling for its tall profile. Body roll exists but remains well-controlled. The vehicle never feels unstable or top-heavy during cornering.
Steering provides adequate accuracy if not exceptional feedback. This allows confident placement on narrower lanes. The Berlingo responds best to a calm, measured driving style. This vehicle doesn’t encourage enthusiastic cornering.
The suspension’s ability to absorb bumps and potholes effectively impresses most. Even larger undulations are handled with remarkable composure. This characteristic proves welcome on Britain’s increasingly uneven rural roads.
Fuel Economy Observations
The 1.5 BlueHDi 130 automatic proves impressively economical across 10,000 miles of varied driving. Real-world consumption averages in the mid-40s mpg. These figures remain respectable for such a spacious vehicle, though below official estimates.
Longer motorway runs improve efficiency considerably, approaching 50 mpg with consistent driving. Urban journeys naturally reduce these figures. Even fully loaded trips maintain reasonable efficiency. The longest 170-mile test used significantly less than a quarter tank of diesel. This demonstrates genuine long-distance capability.
The automatic transmission impacts economy slightly compared to manual versions. The convenience it offers, particularly in stop-start traffic, justifies this modest compromise.
Interior Space and Practicality After 6 Months
Six months with the Citroen Berlingo automatic reveals interior versatility that continues to impress beyond initial expectations.
Boot Space: 1,255 Litres and Load Flexibility
The Berlingo’s interior space exceeds what basic measurements suggest. The standard M version provides 775 litres of luggage space below the parcel shelf, while the extended XL model offers 1,050 litres. Folding seats expands these figures to 1,884 litres and 1,849 litres respectively.
Load flexibility stands out as the key advantage. Individual rear seats fold separately or together, creating multiple configurations. XL models with optional third-row seating include sliding and completely removable rearmost seats, delivering exceptional adaptability. Maximum load length exceeds 3 metres in XL versions, eliminating van hire needs for most household tasks.
Rear Seat Comfort and ISOFIX Usability
The three independent rear seats offer genuine usability compared to cramped middle seats in conventional cars. Each seat maintains identical width, ensuring equal comfort regardless of position. Both M and XL versions provide substantial legroom.
All three rear seats include ISOFIX mounting points, simplifying child seat installation across the entire row. Six months of regular use shows these mounting points remain robust, displaying no wear despite frequent seat adjustments.
Storage Compartments and Modutop System
The Berlingo includes 27 storage spaces throughout the cabin, accommodating everything from water bottles to electronic devices. The optional Modutop® roof system adds 92 litres of storage through an overhead compartment accessible from rear seats and boot.
This system features a translucent arch with ambient lighting and a large glass roof flooding the interior with natural light. An electric blind provides sun protection when required.
Sliding Doors and Access in Tight Spaces
The pair of sliding side doors proves most practical after extended ownership. These doors provide effortless access in tight parking spaces, unlike conventional hinged doors. Door width optimisation maximises practicality.
The optional opening rear screen allows quick boot access without opening the entire tailgate – particularly useful when parked close to walls or other vehicles.
Infotainment, Tech and Cabin Features
Tech features in the Citroen Berlingo automatic focus on practical functionality rather than premium presentation. Extended use reveals both capabilities and shortcomings of these systems.
8-Inch Touchscreen: Responsiveness and Layout
The standard 8-inch touchscreen controls entertainment and vehicle settings. Graphics appear decent but responsiveness lags behind competitors. The interface occasionally hesitates when switching between functions, particularly noticeable during driving. Physical climate control buttons provide direct access without navigating touchscreen menus. This practical approach surpasses other Citroen models that hide these controls within digital interfaces.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard equipment. These systems require USB cable connection rather than wireless pairing. Your phone’s interface appears on the dashboard screen once connected. Navigation apps, music streaming, and messaging functions work smoothly. The integration performs reliably throughout testing, provided cable connections remain secure on bumpy roads.
Reversing Camera and Parking Sensors
The optional reversing camera aids parking this substantial vehicle. The system delivers a 180° panoramic view behind the Berlingo, activating automatically when selecting reverse gear. Steering-linked guidance lines improve precision, with automatic zoom when obstacles approach. Combined with parking sensors, this feature significantly reduces low-speed collision risks.
Mobile Office Tray and USB Access
The Berlingo accommodates mobile work requirements. A practical office tray integrates into the fold-down central seat. One USB port handles device charging, positioned at the infotainment screen’s base. A clever storage tray keeps your phone hidden whilst connected. An additional 12V socket powers other devices. The single USB port may limit families with multiple devices.
Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Money?
The Citroen Berlingo automatic’s financial case depends on whether its practicality matches your specific needs. Understanding the costs involved helps determine if this MPV represents good value for money.
New vs Used Pricing Breakdown
New Citroen Berlingo models start from £23,355 for the entry-level Plus trim. The diesel automatic variants command a premium. The BlueHDi 130 EAT8 automatic in Plus trim begins at £26,480, while the range-topping Flair XTR automatic costs £28,725.
Used Berlingo automatics from 2018 start around £10,000 with average mileage and full service history. Newer examples from 2022-2023 typically fetch between £15,000-£20,000 depending on specification and condition. Electric e-Berlingo models hold their value well, with 2022 examples rarely dropping below £14,000 even with higher mileage.
Trim Comparison: Feel vs Flair XTR
The jump from Feel to Flair XTR trim costs approximately £2,245 more. Feel trim includes air conditioning, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
Flair XTR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black roof bars, tinted rear windows, leather steering wheel, and three independent rear seats. The XTR package includes a 180° colour reversing camera, automatic air conditioning, and an opening tailgate window. These additions enhance daily usability.
Running Costs and Insurance
The BlueHDi 130 automatic achieves mid-40s mpg in real-world driving. This translates to approximately £895 yearly based on 7,500 miles annually with diesel at £1.40/litre. Road tax costs £195 annually. Insurance groups range from 8-15 depending on exact specification.
Insurance costs vary by age and location. A 30-year-old driver might pay between £432 (rural areas) to £1,046 (London) annually. Service intervals occur yearly or every 12,000 miles, with service plans available to spread costs.
Comparison with Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life
These rebadged siblings share mechanical components but differ in pricing and specification. The Berlingo (£24,125 for BlueHDi 100 Flair) sits between the Combo Life (£23,760) and Rifter (comparable specification).
The Berlingo retains approximately 39.4% after three years compared to 38.9% for the Combo Life and 41.9% for Ford’s Grand Tourneo Connect. The Rifter and Combo Life offer virtually identical practicality with slight differences in interior design and equipment levels.
Conclusion
Ten thousand miles with the Citroen Berlingo automatic reveals a vehicle that delivers on its practical promises. The sliding doors, substantial boot space, and flexible seating arrangements prove genuinely useful for daily tasks. These features set it apart from conventional SUVs that prioritise style over function.
The Berlingo shows clear strengths alongside some limitations. Touchscreen response could be quicker, and motorway wind noise reminds you of the van-based origins. The exceptional visibility, comfortable ride, and consistent mid-40s mpg fuel economy more than compensate for these minor issues.
The automatic transmission makes urban driving notably more pleasant compared to manual versions. The BlueHDi 130 engine provides adequate power without excessive fuel consumption. This combination suits the vehicle’s practical focus perfectly.
The Berlingo represents solid value when considering interior space and equipment levels. Flair XTR trim justifies its premium with useful features that improve daily usability. The used market offers good options for budget-conscious buyers seeking similar capabilities.
Recommending the Citroen Berlingo automatic depends on your priorities. Choose this vehicle if you value practicality above prestige. It excels as a family transporter, dog carrier, or comfortable workhorse. The Berlingo lacks the fashionable appeal of crossovers but few vehicles match its real-world usefulness. Function wins over form.
FAQs
Q1. How spacious is the Citroen Berlingo Automatic? The Citroen Berlingo Automatic offers exceptional space, with 775 litres of boot capacity below the parcel shelf in five-seat mode, expanding to 1,255 litres with the front seats in use. It features flexible seating arrangements and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Q2. What is the fuel economy like for the Citroen Berlingo Automatic? In real-world driving conditions, the Citroen Berlingo Automatic with the 1.5 BlueHDi 130 engine achieves average fuel economy in the mid-40s mpg. On longer motorway runs, it can approach 50 mpg with consistent driving.
Q3. How does the Citroen Berlingo Automatic perform in urban environments? The Berlingo Automatic excels in urban driving thanks to its commanding driving position, excellent visibility, and light steering at low speeds. The EAT8 automatic transmission provides smooth gear changes, making stop-start traffic less stressful.
Q4. What are the key differences between the Feel and Flair XTR trim levels? The Flair XTR trim, while more expensive, offers additional features over the Feel trim. These include 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black roof bars, tinted rear windows, a leather steering wheel, three independent rear seats, a 180° colour reversing camera, and automatic air conditioning.
Q5. Is the Citroen Berlingo Automatic suitable for families with dogs? Yes, the Berlingo Automatic is well-suited for families with dogs. It features a low loading height for easy pet access, a flat load floor, and vertical sides providing ample headroom. The vehicle’s hardwearing materials are also resistant to scratches and easy to clean after muddy excursions.
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£165
Make:
Citroen
Model:
Berlingo
Color:
White
Drive Type:
Front Wheel Drive
Transmission:
Automatic
Condition:
New
Year:
2025
Mileage:
100 miles
Fuel Type:
Diesel
Engine Size:
1,500.0L
Doors:
5-door
Cylinders:
4
Color:
White
Offer Type:
Available
Offer ID #23500
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