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The 2001 Citroën Berlingo combines the
best features from traditional one-box vans and car-derived vans, plus a dash
of Citroën technology and style to produce a uniquely versatile commercial
vehicle that is an asset in every way to the companies it
serves.
The new model year Berlingo gains a driver's
airbag, pretensioned seat belts, revised instrumentation that now includes a
rev counter and an engine immobiliser is added to its armoury of security
features.
But, at $16,399, the Berlingo retains the same
price, ensuring continued success for the French van.
"The Citroën Berlingo represents
a whole new concept for van and commercial vehicle users across Australia,"
says Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën Australia. "For van-kind,
the hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on their vans, the
Berlingo represents a completely new way of looking at this type of vehicle and
is, as such, uniquely better than its competitors.
"This fact has been widely recognized
in Australia and our only problem since its launch has been keeping up with the
demand which has, at times, seen it account for 50 per cent all Citroëns
sold in Australia, says Mr Williams."
From the traditional one-box van Berlingo has
the advantages of a large, square and easily loaded 'cube' of three cubic
metres. This is combined with all the features of a vehicle designed as, and
not converted to, commercial vehicle use, from a curtain to keep cool air in
the front compartment to wide opening rear doors and a long, low load
floor.
The Berlingo's heritage from a car-derived van
adds to the mix a driving experience that is better than the 'car-like' claim
of its competitors. The drivetrain and suspension from the acclaimed
Citroën Xsara, give superb ride, roadholding and handling, as well as a
spacious and well appointed driver's compartment.
Unlike most car-derived vans, though, which
look like a car with a crudely added box grafted onto the rear half of the
vehicle, the Berlingo's styling is fully integrated. Its stylish nose and
smooth lines lead to its accommodating rear doors. As well as ensuring that it
is versatile and easy to load and good looking, the smooth sides make
signwriting easy and economical.
Citroën's sophisticated drivetrain means
more than just fine on-road performance, it delivers a payload - at 800 kg -
that is as impressive as the three cubic metre load volume.
The Australian version of the Berlingo will
have power steering as standard and be powered by a 1.4 litre engine that has
been tailored to commercial vehicle needs, with plenty of low down toque for
pulling loads and, at the same time, providing economical, low emission
performance.
With Citroën's global safety system built
into the Berlingo, there is clear recognition that van users should have at
least the same, if not better, road safety protection compared to normal cars
because of the long hours they spend behind the wheel in the busiest road
conditions.
Standard equipment for the Australian
specification Berlingo includes power steering, pretensioning seat belts,
driver's air bag, engine immobiliser, height adjustable steering wheel, rear
barn doors, digital radio cassette, multi-function front passenger seat with
integrated desk and, when AirCon is fitted, a pollen filter. Factory fitted
options include, central locking, electric windows and a rear roof flap above
the rear doors that allow long objects to be safely carried.
The Berlingo is equipped with a clever and
innovative multi-function passenger seat. In just a few seconds, the
comfortable seat with its adjustable headrest becomes a functional work
surface. A thick, generously dimensioned table appears when the seat back is
fold down onto the seat. The table is fitted with a strap to hold documents in
place, a pencil case and two recesses for holding beakers.
The seat can be tipped over completely to
reveal a vast 100 cm³ chest, whose contents are protected from prying
eyes. In this position, the seat makes an additional loading space available,
for storing objects of up to 2.10 m in length across a width of 500 mm.
"Although Citroën is little know
for its commercial vehicle range in Australia, the marque has set as many
benchmarks in Europe for its commercial range as for its passenger vehicles,"
says Miles Williams.
Citroën's first commercial vehicle was
launched in 1919, creating the whole concept of a light van. The Type H
introduced the idea of a forward control van in 1948, with its innovations of
all-steel monococque construction, low load floor - made possible by front
wheel drive - and side sliding doors.
The 2CV Van was arguably the first car derived
van and today the Berlingo is one of a range of Citroën commercial
vehicles with payloads from 0.5 tonne to eight tonnes. In the year it was
launched, the Berlingo was elected as the International Van of the Year and it
has gone on to collect another two Van of the Year awards as well as awards
around the world for its skillful mix of abilities.
"With this heritage of design
excellence," says Miles Williams, "combined with modern technology and
Citroën's determination to build the benchmark commercial vehicle, there
can be little doubt that the Berlingo is set to continue its success in
Australia."
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