CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Why go all out for a 4x4 van when you can get extra off-road at a fraction of the price? That's the thinking behind the Berlingo XTR+. Steve Walker takes a look.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
A complex and expensive four-wheel-drive transmission system isn't the be all or the end all of off-road driving. Anyone who regularly ventures into the great unknown that lies beyond our road network's verges will tell you that it's possible to go a long way on ground clearance and mechanical grip. Citroen is well aware of this and has long produced XTR+ versions of its vans as viable alternatives to full four-wheel-drive commercial vehicles. The latest Berlingo XTR+ offers an element of off-road capability at a manageable price.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Citroen offers a package of upgrades on its Berlingo van designed to give it some extra ability in difficult terrain. On the XTR+ model, a limited slip differential and mixed terrain tyres help with grip while raised suspension and underbody protection help fend off any damage. It's a cost effective alternative to a proper 4x4 commercial that retains the practicality of a conventional van.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Let's face it. If you're going to be driving your commercial vehicle off-road day in, day out in testing conditions, you want to be as sure as possible that you aren't going to get stuck or sustain any damage. A fully kitted out pick-up truck or a real hardcore 4x4 van are the only options. If, however, you occasionally have to cross a muddy building site or trundle up a dirt road or two, the Berlingo XTR+ could be ideal. It's less expensive than the various vans based on compact 4x4s, it retains the big carrying capacity of a standard Berlingo van and it should have all the off-road capability you need. That's the plan anyway.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Only the front wheels are driven on the Berlingo XTR+, just like on any standard Berlingo van, but between them is a limited slip differential. This works to reapportion the engine's torque to the wheel with the most grip to help prevent the van from floundering in slippery conditions. There's no input required from the drive, except perhaps a boot-full of throttle when the situation demands it. The engine is the Berlingo's 1.6-litre HDi in 90bhp guise and its torque output of 215Nm at 1.750rpm should make it pleasantly tractable from low speeds. The Berlingo XTR+ runs on Michelin Synchrone 4x4 tyres which are designed for a mix of on and off-road usage.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
The limited slip differential and tyres help maximise the available grip but the XTR+ has a few other tricks up its sleeve to keep things moving in the mud while shrugging off any prangs from rogue masonry and the like. Heavy duty suspension components have been installed, increasing the ride height of the vehicle by 30mm to help stop it dragging its belly over the terrain. Then, should the underside come into contact with anything untoward, there's extensive protection to avoid damage occurring. A heavy duty metal sump guard is installed, along with two metal skid plates running the length of the vehicle to protect the brake and fuel lines.
The L1 Berlingo van on which the XTR+ is based is 4,380mm in length. That's 243mm longer than the previous generation Berlingo with 350mm extra in the wheelbase department. The space in the rear is accessed through side hinged rear doors which open to nearly 180 degrees and reveal a compartment that's 1,800mm long and never less than 1,229mm wide. Sliding side doors are available as options, as is a hinged roof flap through which long items can be poked. The loading lip at the rear is nice and low and the load bay gets excellent protection from its contents courtesy of panelling that extends halfway up the sides of the vehicle. The standard bulkhead is a ladder frame behind the driver's seat only and an unusual touch is the load compartment light that can be detached and used as a torch.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Standard equipment on the Berlingo includes ABS brakes, a trip computer, a CD stereo, central locking, electric front windows and internally adjustable door mirrors. The XTR+ is based on the plusher LX trim, however, and that adds remote central locking, heated electric wing mirrors and an external temperature sensor. There's also the considerable pulling power of a standard Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and vehicle tracking system.
There aren't many direct alternatives out there to an XTR+ Berlingo. In terms of its off-road ability, it's halfway between conventional compact vans and the van models based on compact 4x4 passenger cars. The latter group are more stylish and will be better suited to off-road travel but the price will reflect that and the carrying capacity will be substantially less. The XTR+ is also available in platform cab and crew van bodystyles with a number of further options available through Citroen's Ready to Run programme.
CITROEN BERLINGO MULTISPACE DIESEL ESTATE 1.6 HDI VTR 5DR
Van operators who find themselves infrequently faced with the need for a spot of off-road driving have a conundrum on their hands. Do they take the risk of getting stuck with a conventional compact van or shell out the extra cash for a less practical 4x4 model that can perform in the rough? Citroen's Berlingo XTR+ offers a compromise. With its front wheel drive layout given extra capability through a limited slip differential, mixed terrain tyres and upgraded suspension, it should be the perfect fit for some van buyers.