Citroen Berlingo 6000-mile review

[@chrisbaker9243]

I bought my 2.0Hdi M59 in 2005, didn't mean to keep it 17 years but still love it. The unequal wipers are no problem for me. The last time it was serviced by a Citroen garage they fitted 2 nearside blades, worked fine until turning on fast wipe in a cloudburst, one flew off the other flipped off the screen. The tailgate struts are original and have never opened fully in cold weather, lost count of the times I have cracked my head!

[@frglee]

For the Berlingo I think the saying 'When you've done things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.' applies. The nondescript bog standard Berlingo white van I drove for the utility company for four years just got on with everything asked of it without any fuss. I could completely take it for granted. Maybe that shows just how good it was.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Just like a fridge

[@gryfandjane]

I like the interior colors! With all the black and grey trim seen today, that green is a quirky breath of fresh air.

[@JamesG75]

Bella has got on with the job of being practical daily transport very well. The fact she's popular is a definite bonus

[@Benjamin-xh5hj]

Simplicity is what the car world needs. Forget all the complicated electrics and build a real basic comfortable car.

[@michaeljones1475]

Unfortunately these days, nobody would want it. We are to use to everything complicated, making it feel like we got more for our money. The only problem with that is the cost of getting these items repaired or replace. In a simple world, basic cars would be great, especially ones you can repair yourself.

[@cornishhh]

@@michaeljones1475 The only answer to that would be for a major manufacturer to make a basic, reliable, and economical car and see how it sold. I think you might be surprised. The only trouble is that people who want such a car rarely buy new. Dacias sell well where I live, but even they are not what I'd call basic.

[@garethwatkins6347]

Oh yes I'm looking to get one later this year- ticks th boxes

[@dortkommendieclowns1474]

Those 2.0 8V HDi engine's run forever. I love my old Berlingo, real workhorse.

[@volt8684]

I don’t know if you remember me but I have been urging you to get one of these for several years. I have had mine for 6 yrs and I am truly smitten. There’s not much they can’t do.. weakest point is low towing ability.. these mk 1 s are pretty in my view and a worthy successor to the 2cv. Mine is a 1.616v 110bhp petrol and due to the close ratio gearbox will keep up with a lot, still does 35 mpg even 40 on a run. It will pull in 5th from 40. I was recently rear seat passenger in mine and being raised with loads of glass, light and great views. These cars will be classics. I knew you would be in love. It truly is a do it all car. Mines 15 yrs old axle still intact and really drives as new at 100k. Floaty smooth ride and very quiet smooth engine. Not one maintenance job I haven’t been able to do myself but will have to pay for the axle should it fail. I have had to renew the drop links a couple of times but is a 20 minute job. You are right about the radio it is rubbish but adequate which is what the car is all about. There’s not a single spec of rust and recently replaced my spare wheel bolt and underneath the carrier no rust. These are built to last. As a very amateur diy mechanic, I did my own cam belt/w pump and aux belt off a vlog on here..I will never sell mine I am attached to it. If I get another car this one will stay. I think my petrol handles better than the diesel on the handling side. It can be hustled quite well and revved no problem

[@alansimpson835]

I love these cars. There is something very appealing about cars that can do so much in such a small footprint. Ive always loved a Skoda Roomster for that and I know our mutual friend Zel has the VW equivalent of the Berlingo aýnd continues to be impressed by its versatility. Good to have a cheap to run, no nonsense worker bee on the fleet.

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

Your tribute is heartwarming especially for containing a bit of context, because the Berlingo wasn’t noticed as the brilliant innovation that it actually was, when it came out. Of course, you can probably see the Volvo Duett and the Renault Colorale of the 1950s and 1960s as precursors of the concept, and maybe the Matra Simca Rancho of the late 1970s, but remember that the immediate precursor of the Berlingo was the C15: a car that had awful access to the rear seats and was basically a combination of a Visa cabin in front and a dumpster in the back. The Berlingo was the first of a new type of vehicles that now all major carmakers have in their ranges, and in many respects it stayed one of the best: sturdier than the Kangoo that’s based on a smaller platform, better suspension than other competitors, one of the best load spaces and especially, unpretentious and affordable. Many carmakers that overused the word “premium” in the 1990s couldn’t match it for years, and tried to do something different in the Berlingo way without ever doing it better.

[@660einzylinder]

For people not in a hurry, that 2.0 hdi engine was excellent. Our Xsara Picasso slogged along for a massive mileage, and averaged 57mpg (cruise control helped a bit). I knew a chap who had a Peugeot estate with that engine, and did over 300k miles, still not using any oil between services, still gave good fuel mileage. I too agree, the early Berlingo styling was nicer than the face lift. All in all, the Multispace makes so much sense a family hack.

[@brianiswrong]

Or if you want to drive at a more leisurely pace, get an early non turbo diesel berlingo I had a company S reg(1998) berlingo in red from brand new, I think it had 75 bhp and swapping from a turbo diesel montego countryman,I was shocked how slow it was.

[@Teribus13]

The DW10 is genuinely a good old engine. They were used in many vehicles from Peugeot/Citroen, but also found their way into Fords and Volvos. I know of plenty of V50 2.0D models which use the DW10 which have surpassed 300,000 miles also, and likewise without much more than servicing.

[@660einzylinder]

@@brianiswrong I had a 2006 C15 with the DW8B engine, that was not blessed with much performance, but it just went on and on, tediously recording 52 mpg time after time!

[@Karlchasingthedream]

Such a great, realistic and sensible review. I've got a similar vintage 1.9 Dispatch day van, so basically the next size up. Everything you say sounds incredibly familiar. Brilliant straightforward vehicles.

[@richardmendham5278]

They are nice cars. I have the Peugeot version (My second) They are very good. Mine are wheelchair conversions. As you know, I am severely disabled and 5:11 tall. I can still sit comfortably. I still love watching after quite a few years. It's nice that Miss Hubnut takes a keen interest in the channel and really seems to enjoy it. I'll bet you can guess what I'll be trying to buy! I had a friend with Polio who one over forty years ago.

[@keithleesley5979]

I have a picasso 2 0 hdi, my 5th I might add, perfect for a person with spine issues like myself, brilliant economy, adequate performance and loads of space, what more could you want. Parts plentiful and good prices, I do find towing slightly bouncy but you can't have everything. A friend has one that has now done 550,000 miles on the same engine and gearbox, my previous ones had all done over 200k, a testament to overall a very good car.

[@Sam-gu8tq]

Just bought one of these with the 1.9d. Slow as hell, not all that economical but a fantastic car. The bikes fit in the back with the seats folded, it’s comfy and relaxing to drive. Love it!

[@graemew7001]

I'm the same with my 2011 Panda, I bought it in Dec 2020 for £1100 qith 90k on it, spent the same againbut now I shouldn't really need to spend much more until the clutch or CAT goes on it, everything else is taken care of so a good little car for the money just the same as Bella. I was never a fan of Berlingo's when they came out but they grew on me and now i think they're a fantastic car for all seasons!!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Bella is a modern Elly and a firm favourite for me on the fleet, I keep browsing eBay, marketplace for one that I could add to my fleet and convert into a micro camper. Excellent honest review Ian and I for one will be adding some Bella merch to my current Hubnut merch that I have already!

[@stco2426]

Cool. I borrowed a Renault Kangoo van a good few years ago and it was a very solid carrier, especially with the cage that could also allow long parts to be carried with the front passenger seat folded. I think they are reasonably similar. For cup holders, take a look online at those that fit to windows or other trim / pocket edges and the like. Some fold, some don’t; some fit, some don’t. There are also those net things like small basketball hoops that work, but all need the right sized cup etc. There are also drop-in or 3D printable cup holders for cubby holes etc that might already be on the van. For cleaning, now this is a big topic. I’ve spent a few days over the last while really deep cleaning the carpets, seats, trim etc on an old camper. The main thing to have is a decent wet vacuum cleaner / carpet cleaner so you can hoover (if that’s not a mix) out the huge quantities of liberated dirt. Most soft car trim (seats, carpets and the like) are quite forgiving to getting fairly wet and being agitated but if you can’t get the muck out (wet vac) then you will not do good work. It’s also best to remove the dirty part from the vehicle and be prepared to get the part really quite wet and work in a detergent. The best way to do this is a diluted DIY-branded carpet cleaner in a carpet cleaner / wet vac (+ hot water) or trigger sprayed ‘Clean All’ that’s agitated with a decent nail brush or similar. All this wetness and agitation will only work if the muck can be lifted with the same, powerful carpet cleaner / wet vac. Another benefit of removing the seat / carpet etc is that you can set the part to dry properly in good weather. The camper is transformed and I’ve got kilos of muck out. I tried mostly the same with a car that was sim age to yours (not removing seats etc) and the results were much less good.

[@ifrit35]

Personally I went for a 2017 Peugeot Partner Tepee. It's white so it kinda looks like a fridge with wheels and it's not exciting to drive. And while I was contemplating the idea of selling it for a sportier car and I suddenly realized something. After three years of owning it I took for granted a lot of the things it enables me to do without having to worry about it. Going on a trip with bicycles, carrying my motorcycle to the track, moving in my new appartement, buying a sofa, vacations with my whole family, you name it. I think contrarily to most modern SUV this is honest, practical and unassuming. You don't drive it to be seen, you drive it because you have stuff to do. Love your channel mate.

[@killahbunnie]

Used to drive a Berlingo van for a Parts company and before that a C15, and the difference was pretty amazing. I still see it poodling round locally, was on about 250K last time I spoke to the owner.

[@josephjardine32]

My C5 X7 has the HDi 136hp 2.0L (same Engine essentially as Bella) mine has the AM6 (torque converter) automatic on it and I find it very hard to get it to rev over 2k rpm. It just shifts at 2k down to 1.5k and will sit and pull away there, great engine (rear main seals leak oil but never bad enough to need replacing) 60mpg is very easily achieved in summer here in Finland, my car is from the UK though. I drove it to Finland. So has been modified for Finnish winters 🥶

[@anthonystevens8683]

Nice one Ian. I must admit I have become a bit of a fan of the Berlingo. Top honest motoring and so versatile. I love Bella in her Rolex livery, she is indeed a lovely versatile car. Looking forward to the Bella merch at some point.

[@robertbransby]

Looking at buying one as we speak. 2010 multispace XTR. Very excited!

[@mpersad]

I love understated, practical, family wagons and Bella fits the bill! Top review.

[@Grimwriggler]

changing the steering wheel will improve things a lot Ian. my Cordoba had that problem . first thing i changed. i also swapped out the light units for the twin GT version type as dipped were next to useless. Great to see you enjoying Bella

[@ajaxman1000]

Great review. I've had 2 of these (same version as this, 1.9 petrol, then a facelifted (2003) LHD one. I think they're amazing, they cost peanuts to run and will do just about anything you ask of them. Can I offer a couple of suggestions? Re the dead steering, try messing around with tyre pressures (front and rear) - I found mine was quite sensitive to small changes. Re the electrical gremlins - keep the scuttle area inside the bonnet free from leaves and muck; if the drain holes get blocked, water ends up in amongst the relays (ask me how I know lol).

[@colinjones2505]

You really do love this, and I can clearly understand why. I had a very early 'P' reg 1.9D van, and as sluggish as it was, I loved that too. Well worth spending a bit more on it, such as the re-map you talk of, and perhaps uprated rear springs? Lovely, and my favourite on your fleet now.

[@JPF90374]

Agree back door handles do break easily well actually the metal pin sheared on mine rather than the plastic handle so didn't need to replace the whole handle unit. Still a fun job to repair as is replacing the roof housing for the ariel, yep that's right out with that front mounted shelf 👌

[@zeez4178]

My mot tester broke my handle but didn't admit it .cost £ 4 to replace the spindle.makes sure they are well greased as they dry out and can break

[@Shane_Marsh]

Wow that was a quick 5 months, it only seems like yesterday when you got Bella.

[@BaxterChobbery]

I worked with Citroen in the 90s and drove a Berlingo Van for many many miles. I used to visit TV shows in it and it would always gather a lot of looks (and drives around studio complexes) from prop masters impressed with its mix of load and driving. And on occasion I'd pick my Grandmother up in it and she loved the raised seating making it very easy to get in and out.

[@redditchscroller7049]

People don't realise just how useful Berlingo's are. I have had 8ft scaffold boards in mine by folding down the front passenger seat and also bikes, my wife's wheelchair, and pretty much anything that will fit into it. I have seen wheelchair converted ones with 250,000 miles on them and still going strong. Mine is a 2005 forte model so the facelift version to yours. I've had it since 2008 and will probably keep it till it falls apart.

[@mySelf-yx4hw]

Excellent review our M59 Berlingo has 185000 miles and just fitted a new clutch the drivers door on both the multispace have broken but they still work the dribble of disappointment is doubled with modutop as water runs down the windscreen at the first traffic light stop after over night rain I think that the rear wiper is a soft switch bug the remote locking is radio controlled ours all in all a great little van 🙂

[@raysmancave1]

Quick hint that does work, the steering wheel padding coming unstuck. Get yourself a large syringe, mix up some epoxy and place it in the syringe, inject the epoxy deep enough to reach the metal inside the steering wheel, inject the epoxy, when you have enough injected grab the loose cover and swivel and squish the epoxy, leave to harden. No more loose cover. The epoxy does take some force to get through needle, but persist with it.

[@hectorshouse7348]

I’m glad you chose to add value to it, rather than upgrade…great motor

[@marks-0-0]

Nice update review Ian and I'll be ordering some Berlingo merch nice one. Its interesting to see some of the interior differences from the mk1 to the facelift. The facelift has 2 cupholders up front and 1 in the centre console! I've still got my 56 plate 1.6i Forte (non leaky glass roof and broken plastics option) and its the best practical used car imo. Had it for 18 months and the only thing that went wrong was the thermostat housing failed so I replaced it myself for cheap. One mod i made was fitting a van passenger seat which folds flat and tumbles forward as my original seat only adjusts very slowly and doesn't tip forward with a lever like yours. Its funny I'd like to go EV one day but unless they produce a small practical car I'm happy with I'll just keep the old French box.

[@micheltebraake7915]

The simpler the version, the less that can break. That's why this is such a good car.

[@plym1969]

177k miles! Amazing to think it's still going so well. I couldn't imagine driving in this summer without air conditioning though. I would find that unbearable. Great review as always Ian. 🙂

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Not even run in for a diesel, some new buses I’ve driven covered that in 8 months

[@plym1969]

@@Thecrazyvaclav it's more that the plastics haven't perished and that door handles and winder winders still work and that the electrics still work 😀

[@nikonordman7624]

My friends one has over 500 k kilometers on it atm. Especially the 1.9 XUD does not have enough power to ever hurt itself

[@volt8684]

@@plym1969 not many electrics and very simple

[@tomhope4613]

Quite interesting to note that the 2012 berlingo my dad owns has the 60/40 split seats but his single is on the right. And as you say the tailgate opening is shared in the later model too

[@fhwolthuis]

Remapping is certainly worthwhile, as it also increases torque and driveability

[@stewartellinson8846]

what does it do to fuel economy?

[@fhwolthuis]

@@stewartellinson8846 if you don't alter your driving style it should be around the same. Maybe even less because you have more torque lower down and don't need to floor it.

[@stewartellinson8846]

@@fhwolthuis I had a 110bhp SW a bit back and that was more economical than the 90, suggesting that that's the case

[@chaospxl_]

We have one in our Family for over 20 years now, Scarlett i named her. She has a 1.6i 16V engine with 109 Horsepower. So far we have achieved 277K kilometres, so roughly over 170k miles. The Car has only left my Family stranded twice in that lifespan, and so far is carrying me too around very well!

[@paulthompson8367]

My parents had a good few of these type of vehicles adapted for a wheelchair to go straight into the back up a ramp. I drove them all and found the belingo to be probably the best, the worst the Ford Combi .

[@stephencopeland238]

Cracking daily shifter - brilliant workhorse - hang on to this one Ian. Great reliability and great value. Well done with this one 👍👍👍

[@michaeljones1475]

It looks like everyone is buying them, none at all available on eBay.

[@allanriches9381]

One of your best buys. Doing up the rest suspension was a great safety upgrade.

[@kimcason8764]

Thx for the Giggle at the Mis-Spoken '6000 month's' during Intro.! I woke this morning Feeling 6000 months Old, as I watched this 'Entertaining Retrospective Review.' And trying to Stay Alive. Great little Family Bus. Here's hoping you get 6000 month's use out of the Berlingo. Nothing Wrong with keep fit Window Winders. They Tend to work well. Unlike my Electric window switch. Which is Perfectly Positioned for Drips to Fall into, when window open even an inch..! And not to mention opening doors..! Good Luck with Bella..! Cheers All Kim in Oz. 😎

[@_autoverse]

Your Berlingo certainly seems to have earned a long term spot on the HubNut fleet. Thinking back to the other cars you’ve owned more recently to carry out the same duties, they all seem like a comprise compared the Berlingo.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

I do agree Bella is one of your best purchases in recent times. I just received my TWC model 👍 TWC has pride of place on my desk at work just under my HubNut calendar which has TWC for this month's picture 😁

[@HubNut]

Thanks!

[@MrG61-u9k]

Old skool Hub Nut Vid. Miss my Kangoo, I made one of those folding beds for it for less than £30 and proved great for a bit of wild camping solo 👍

[@nikonordman7624]

Electric window buttons are on the dash in these too and as for the cupholders the doorpockets work ok for things with a lid

[@WeirdTunes]

I'm glad to see you like the Bova Futura as well. Drove one professionally for about a year and they are just lovely with a beautiful soundtrack. Only downside is that the windscreen wipers can be blown off the side of the windscreen in strong winds because the screen has rounded off edges. Keeps you entertained on long trips..

[@HubNut]

Yes, always considered the wiper design a weakness in that regard!

[@WeirdTunes]

@@HubNut Definitely! Especially when it sweeps partially in front of the front door. Although you see them a lot here in the Netherlands, people always seem to prefer a Mercedes Tourismo.

[@squeakers27]

Love Bella the belingo, looks so much better with the wheel trims. Just want to say a huge thanks on the reverse light tip. Couldn't figure out why my rear wiper was coming on with my front wipers in my peugeot, it was because I had changed my reverse lights to LEDs and it assumed that the bulbs had blown due to the difference in current. So returned to filament bulbs and problem solved 👍

[@Shane_Marsh]

Upholstery cleaner fund 🤣 Thanks for the great videos 👍

[@HubNut]

Thanks Shane!

[@Mr8erg]

Sadly I can’t see it being used for that purpose, ‘family transport’ seems to be the excuse for grime and neglect.

[@jdtseventyfour]

After owning Xsara Picasso's and a few Renault Espaces I've always admired the practicality of the Berlingo and its Peugeot sister. The fact it has the combination of a Xsara front end (shared or very similar with the Pug 306) and the torsion beam rear suspension gives amazing interior space and reasonably good roadholding too. The fact the handling isnt as good is probably down to softer springing possibly. I've also had so many cars with the amazing 2.0Hdi (Pug 307, Xsara, Xsara Picasso) So you have definitely a very capable family car. I was tempted by one but was told no by my better half as she doesnt like the looks. Ah well enjoy her Ian she't great for the many adventures you have. Ohh thanks for reminding me about the cool red seatbelts I had in my MG Metro

[@maxeluy]

In my country they are using right now M69 1.6 HDI as taxis with space for wheel chairs and ramps.

[@MrButtonpresser]

A neat little van, great for a couple to tour about in.

[@robinwells8879]

The Berlingo and the Kangoo are probably very respectable chapters in the long tradition of practical economical small French family cars, dare I say, picking up the baton and continuing on the theme set by the 2CV and Renault 4. Bargain basement definitely but clever and fashionably quirky.

[@roberthardy3090]

Love my Peugeot Tepee Mk 2 with a second hand camping conversion. The folding picnic tables are rubbish, the plastic nubs that hold them in place soon wear down, but a minor gripe in what otherwise is a brilliant vehicle. Dogs, climbing gear, kayaks, camping, excellent reliability apart from some strange electrical quirks following the fitting of tow bar electrics, lights now flash and windscreen wipers do a single sweep when I unlock the doors from the keyfob.

[@oojimmyflip]

lube the track for the rear doors with silicone dashboard shine, it wont make a mess of your clothing or shoes. Also all those cars you have parked up I bet they get doors that stick against the door seals if they are not opened for a while, add some dashboard cleaner spray to the seals and the doors will stay free to open.

[@AlfaGiuliaQV]

6000 months of ownership😄, thank you for cheering up my morning.

[@petercrosland5502]

So impressed I bought one! 1999 under 50K, 1.8 petrol but ZF auto! Brotherwood WAV conversion which at 73 I really need. Spoke to Johnno at Peak 2CV about servicing and he says any one with brain can do it, you reckon? Lollopy object reminds me a bit of the Dyane 6 I bought in 1978 but with power...

[@HubNut]

Yeah, a basic service is pretty easy on these. I didn't even have to jack up mine to do an oil change.

[@tony-yp6qk]

Love bella the Berlingo and all your cars 6000 miles in 5mths that's some motoring another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍

[@gaufrid1956]

Ha ha ha Ian "because French"! You know it really is a practical family vehicle (with the exception of the lack of cupholders)! I love how you focus on ordinary vehicles!

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Got the 2003.. it's a cracking motor, cheap, reliable, comfortable, practical. My one is the 1.6 petrol. I was thinking about putting a 1.9 HUD in it I have an old one from a BX.

[@mick0846]

I love this channel your descriptions are so indepth and you make the most mundane vehicles seem interesting hence hub nut I suppose? Which by the way I appreciate and have grew up with second hand cars all my life. I'd rather spend 1000/1500 on a endless array of vehicles than 15/20 k on a plastic save the planet, keeping up with the Jones's wana be suv.

[@gg_vard]

Celebrating the average is the motto after all!

[@johnlladron735]

Great review of a wonderful family car, thank you very much. So happy that it's doing the job that you need it to do.

[@willdatsun]

those sliding door handles can and do snap, you can help them by pushing back on the door while pulling the handle forward. keeping the hook greased will help too. They revised the design in around 2004 to just a spring loaded catch which did not have to be released with the handle.

[@gg_vard]

I think Bella has exceeded expectations! Proper family car! And all of the Bob adventures certainly added some connection to it, too Always like a nice van with sliding doors (have you tested a 1007?) The green - green exterior - interior is a cool feature, I think a blue design was also available

[@ArlenMoulton2]

The front AND rear suspension assembly was actually taken directly from the Citroen ZX on these, the 306 and Xsara also used the platform after the ZX was released. The Peugeot 405 had a wider track so I'm fairly certain the Berlingo shares no parts with it.

[@rhys_thomss7013]

Wow that’s so much miles in 5 months very nice tidy example

[@ronbokje6213]

Got a petrol one with 300.000 km on it. Loved it, now a fiat panda 1.2 from 2009, after owning like 5 seat Marbella’s

[@caw25sha]

You can buy cup holders that fit in various ways. You can probably find a couple of suitable ones.

[@bombakdik]

If you had the extended leather option on E32, as mine did, the seatbelts had the color of the leather. They were not leather of course, but they were color matched. Nice review. Retrofitting A/C would make a very nice series on the channel to my liking. Totally agree on the normally very baggy gear changes. The 307 in the family also has it, albeit with quite a punchy engine, TU5 1.6 16V petrol. What would make a good addition is pop ups in l/100 kilometer when you talk MPG for us non Brits haha. Cheers from Belgium

[@seamusobrien2675]

I had an earlier red ex postie van Berlingo with split rear doors. The perfect car as far as I am concerned. Indestructible ish, (for a French car) great to drive long distances, entirely practical and just nothing horrible about it. Ranks up there with my favourite cans I have owned; A30, 3x Minors one delivery van two with split front windows - all British racing green, two toned pink and white EK Holden station wagon, Renault 16TS, Feugo, Peugeot 205 Ti rally special, Pug 504, 2CV Charleston, `Mk 1 Escort, Simca, Bug Eyed Sprite in racing green again, MG midget in fire engine red. I am just lucky to be born when I was otherwise I would have missed out on so much motoring (and breakdowning). I so understand the Hubnut passion. What is life without the clutch going, the CV joints (always the right one) clicking and needing replacement, dropping the whole engine and geabox out of the Minor on a Saturday morning to up grade it for a few more CC's, scouring the wreckers for Feugo parts, or trying to convince anyone in Australia to buy -bye the Simca from me - what was with the black rubber bumpers?. Life's been good, very good.

[@faz5824]

I have a 2014 Berlingo van named Sue after my late wife. It came with windows in ( Sadly they don't open ) I currently have a Boot jump in it and use it for camping. I also own a 2012 Astra J estate. Would sooner drive my Berlingo than my Astra. The only problem I have had with the Berlingo is the dpf which was sorted with a run up the M58 motorway in 4th. Getting well over mpg fully laden. ( still haven't emptied her since my trip down to Dorset back in July).

[@davidevans4089]

I must admit I like this model, very practical unlike modern SUVs.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Not compared to my Disco!

[@HubNut]

Does your Disco do 60mpg? 😉

[@mattw8332]

Great review. I love the bright yellow and green interior colour scheme. This model must be the most basic version with the HDi engine, given it's lack of central locking and 'keep fit' windows.

[@rahmann936]

Now that's what you want from a vehicle a versatile, dependable workhorse.👍 It's looking like you don't air con now that the weather is getting colder, except for clearing misted up windscreen & side windows. Maybe put in led headlight bulbs for better visibility & lower power useage.

[@alansmith1770]

Certainly a good car ideal for the family. My KA+ has a light switch hidden behind steering wheel so you can't see it. It also sits high which I like my Wifes Fiesta is so low. I hope you have many more happy miles with Bella.

[@ogisgarage9721]

Ian, try a larger wiper blade on driver's side - it seems that it could easily fit same size as passenger side. I did size up on my Taho, and it worked wonderfully

[@HubNut]

Larger blade would just hit the passenger blade.

[@daniellee9015]

Brilliant video Ian 👍 the newer cars like that now are not that good brilliant car

[@ian0401]

I’ve had three over my years, a 2008 multi space with modutop. A 2015 van and a 2018 new shape. At 6ft2 the earlier two where without doubt the uncomfiest driving positions ever. The multi space was given to an employee rather sharpish, and he hated it with a passion lol. The 2015 is a spare van that despite being an enterprise model with ac, CarPlay and cruise is also universally hated. If it wasn’t for the cruise I wouldn’t be able to drive it for longer than 30 mins without being crippled. The 68 reg on the other hand is awesome !

[@volt8684]

I am 6’1 and have no problem whatsoever a 2007 mk1 having driven it 800 miles in one 24 hr period and been to Spain and back numerous times in perfect comfort. Wish it had cruise though

[@cornishhh]

I think it's the best car you've bought since starting the channel.

[@adamfry1125]

Don't write off making a camper out of them so quickly. My m59 camper is superb, been all over with it. Solar on roof box, leisure battery, lighting, compressor 12v fridge. It's great!

[@volt8684]

Agreed

[@oliverp4115]

Found the modutop gets in the way of the handlebars on my new mountain bike. Doesn't leak on mine however. The m49 leccy windows are in the same place as the m59. Got them on mine (the partner you test drove). I also can't get good audio. I've tried. I give up. Bar the lack of power on my 1.9 the worst part for me is the PSA seat rocking. They slightly move back and too. Had it in every Peugeot/Citroen I've owned with the tilt liver mechanism.

[@Wagons-Rule]

You can get a dual cup holder that fits into the lower DIN slot, It pops out when pressed. Somewhere on eBay I think! I miss my old Peugeot Partner but seats gave me back ache. I have a newer maxi Doblo now, wow it’s fun to drive and comfortable!!

[@wj2242]

I had a 53 reg Berlingo van with the 1.9d engine, it was slow but I actually found it strangely relaxing to drive. As many have done I bought with the heart and not the head, it was not in great nick and it developed alot of electrical niggles, which lead me to sell it on, but I would definitely like another one some day.

[@timbre7999]

Super practical but to me the best things are the two-tone seats; just wonderful. Wish the C5 we had was fitted with that. On practical French cars of that era; to all who think "what are they on about", just try a Berlingo or C5 / 406 SW. They really were brilliant as family cars and so roomy and comfy that they moved far enough away from the 'jeez we're all crammed into in a car' feeling. Yup, rattles and loose plastics but they're about family comfort and fun.

[@brianfd622]

Blingo/Partners are probably the best value family cars around, cheap to buy, cheap to run, versatile like no other, better mechanicals than Kangoo's and early ones like yours handsome too. Perhaps you can pop along to Amdro's for a jump box or have a go at making your own with Miss HubNut to save a fortune and stress when zooming around the country reviewing cars. I have a 130,000 mile 2010 Tepee Outdoor if you want to do a comparison. Based in the Midlands or could meet halfway.

[@MapleMarmite]

Very much like this style and size of van/car. I wish we had more of this type here in Canada but it’s really just the Transit Connect that has been available long enough to be affordable. They still command a hefty price in good shape, though. Now there’s the Fiat equivalent, badged as a Dodge but pricey as not been around long. There may be other newcomers that I’m not aware of, of course. Bella seems to be one of your best buys and an almost instant Keeper! 👍🏻

[@mrmitch5054]

Have you put cable ties on the wheel trims? It’s definitely advisable if you don’t want them to go walkies.

[@Si1983h]

Berlingo/Partners are great vans, I had a Partner with the very enthusiastic 110bhp 1.6 petrol engine, the only downside was the fuel economy. I’m thinking of getting another to build a mini camper.

[@robinforrest7680]

Thé advantage with the massive tailgate is you can shelter under it like you can’t with doors in Welsh weather😂

[@timelwell7002]

Great review - thanks Ian. Good car.

[@stephentrageser8162]

If I've got it right, the current iteration of this platform FINALLY made it to the U.S. a few years ago (via Stellantis) as the smallest Ram commercial van, the ProMaster City. If they do a passenger version like Ford does with the Transit, I haven't seen any around. Just marketing dynamics, I guess; everyone here with a family wants an SUV or a crossover. Too bad, seems great!

[@paulbennell3313]

I don't have a family to cart around but I am in a couple of bands. A Berlingo would be ideal for me because with the rear seats removed it's essentially a van. I could get the whole band's gear in there and not have to do multiple trips. With the seats back in it's great for roadtrips and won't cost a fortune in fuel while doing so. Styling: I do find these earlier cars cleaner looking than the later ones. I usually like a car primarily for its styling (which is why there are so many rust buckets on my lottery wish list) and practicality isn't normally high on my list and that makes the Berlingo an unusual choice for me. However, in the non-lottery win world of reality, it's an unusually sensible choice for me and one I could actually see myself going for.

[@alyn_sparkes]

Have you considered helper or auxiliary springs on the rear end to help with the sagginess? Dad did that mod to his Pug 208 and it improved things quite a bit.

[@HubNut]

Don't really want to get into that, and am not sure how it'd work with torsion bars.

[@paultasker7788]

In Croatia at the moment and I cannot believe what the locals are driving. Mark 2, 3 4 golfs tend to be the most common but mark 3 Astra's, Citroen zx, numerous mark 1 belingos, even old ladas are being used as daily drivers mixed in with brand new crossovers, superminis and luxury cars. They aren't being treated like classics either. These are just everyday cars. Battered and bruised but very little rust. It's clear in a dry climate cars will last a lot longer. It's great to see them still on the road. Like going back 30 years.

[@HubNut]

MK2 Golfs were made in neighbouring Serbia I think.

[@paultasker7788]

@@HubNut ah that makes sense. Did they still produce them until quite late?

[@billybill6604]

Nice car and great video. As always Cheers

[@bentullett6068]

Quite agree this is a great family car as my Uncle owned the later version with the turbo diesel engine, it went on many family holiday adventures in the UK and even went to France. I wonder if you will ever road test Bella's rivals (apart from the already reviewed Peugeot), Fiat Doblo, Renault Kangoo/Nissan Kubistar (very rare find now), MK1 Ford Transit Connect Tourneo or the early 2000's VW Caddy in full passenger carrying spec?

[@Blackadder75]

I agree that this generation looks better. I have a Peugeot from the same era and I recognize a lot of little details, or positions of stuff that are the same.

[@danieltaylor3755]

Great review. I still think we need an in depth series 1 C3 review please?

[@workonesabs]

I drove the van version for over 100k miles when I worked as an electrician, as well as the Dispatch. Main issue is that both had the gutless 1.9 naturally aspirated engine, which I blew up on the Dispatch and someone else did on the Partner.

[@HubNut]

Yeah, not a fan of the 1.9D. It was just about enough in a BX, but definitely not enough for a Berlingo. Amazingly, they even fitted that engine to the enormous Relay!