Photo: CarPix
The Citroen Berlingo was regarded as the best vehicle in its class, but that was nearly nine years ago when the current model was first launched.
Needless to say, the times have changed and the French utility vehicle is now trailing behind similar models from other brands that have been renewed more recently, despite the 2012 facelift. Think about the Ford Tourneo, for instance, the FIAT Doblo or even the Renault Kangoo, and the ancient Berlingo won't seem like such a tempting choice anymore.
But, you'll say, with this type of vehicles it's not the looks or the onboard technology that matters; it's how efficient its engines are and how good it is for hauling stuff. And you'd be right. But it wouldn't change anything as the current Berlingo falls short on these aspects as well: the old 1.6 HDi diesel engines aren't up to par while the payload is limited to 900 kilograms for the long wheelbase version, while most of the new models offer values of more than a ton.
But don't forget that these cars can also be had with a full set of seats and windows all around, making them a very good alternative to the classic MPV. Those sliding rear doors make loading and unloading kids a breeze, while folding down the rear seats quickly transforms it into the utility vehicle it actually is. That means modern amenities and a more attractive design might not be the most important features, but they matter too to some degree.
This first spotting of the next-gen Berlingo shows that Citroen has finally decided to rejuvenate the model. The pictures show a Peugeot Partner in the background as well, but spotting the Citroen is easy thanks to the new front design the brand is using: the multi-layered lights casings give it away instantly.
Since the Peugeot and Opel deal has gone through, the next Opel Combo will share the same platform as well, but only the two 100 percent models can be seen in these images. They both appear to be larger than the outgoing model, suggesting the length of the loading area has gone up.
The prototypes are completely wrapped in camouflage foil and also feature three vertical black stripes that are a little misleading. The first two appear to mark the door outline, but they are in fact both placed over the sliding door. It gives the impression it'll have a tiny opening, but that won't be the case.
The information on the powertrain versions of the future Berlingo is scarce, but expect it to come with grunty, if not overly sophisticated turbo diesel units, as well as a cheaper, entry-level gasoline one. Since this is the first time the Berlingo has been spied, we suspect the car would be launched sometime during 2018, making it a full ten years older than the current generation. But that's how these working types are: they don't retire easily.
But, you'll say, with this type of vehicles it's not the looks or the onboard technology that matters; it's how efficient its engines are and how good it is for hauling stuff. And you'd be right. But it wouldn't change anything as the current Berlingo falls short on these aspects as well: the old 1.6 HDi diesel engines aren't up to par while the payload is limited to 900 kilograms for the long wheelbase version, while most of the new models offer values of more than a ton.
But don't forget that these cars can also be had with a full set of seats and windows all around, making them a very good alternative to the classic MPV. Those sliding rear doors make loading and unloading kids a breeze, while folding down the rear seats quickly transforms it into the utility vehicle it actually is. That means modern amenities and a more attractive design might not be the most important features, but they matter too to some degree.
This first spotting of the next-gen Berlingo shows that Citroen has finally decided to rejuvenate the model. The pictures show a Peugeot Partner in the background as well, but spotting the Citroen is easy thanks to the new front design the brand is using: the multi-layered lights casings give it away instantly.
Since the Peugeot and Opel deal has gone through, the next Opel Combo will share the same platform as well, but only the two 100 percent models can be seen in these images. They both appear to be larger than the outgoing model, suggesting the length of the loading area has gone up.
The prototypes are completely wrapped in camouflage foil and also feature three vertical black stripes that are a little misleading. The first two appear to mark the door outline, but they are in fact both placed over the sliding door. It gives the impression it'll have a tiny opening, but that won't be the case.
The information on the powertrain versions of the future Berlingo is scarce, but expect it to come with grunty, if not overly sophisticated turbo diesel units, as well as a cheaper, entry-level gasoline one. Since this is the first time the Berlingo has been spied, we suspect the car would be launched sometime during 2018, making it a full ten years older than the current generation. But that's how these working types are: they don't retire easily.
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