Last Updated: 07/01/2010
Road Test: Citroen Berlingo XTR+
Just last month we reported on the arrival of the second generation Citroen Berlingo XTR+, with a first drive on a muddy off-road course in Berkshire. This month we’ve managed to get our hands on one of the first XTR+ models on the roads, to see if there is more to this compact Citroen than a sophisticated limited slip differential.The latest Berlingo XTR+ follows a tried and tested recipe, first seen on the previous model Berlingo and more recently on the Dispatch XTR+. Raised heavy duty suspension, chunky Michelin 4x4 tyres, under run protection and that multi-plate limited slip diff certainly work well to keep the Berlingo moving forward on the rough.
However Citroen claims that users of the XTR+ models want normal road use for most of the time, without the additional running expense of a four wheel drive van. The XTR+ should therefore offer reasonable fuel consumption, ease of use and no noticeable deterioration in ride comfort or handling compared to the standard van.
However, as with the Dispatch XTR+ that we tried earlier in the year, I find that I actually prefer both the ride and handling of the go anywhere model. I also think that the Berlingo looks better with the slightly tougher XTR+ additions.
You sit that little bit higher, which gives you improved visibility in traffic. The interior of the cab is unchanged, so I still don’t find it the most comfortable on the market, but you can’t argue with the versatility of the Extenso three seat layout that becomes two seats with a handy document tray for the lone driver.
Our test van had an optional half height bulkhead, with a removable top mesh panel, which helped to keep road noise down a bit, despite those more aggressive tyres. Otherwise internally it was a case of standard Berlingo fare. That is the point of the XTR+ of course, as the driver doesn’t have to do anything to bring the limited slip diff into play when needed, so there are no additional buttons or levers.
The van comes with raised heavy duty suspension that provides an additional 30mm of ground clearance. However the ride is certainly not compromised by this lift and the Berlingo continues to soak up the bumps on the road. It certainly offers a more comfortable ride than some more taughtly sprung rivals.
When it comes to handling, again there is no discernible deterioration, although the Berlingo could never be put in the same class as the likes of Ford’s Connect when it comes to entertaining road holding. The steering offers very little feel or feedback, but it doesn’t in the standard Berlingo either. That said the van goes where you point it without any concerns.
The XTR+ is based on the basic 625 L1 1.6i Berlingo, which would normally offer 622kg of payload. There is a price to pay for the additional components however, with payload dropping on the all-road machine by 26kg to 596kg. The load volume remains unchanged however at 3.3cu m, as there is no rear axle to worry about. To better access that rear end our test van was also equipped with a second side loading door.
In theory there should be little difference in fuel consumption between the regular 90hp Berlingo and the XTR+. Yes it will be slightly less aerodynamic, and the tyres might offer a tiny bit more rolling resistance, but it will be nothing like a four wheel drive system with unused drive shafts and differentials being turned all the time.
You also get the same 12,500 mile or two year service intervals and remarkably, Citroen claims that the cambelt on the 1.6HDi engine only needs a change every 150,000 miles or 10 years.
Of course the slippy diff doesn’t only add to the weight of the vehicle, there is a fairly steep rise in purchase price too, with the XTR+ coming in at £14,160 plus the VAT, some £3,165 more than the 625 L1X model with the same engine. Our test van had some tasty options fitted too, including air conditioning (£600), cruise control (£150), that half height bulkhead (£90), the offside sliding door (£220), a Visibility pack (£190), a combined Bluetooth and USB/Aux input set-up (£180) and an ESP pack (£350), which includes ESP, traction control, hill start assist and a passenger airbag.
All of which makes it a fairly expensive Berlingo, but still considerably less than a well equipped 4x4 van. What’s more you can still carry a healthy load and the running costs should be at two-wheel drive levels.
Citroen has found itself something of a niche with the Berlingo XTR+, with a vehicle that meets the needs of a wide variety of construction, agricultural and utility companies. The fact that the enhanced traction kit adds more than just occasional off-road capabilities to the van is a bonus.
