^ One of the things I like about the Berlingo I mean for space it can't be beat. And yet it's not all that bad to look at or sit in. Or even drive (apparantly).
iv never questiioned yer views nox, but ya never used to post in this stilted old etonian wannabe fashion....palmy has done more damage to the queens english than the 14 yr old texters on this forum.....old bean.....haha
I drove my mums Berlingo 2.0 Hdi for most of the summer and to be honest for what it is, it was pretty damn alright. It wasnt bad to drive (obviously its quite high up so you couldnt treat it like a hot hatch) but you can get away with quite alot in it. Infact it often felt alot faster than it actually was.
It is about the most practical car you can get for the price, I mean even at 11 or 12 grand, your just going to be able to get a high spec supermini, or a low spec hatchback.
We tried out numerous other alternatives to it, The Picasso feels tiny compared to it, the Multipla feels a bit to much as if you are squished heightwise (the floor feels too high), The Renault Kangoo again felt too small and while the Fiat Doblo was considered, it was too rare. Infact the diesel Berlingoes are apparently very in demand therefore prices remain quite high.
Obviously there are drawbacks, the interior is very cheap, Peugeot 206 dials, Citroen C3 air vents and nasty heater controls from the Citroen ZX.
The rear slide doors are a good idea in practice but take ages to master.
It is very very noisy on the motorway and the drive train is incredibly snatchy. Oh yeah the brakes are piss poor, I mean its pretty light car but still rear drum brakes and no ABS are definately not inspiring
I suppose the best part of the car was that it puts a smile on your face, not many cars can do that.
I had a Berlingo for a short time last summer (as well as the Hondas) - mainly for a specific job but also because I got it below trade. It was the Van version with the pre-HDi engine. So 0-60 in 3 hours and all the aerodynamics of a wardrobe. So unrefined compared to the Honda diesel but very practical for what I wanted. And you know what - it did put a smile on my face every time I drove it. Had to sell it as I just couldn't put up with having my knees round my ears (truly terrible drivng position if you are tall). Still, made money on the deal and I have no doubt the MPV version with HDi is significantly better.
