1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188 
THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH
Page 42
Page 43
Page 44
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
If you plan to head off-road in a van, you need four-wheel drive. Or maybe not, because Citroen has developed a low-cost alternative that should keep you in traction.
The term 'niche model' can be interpreted in two ways. For those who like to believe the marketing hype, it means a new and wonderful product combining innovative design with practicality. Cynics, on the other hand, see niche products as marketing exercises designed to attract gullible punters— to them,'niche model' generally translates to `of little use'.
The Citroen Berlingo XTR+ is certainly a niche product. But when the product in question is said to incorporate off-road capability without the use of four-wheel drive, it's certainly worth closer investigation.
The company says the xTR+ concept was inspired by customers who need a light van with off-road ability that won't break the bank.
To avoid the cost of a 4WD system, Citroen fitted a limited-slip differential to the front axle.This transfers up to 75% of the engine's torque between the two driving wheels. allowing extra torque to be allocated to the driving wheel with the most grip to offer maximum traction when the need arises.
But when heading off-road, you need more than traction if a vehicle is to perform at its best.With this in mind, Citroen has beefed up the Berlingo's suspension and increased its ground clearance, as well as adding a bash plate to protect the sump and other components and fitting 15in wheels with 4x4 tyres. All this is wrapped in the company's standard 2.0 H Di 600 LX,powered by a twolitre common-rail turbo-diesel producing 90hp at 4,000rpm with peak torque of 205Nm at 1,900rpm. It drives via a five-speed gearbox.
Standard equipment includes ABS, remote central locking, immobiliser and a CD/radio with controls mounted on the steering column. With this increased capability comes an increased price of E12.045, compared with £10.445 for the standard 600 HDi LX.
Productivity
One of the positives of avoiding four-wheel drive becomes evident at the fuel pump— consumption isn't increased by the need to power a second set of wheels. But in the scheme of things the XTR-+-'s 41.6mpg is satisfactory rather than competitive — the (admittedly smaller-engined) 1.7-litre Vauxhall Combo managed 52.2mpg over CM's van test route.
Running unladen (but weighing 30kg more than the standard two-wheel-drive model), the Berlingo raised its game to 46.2mpg — although the unladen Vauxhall maintained its lead with 54.0mpg. Having the technology to go off-road does not cancel out the Berlingo's role as a load carrier, and while its design is older than some it can accommodate a respectable 3.0m"/ 569kg of payload.
Our test vehicle didn't come with a side loading door but load access is adequate from the rear. with doors that open out to an initial 90 or to 180' with the hinge latches unhooked. 1110 Absorbing the knocks is a standard rubber floor mat that provides a surprising amount of grip to prevent cargo skidding about.
We also approve of the Berlingo's fold-flat passenger seat (standard on the LX) that lowers the backrest at the click of a lever, providing a usable worktable with recesses for pens and bottles. It can also fold a further 900 forward, extending the load area length to 2.1m and revealing a 100-litre storage area to keep valuables out of sight once the seat is folded back down.
On (and off) the road
What always comes across with the Berlingo is the sound design of its chassis and suspension. which combine to tackle most types of surface without feeling stressed.This is matched to light steering that proves an asset around town and in tight spaces, but can be a touch nervous at high speeds where it needs a firm hand.
And then it was time to leave the safety of the blacktop for more uncertain terrain.This brought the Berlingo's limited-slip diff into action, and it performed admirably.
As we dropped into muddied troughs and climbed slippery inclines, the wheels slipped but then gripped —the XTR+'s off-road ability was complemented by the plentiful torque that was always available.
The package was further enhanced by the compliant suspension that allowed plenty of travel (for a light van). Admittedly there were times when the Berlingo struggled to conquer the terrain: we sometimes had to engage neutral and roll back for a longer run-up. But these challenges were bordering on the extreme and this, after all, is not a full-blown 4x4.
In the normal landscape of off-road running, the XTR+ left us quietly confident in its ability. We were less impressed by the brakes, which would benefit from a beefingup to help with steady descents.The pedal travelled a surprising distance before they dug in and there wasn't enough bite for our liking.
Cab comfort
The Berlingo's cabin doesn't throw up any surprises but lacks space for sat-nav, which is a pity in a vehicle that is specced to conquer uncharted territory. It doesn't take long to get accustomed to the layout, which is limited to basic functions. But it is also pretty foolproof, with everything where you would expect.
Getting comfortable is slightly hampered by the limited travel of the driver's seat and a steering wheel that only adjusts for rake. But that aside, there is not much to dislike about the set-up. Forward visibility is good, and the view to the rear is aided by large door mirrors.
The Berlingo's engine noise stays in the background unless it is driven hard. But above 50mph, road and wind noise make their presence felt-the main culprit being the load area. •