Berlingoes diesel

IN AN effort to stave off its competitors before a new-generation Berlingo arrives later in 2008, Citroen has launched a diesel version of the current-series micro-van that will rival the likes of the new Renault Kangoo.

Priced from $21,990, which is $4500 more than the equivalent 1.4 petrol version, the Berlingo HDi is fitted with a 1.6-litre common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engine – as seen in the C3 HDi small car – that produces 66kW of power at 4000rpm and 215Nm from 1750rpm.

This is a sizeable improvement over the 57kW/111Nm 1.4 petrol model and translates into considerable benefits on the road.



Despite stacking on 135kg compared to the petrol, the 1205kg Berlingo HDi – using the sole gearbox on offer, a five-speed manual – reduces the 0-100km/h acceleration benchmark to 12.9 seconds (down from a sluggish 17.5 seconds for the 1.4), while average fuel consumption falls to 5.4L/100km (down from 7.5L/100km).

The HDi's fuel range is extended further with its 60L tank (up 5L), while CO2 emissions are lower in the diesel, down from 176g/km on the 1.4 petrol to 143g/km.

Most other mechanical and specification details are unchanged (maximum payload remains at 800kg, for example), although the HDi is restricted to a single variant with a sliding door.

The entry-level Berlingo remains the 1.4 without a sliding door, which is priced from $16,490. All models are fitted with double swing-out rear doors, a front strut/rear torsion beam suspension, 14-inch steel wheels, power steering, a driver's airbag, air-conditioning and a two-speaker stereo with a CD slot. ABS brakes and a passenger's airbag are unavailable.

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