Citroen Berlingo Multispace Modutop review

We have all been overtaken more than once by a white van charging along the outside lane, the driver once again "pushes the envelope" en route to a plumbing crisis. The Berlingo Multispace is, in essence, that same creature - but with rear seats (and windows), a pair of sliding doors and some unexpectedly imaginative trim choices.

A van in MPV clothing: Berlingo Multispace styling

Mr Magoo could be forgiven for thinking the Berlingo is an MPV, yet its silhouette doesn’t really convince. It’s a van with windows, plain and simple. That said, it’s surprisingly spacious, with enormous front doors and rather tight rear sliding doors that have an annoying habit of bouncing back towards you.

Citroen has clearly tried to separate the Multispace from the stereotypical white-van look by fitting "Esprit" upholstery and offering a palette of bright shades, including "Wicked Red". The end result feels a little like wandering into an Early Learning Centre - just without the enjoyment.

Odd though it looks (and with no help for your street credibility), the shape pays dividends in town. Other motorists wave you out of junctions, nobody squeezes past aggressively, and builders even gesture their approval as you buzz by.

Family-friendly practicality with sliding doors

The Multispace is not aimed at ambitious twenty-somethings; it’s built for families, and that is where it really delivers. With two sliding doors, getting in and out is straightforward. Up front there is near-excessive headroom, along with a plainly functional dashboard that’s very much van-derived.

This particular version, the Multispace "Modutop" (and no, it’s not a Pokémon character, I’m told), brings a ceiling-mounted storage system for things you can’t squeeze into the boot. Put a mobile phone in the driver’s overhead bin and then pull away sharply from the lights, however, and you may discover an unpleasant Nokia-to-forehead interaction. Painful.

The Modutop package also adds a selection of small pockets and hatches, plus five individual sunroofs and an extra set of vents. The boot is also worth calling out: it’s generous, but lined in tough, corrugated plastic that threatens to batter your shopping at the slightest bend, so luggage nets are essential.

On the road: how the Berlingo drives

Behind the wheel, the Berlingo can be entertaining. It’s no sports car, but when it’s not carrying a load it can still raise a smile. The controls feel overly light and a bit flimsy, and the upright seating position is lifted straight from the van world, yet it remains eager to be hustled.

Those narrow front tyres are also quick to protest, easily coaxed into comic squealing through corners. Power comes from a choice of 1.4-, 1.8- and 1.6-litre 16v petrol engines, plus a 1.9-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre unit is economical and more than sufficient in town; on motorways, it’s only the shortage of torque and the breeze-block aerodynamics that hold it back.

Pricing, value and alternatives

So who is it for? Presumably the same buyers who choose Renault’s Kangoo. The 1.6I 16v Forte is priced at a modest £9,480, with the Modutop option adding a further £500. Put that alongside a £12,300 Scenic or a £13,995 Zafira and its value becomes obvious.

For budget-minded families, the Multispace is very close to ideal: plenty of room, a genuinely usable cabin and low running costs. If you can accept the utilitarian image and are willing to swallow a touch of pride, the Citroen deserves consideration. In the end, it’s a vehicle you choose with your head rather than your heart.