CITROËN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF BERLINGO, WITH NEW COLLECTION TRIM ANNOUNCED

• Citroën is celebrating 30 years of the Berlingo, a true brand within the brand, launched in 1996
• New Collection trim celebrates the 30th anniversary of Berlingo, the iconic leisure activity vehicle
• The useful and ingenious design of the Berlingo van makes it the partner that adapts to the needs of all professionals
• A pioneer of the leisure activity vehicle segment, Berlingo is the ideal companion for family life

Citroën launched Berlingo in July 1996, creating a groundbreaking vehicle that reinvented the utility van with a single-cabin design and broke new ground by offering a versatile, spacious option for private customers – the leisure activity vehicle. In Berlingo Citroën had designed a vehicle to support active lifestyles, suited to professionals, families, tradespeople, active seniors and lovers of the great outdoors.

Thirty years on, with over 4.2 million units produced worldwide and sold in nearly 90 countries, Berlingo has established itself as a faithful companion, spanning generations without ever losing sight of the essentials: being useful, ingenious and human. Both a work tool and an everyday partner, for three decades it has embodied a unique vision of mobility, adapting to real-world uses, without compromise.

To celebrate thirty years of Berlingo, Citroën is launching the Berlingo Collection, a new trim level available exclusively as a passenger car, in the M and XL body styles. Replacing the PLUS trim level, Collection brings together the features most appreciated by Berlingo customers in a configuration that is generously specified and faithful to the spirit of the model.

The birthday of the iconic Berlingo is marked by a ‘30’ badge affixed to the front pillar, representing thirty years of daily commutes, impromptu holidays, building projects, house moves, early morning departures and late-night returns.

Inside, this special edition notably features Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats with three individual seats in the second row, a configuration exclusive to this edition. Berlingo Collection also comes with:

• a 10-inch HD screen
• a 10-inch digital instrument cluster
• a 180-degree rear-view camera with Top Rear Vision
• a heated leather steering wheel
• electrically folding wing mirrors
• 16-inch black ‘Starlit’ alloy wheels
• Dark tinted rear and tailgate windows

Berlingo Collection is available in Icy White, Kiama Blue, Cumulus Grey and Perla Nera Black, as well as featuring a full range of powertrains, combining versatility and modernity. Customers can opt for the 110 hp petrol engine paired with a manual gearbox or choose one of the two diesel variants: 100 hp with a manual gearbox or 130 hp with an automatic gearbox. This version is also available on the 136 hp electric model, equipped with a 52 kWh battery and an automatic transmission and eligible for the Government’s Electric Car Grant of £1,500.

PRICES:

M Petrol 110 hp Manual – 5-seater: £25,305.00 OTR

M Diesel 100 hp Manual – 5-seater: £25,905.00 OTR

M Diesel 130 hp Automatic – 5-seater: £28,505.00 OTR

M ë-Berlingo Electric 136 hp Automatic 52 kWh – 5-seater: £32,490.00 OTR (£30,990.00 after Electric Car Grant)

XL Diesel 100 hp Manual – 7-seater: £26,805.00 OTR

XL Diesel 130 hp Automatic – 7-seater: £29,995.00 OTR

XL ë-Berlingo Electric 136 hp Automatic 52 kWh – 7-seater: £33,390.00 OTR (£31,890.00 after Electric Car Grant)

Chapter 1: The Anniversary

An intuition that became the benchmark

When Citroën launched the Berlingo van in 1996, the market discovered a new architecture and a completely fresh approach to the compact commercial vehicle. With its 3m³ of load volume, a payload of up to 800 kg and, above all, a level of comfort inspired by that of a saloon car, the Berlingo transformed the relationship between professionals and their work tools.

At the 1996 Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveiled several concepts (Berlingo Coupé de Plage, Berlingo Bulle and Berlingo Grand Large) previewing an even bolder evolution. In January 1997, the Berlingo Multispace was launched. With it came a completely new kind of vehicle: compact on the outside, incredibly spacious on the inside, versatile, bright, accessible and designed to cater for all everyday needs. The leisure activity vehicle segment was born, a segment of which it became the face and the benchmark.

Berlingo established itself as a vehicle in a class of its own on the European motoring scene. From generation to generation it has continued to progress, incorporating technological innovations and new standards of comfort, whilst retaining that obvious practicality that sets it apart.

Chapter 2: The Berlingo Saga

1950 – Citroën 2CV Van

In 1950 the iconic 2CV was unveiled in a van version, the “Fourgonnette”. The small, compact front-wheel-drive van made its debut with all the advantages of a practical and economical model that would go on to become one of the greatest successes of the 20th century in its category. This model will go down in history as the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive van.

Produced from March 1951 to March 1978, with 1,246,335 units assembled, it has become a cult model, now collected all over the world. From the mid-1950s onwards, various suppliers offered accessories to transform 2CV Van into a true forerunner of the leisure activity vehicle. The Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium, even launched a production version dubbed the ‘Week-end’.

1978 – Citroën Acadiane

In 1978, Acadiane replaced 2CV Fourgonnette. It was produced for nine years and was the first to offer an LPG version shortly before production ended in 1987. A total of 235,393 units were assembled. The ‘Mixta’ version was produced for the Benelux market to succeed the ‘Week-end’ based on 2CV, and an ‘Oasis’ version was offered for the Italian market.

1984 – Citroën C15

Following the small two-cylinder engines of 2CV and then Acadiane, the all-new C15 model launched in 1984, featuring a water-cooled four-cylinder engine. Derived from Visa, which debuted in 1978, this model enjoyed a very long production run and was manufactured until 2006 – ten years after the launch of the Berlingo. Its reputation for durability and reliability made it a true star in its segment. With 1,181,471 units produced over 22 years, it came close to matching the sales figures of 2CV van, which were achieved over 37 years.

C15 also served as the testing ground for electric technology, with a first prototype unveiled in July 1987, followed by a production version available from October 1990. In September 1991, C15 ‘Familiale’ with its rear bench seat set a template for the versatile use of the future Berlingo. C15 was also available from 1996 with a dual-fuel CNG system and LPG was available as an option.

1996 – Citroën Berlingo 1st generation

The first generation of the Berlingo, launched in July 1996, broke the mould and offered a host of innovations. Halfway between a hatchback and an MPV, this new model was multi-faceted, and a version designed for family and leisure use, aptly named the Multispace. Berlingo Multispace was an instant commercial success for those seeking a model more spacious and versatile than a classic hatchback, yet smaller than a full-size MPV. This marked the emergence of a new market segment - the leisure activity vehicle. Its main originality lay in the fact that, for the first time, this model was not derived from an existing car but was a genuine new creation.

In 1997, in the spirit of the Citroën 2CV rallies of the early 1970s, Citroën organised a Paris-Samarkand-Moscow rally in which 198 young Europeans undertook this adventure in Berlingo.

In 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show, the experimental Berlingo Dynavolt was a low-emission model combining an electric motor and a combustion engine running on LPG. In 2000, the Berlingo was fitted with Modutop®, a clever storage system that maximises usable space in the cabin, and in 2002 the Berlingo underwent a major facelift, including the front end and dashboard. In 2003, the XTR version introduced an ‘all-terrain’ variant.

2008 – Citroën Berlingo 2nd generation

In May 2008, the second-generation Berlingo was launched, offering further new features such as three independent rear seats, a rear window that opens and a new Modutop®. A Grip Control version with all-weather traction control was introduced in 2009 and an electric Berlingo launched in 2013.

In spring 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Berlingo got a makeover. A few days before its production version was unveiled, it was revealed as the “Mountain Vibe Concept”, brimming with optimism and energy, fitted with body reinforcements and accessories designed to explore nature, navigate the terrain and reach every summit.

The following year in 2016, to mark the simultaneous anniversaries of 2CV Fourgonnette, which was celebrating its 65th anniversary, and Berlingo, which was celebrating its 20th, Citroën created two unique models for the Colette boutique: 2CV Fourgonnette Colette and Berlingo Colette.

In March 2017, after more than 2.9 million units had been assembled since the launch of the first generation in 1996, the Berlingo range expanded further with the introduction of Berlingo Multispace as the E-Berlingo Multispace, an electric version complementing Citroën’s range comprising the C-Zero, E-MEHARI and the Berlingo Electric in a commercial vehicle version.

2018 – Citroën Berlingo 3rd generation

In 2018, the latest generation of the Berlingo was launched, set to evolve in March 2024 to incorporate the latest technologies and the brand’s new identity. This is today’s Berlingo.

Chapter 3: The Berlingo Today

Berlingo, the partner for families and leisure

Since its inception, Berlingo has kept pace with changes in society and lifestyles. Generation after generation, the Berlingo has adapted with remarkable practical intelligence.

The model’s success is based on its ability to combine space, versatility, comfort, robustness and affordability. From the very first generations, Citroën introduced innovations that have become iconic: three independent rear seats, the opening rear window and the Modutop® multifunctional roof, a true hallmark of the model offering up to 100 litres of additional storage.

Today, Citroën Berlingo continues this evolution by further enhancing its modern, technological and prestigious character. Available in two sizes, M (4.40 m) and XL (4.75 m), with 5 or 7 seats respectively, it meets the needs of families and users with varied lifestyles. Berlingo offers exceptional interior space whilst maintaining a compact footprint. When the rear seats and front passenger seat are folded down, the load length reaches up to 3.50 m in the M version and 4.0 m in the XL version, allowing sports equipment, furniture or bulky items to be transported with ease.

Inside, Citroën further enhances the sense of well-being with the introduction of the new Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats. Their specific design, high-density foam and lateral support ensure a high level of comfort, designed for both long journeys and everyday use. The driving experience is enhanced by a new dashboard featuring a 10-inch HD touchscreen. The connected 3D navigation system, natural voice recognition and connectivity technologies transform the Berlingo into a true digital living space.

Berlingo Van: the ideal work tool that adapts to all needs

From 2CV van to C15, Citroën has always maintained a close relationship with professionals. A benchmark in the compact van market for three generations, the Berlingo van has constantly evolved to support tradespeople, retailers, delivery drivers and businesses in their daily lives.

Berlingo van now adopts Citroën’s new design identity with a completely redesigned front end, which is more vertical and expressive. Its more assertive look emphasises both its robustness and its dynamism. The interior has undergone a major upgrade with a new, more ergonomic dashboard, incorporating a 10-inch HD touchscreen and new steering wheel controls. The whole design has been conceived to simplify the daily lives of professionals and enhance their driving comfort.

Berlingo van also stands out for its high level of on-board technology:

• Dynamic Surround Vision with a digital rear-view mirror
• 12 parking sensors
• Highway Driver Assist combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Traffic sign recognition and driver fatigue alert

Available with three seats as standard, Berlingo van offers up to 4.4 m³ of load volume, 3.09 m (M) and 3,44 m (XL) in usable length with the Extenso cab and a payload of up to 982 kg in the diesel version. To meet all business needs, Citroën also offers packs tailored to specific activities: notably, the Worksite Kit Pack adds underbody protection, increased ground clearance and reinforced tyres to support professionals on all terrains.

The choice of power

Long before electrification became the norm in the automotive industry, Citroën was already experimenting with practical and pragmatic electric mobility. As early as 1997, the first electric Berlingo was unveiled at the European Electric Vehicle Conference in La Rochelle, boasting a range of 59 miles.

Today, this vision continues with the ë-Berlingo and the ë-Berlingo van, offering electric mobility without compromising on space, modularity or load capacity. The ë-Berlingo passenger version delivers 136 hp and features a new 52 kWh battery, enabling a WLTP range of up to 211 miles. Fast charging allows the battery to be recharged to 80% in just 30 minutes at a 100 kW public charging point, whilst an optional heat pump optimises energy consumption in winter. The ë-Berlingo van has a range of up to 213 miles WLTP.

Alongside the electric range, Citroën maintains a full range of internal combustion engines to cater for a variety of uses and infrastructure. The Berlingo van remains available with the Diesel 100hp engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the Diesel 130hp engine with the EAT8 automatic gearbox. The Berlingo passenger vehicle also offers Petrol 110 hp, Diesel 100hp and Diesel 130hp engines.

BERLINGO KEY FIGURES

• 1996: launch of the Berlingo van
• 1997: launch of the Berlingo passenger van
• Over 4.2 million units produced worldwide
• Distributed in over 90 countries
• Current production: Vigo (Spain), Mangualde (Portugal), Ellesmere Port (England)
• Up to 211 miles WLTP combined cycle range on the ë-Berlingo passenger car
• Up to 213 miles WLTP range on the ë-Berlingo Van
• 0-80% charge in 30 minutes at a 100 kW charging point
• Available in M and XL sizes
• Up to 7 seats in the passenger version
• Up to 4.4 m³ of load volume in the commercial version

ENDS

Contact:

STEVE FAHEY

Head of Public relations

steven.fahey@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7748 704219

TIM MARSHALL

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

TIMOTHY.MARSHALL@STELLANTIS.COM

TEL +44(0)7774 017600

About Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.