Citroën brings the ICE Berlingo back to life in the UK, soon in France too?
Petrol versions will return with the facelift
2,627 units sold in France in 2022. These sales figures are not for a small sports car or a large luxury saloon, but for the Citroën Berlingo! A family favorite in a previous life, the French car no longer appeals to many people. And for good reason, the Stellantis group has simply removed the combustion engines from its MPVs at the beginning of 2022. In response to customer demand, Citroën has put the combustion Berlingo back on the road in the UK.
Brits will once again be able to choose between the 1.2 PureTech 110 and the 1.5 BlueHDi 100, both of which are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. To benefit from the eight-speed automatic transmission, the 1.5 BlueHDi 130 is compulsory. With its 50 kWh battery and 136 PS electric motor taken from the Peugeot e-208, the ë-Berlingo will obviously remain in the catalogue.
A free hand for the competition
This all-electric policy has largely benefited the Renault Kangoo and the Toyota Proace City Verso, which have been given a free hand. Will Citroën be tempted to do the same in France? At €36,750, the Berlingo starts off at a high price, especially if you compare it to a Renault Kangoo starting at €25,900. Repatriating the combustion engines to lower the starting price seems at first sight to be a relevant solution.
The problem is that the third generation Berlingo is in its fifth year on the market. The facelift is approaching and it would be incongruous to proceed with a costly overhaul of the range in the immediate future. Also, the decision would jeopardise the group’s strategy as there would be no reason for the Peugeot Rifter and Opel Combo Life to remain without their combustion engines.
A bit of hybridization is expected under the bonnet of the Berlingo with the 1.2 PureTech 136 Hybrid 48 V combined with a new automatic gearbox. The ë-Berlingo will receive an electric motor increased to 156 PS and accompanied by a 52 kWh battery. A change of atmosphere on the diesel side where the BlueHDi will say goodbye. All these adjustments will be made during the facelift scheduled for the end of the year. Reconquering the hearts of customers is not for the moment. The Citroën Berlingo, like its fellows, will have to wait.
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