Can anything out-Berlingo a Berlingo?

Was about to post the same...but a Puggy Partner Outdoor...I think I'm going to look for a newer one, but they aren't cheap these days.

Nissan nv200.

Oh, idly been contemplating similar - only probably a van equivalent.

My perfect vehicle would be a small van that could swallow whole bikes or bucket loads of outdoor kit, long enough to sleep in on occasion (thermarest/sleeping bag style, maybe on a mini platform). The kicker - really want a heated front screen and would love 4wd. And fuel efficient enough to do a regular 25mile each way commute.

Skoda Roomster?

Tourneo Connect. Daughter has had one since 2016 and ticks all the boxes

I went from a Berlingo to a Dacia Jogger but it has a boot lip and the floor isn't entirely flat. Also, the middle row of seats isn't removable.

I think the only new option left is the Ford Tourneo Connect if you want something the same. That or a late model Berlingo with the 1.2 petrol or 1.6 diesel engine.

IMO no, there's nothing out there that beats the latest version in LWB flavour as an all round package of practicality, size, quality, purchase cost and running cost. I think it beats it's stellantis stablemates in looks too, its a bit more funky/quirky than the pug/vauxhall/Toyota equivalents.

I have a tired 14 plate

My 19 year old example is still going strong. Being based on a commercial vehicle they are cheap and easy to work on. Rebuild/refresh it?
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Is the smaller than a T6 a bulk constraint or footprint? Caddy maxi life looks like it gives you most of the interior length of a transporter without the overall bulk. Can’t imagine it’ll get into a parking space a transporter wouldn’t tho

Convert, you want a Transit Connect L2.

Heated windscreen ☑️

Efficient ☑️  50mpg on a run no bother.

Sleeping length ☑️ about 2m long in the back even with the bulkhead.

Bucket loads of kit ☑️ got the whole kit to run a decent size cyclo-cross in it once.

No 4x4, but I don't think anything has had that as an option for ages. Kangoo and transporter only IIRC.

Caddy Maxi Life or Maxi Comfort. The one I have does what you need and it can be had here (Germany) with Haldex 4wd.

Seats out and flat floor and fully lined is good for sleeping. T6 SWB length so full bikes, wheels on, go in. Think of it as a tall Passat type footprint.

My 19 year old example is still going strong.

I miss my 2003 one. Timing belt went and it went to the scrappy. It was a quirky thing, but really liked it. I've got some Amdro window shades in the garage somewhere going cheap if anyone needs them! #notsostealthad

Being based on a commercial vehicle they are cheap and easy to work on.

Mine was scrapped for in its delightfully quirky french way, fixing the clutch pedal was going to be an engine out job.

Some jobs are easy, some jobs just aren't even possible on a RHD car (anything arround the brake master cylinder/servo/clutch pedal area).

Had a Doblo at work and it was excellent.

New one had got a grrr face too, if you like that sort of thing.

The new Doblo is the same Stellantis small van as Berlingo, Rifter, Combo, Proace City, etc. If you're looking at new, there's rumours of petrol hybrids returning to the passenger ranges this year.

I like the japanese import stuff - but auto, petrol (thus ULEZ compliance) was high on our list. Our Honda Stepwgn is as narrow as a Jazz but long enough to sleep in or take bikes. The rearmost seats that flip up can just be unbolted easily and removed for more space, they've been living under our stairs for ages.

Where the Berlingo does better is a wider space between the rear arches, and flat sides to the boot. Something like the Amdro boot jump wouldn't fit in my car, so I'm making my own around the arch intrusion.

http://stepwgn.uk/2019/12/13/how-practical-is-a-stepwagon/

My doblo was the best car I've owned and I'd be surprised if I ever own anything I like as much again. It got written off when someone drove into me, I'd of replaced it with another but the only petrol ones I could find were wheelchair adapted. I didn't want to buy another diesel car given I don't do many long drives.

The current / third generation Berlingo is pretty good. A better drive than the second gen ones (nearly as nice as the 1st gen ones) Its only real foible is the engine being small and pretty effiecient mean variations in engine load really effect the output of the cabin heating and you're constantly having to adjust it up and down in winter - a sort of menopause simulator

The Kangoo is far less popular than the blingo (in the UK at least) but it and the merc badged version are pretty good, def better than the second gen blingo. IIf you're buying used the merc version tends to have some better equipment that isnt reflected  in the price and can be better value.

Even though we've got a caddy and theres a lot to like about  I wouldn't recommend one - not that great to drive compared to other comparable vans -  and some expensive faults - ridiculously priced sensors - the engine almost lunching itself when the cambelt jumped. All on a young, well maintained, low milage vehicle. We paid a premium for the VW badge but we're paying more, more often for the VW engine. We'll likely keep it a long time but wouldn't buy another one. I've got more faith in the 15 year old blingo.

Had a Doblo at work and it was excellent.

New one had got a grrr face too, if you like that sort of thing.

the new one is a Berlingo - all the vans that size from Peugeot, Citron, Vauxhall, Fiat and Toyota are the same van- doesnt share any DNA with the previous fiat.

If you're buying new... Stelianits (who makes them all) stopped marketing petrol / diesel version of the car variants at the start of last year and internal combustion engines are only available in the van variants.

The kicker – really want a heated front screen and would love 4wd

the "Grip" spec Peugeot partners isnt 4x4 but is their off-road variant with a bit more ride height, underbody protection and and clever traction stuff for mud, sand, snow and descents. Its not a Landrover but it'll get you around on soft or slippery surfaced. The French have a pretty good attitude to off-road capabilities for cars focussing on real world application rather than just driving all the wheels.

Caddy Maxi Life or Maxi Comfort. The one I have does what you need and it can be had here (Germany) with Haldex 4wd.

the “Grip” spec Peugeot partners isnt 4×4 but is their off-road variant with a bit more ride height, underbody protection and and clever traction stuff for mud, sand, snow and descents. Its not a Landrover but it’ll get you around on soft or slippery surfaced. The French have a pretty good attitude to off-road capabilities for cars focussing on real world application rather than just driving all the wheels.

Convert, you want a Transit Connect L2.

Heated windscreen ☑️

Efficient ☑️ 50mpg on a run no bother.

Sleeping length ☑️ about 2m long in the back even with the bulkhead.

Bucket loads of kit ☑️ got the whole kit to run a decent size cyclo-cross in it once.

No 4×4, but I don’t think anything has had that as an option for ages. Kangoo and transporter only IIRC.

Thanks all. I'll get looking. The 4X4 wish is maybe wishful thinking but it's mainly because our 4x4 yeti with winter tyres has comfortably got around where a FWD golf with the same winter tyres has struggled. This is rural northern highlands with a good dollop of unploughed or gritted roads to contend with. Obviously you'd be daft to take on stuff a landy/pickup/tractor could go - but just making it in on the morning commute on all bar the grimmest of days is the goal. That grip spec Peugeot might be what's needed.

Had my Kangoo maxi for 6 years and been faultless
Has taken 4 bikes to Fort Bill
Bike park wales and countless other road trips
No pissing about taking wheels off or anything
Just a turn of the bars if going 3 or more bikes

You can get 4x4 Berlingo/Partner - French company Dangel do a conversion (factory fit only). The Post office have some in the fleet and Foresty Comission(?) Scotland had one that I was having a nosey under.
They turn up used very occasionally.

This is rural northern highlands with a good dollop of unploughed or gritted roads to contend with. Obviously you’d be daft to take on stuff a landy/pickup/tractor could go – but just making it in on the morning commute on all bar the grimmest of days is the goal. That grip spec Peugeot might be what’s needed.

You'll prob see you local postie driving second generation Berlingo 'Trek' models which have more ride height (but the engine has been lowered correspondingly to help with handling) and a limited slip diff. I think they're also a Dangel product but again aren't 4x4

Has anyone made a car as good as a multipla? A car with three front seats was perfect for biking.

A car with three front seats

the honda f-rv had the same configuration

It uses fuel but is a godsend in winter, if you can find one with a Webasto / Erbespacher

We need a new car. Wifes health means we need an auto and we have the same criteria as the OP.
Currently we have a new-ish Quashqai but I'm trying my upmost to push her towards something more practical.
The Berlingo & Stellantis brothers are perfect, but wife doesn't want to be seen dead in it.
How do I convince her? Are there less fugly practical cars? Probably 2018+..

Are there less fugly practical cars?

The new shape Tourneo/Caddy (same car different badge) is miles better smarter looking than the older versions and less obviously van-like. Supposedly good to drive, but I wouldnt know as Ford wouldnt let me drive one....

How do I convince her? Are there less fugly practical cars? Probably 2018+..

the Citroen versions are the most brash appearance wise - the Peugeot & Toyota are less so. Ultimately though they are based on a van so there is no getting away from that but they are useful practical things.

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This is why I want a Berlingo! Would suit our life style so much better.
The Qashqai is hopeless in that regard. Big outside & small inside, small and not very useful boot.
Seats don't fold flat. 35mpg long term average. It's actually easier getting a bike in the Polo and UP! than the Qashqai. Wife loves how it looks though and it has all the toys.

The ultimate Berlingo?

https://www.topgear.com/long-term-car-reviews/volkswagen/multivan/report-1

Quite like that, but it's silly money for a pretty compromised drivetrain.

Have been trying to explain my desire/intention for a Berlingo-esq vehicle to my GF. She's fine with the idea, but has stipulated that _IF_ we get another vehicle, it needs to have a load area big enough to fit a double mattress. So, the plan for a cheap Berlingo/Partner is now more like a plan for a LWB Connect/Caddy.

I would love another T5, but really don't need _that_ much van.

The ultimate Berlingo?

That link you shared most certainly isn't...it looks far too fancy, expensive and 'badged'...it will carry stuff but in such an awkward way so none of the inside gets marked that it will become impractical. Overpriced thing...I'm sure it would be great to own, but the costs and caring about how it looks isn't making it the same kind of vehicle as the ultimate Berlingo.

The ultimate Berlingo?

https://www.topgear.com/long-term-car-reviews/volkswagen/multivan/report-1/blockquote >

£665pcm!!!!! 3.75months of that would have paid for my Partner/Blingno outright although I accept I'm at the far opposite end of the buying spectrum.

Anyway the Dangel/Rifter 4x4 Overlander concept from a few years ago is the ultimate Berlingo.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rqyxQmFz8Uo

 

Having had a gen 2 berlingo for 1.5 years now, I think my ultimate berlingo would be this same one but with less road/cabin noise. We love it for bike/outdoor related activities, plus DIY! Should've bought one years ago.

I wonder if I could take it to a car audio place and they could dynamat it enough that it felt like being in a normal car?

I'm on my 2nd belingo van. Asked about the long wheelbase version this year and they want 26 grand...... mental

cokie

Quite like that, but it’s silly money for a pretty compromised drivetrain.

Yeah, pricing is mental.

Asked about the long wheelbase version this year and they want 26 grand…… mental

That's a bargain compared to something like a tourneo custom or vito!

I'm still thinking about changing my Superb for something that can take a bike inside, upright. Considered the roof tent route but even with both wheels off I can't get my bike in upright in my current car, and laying them down is an almighty faff with 2 weeks worth of kit and a 2nd bike.

Currently being tempted by a Peugeot Traveller/Proace Verso/Spacetourer, loadsa room to sleep alongside a bike or 2 for one person, decent spec (rubbish adaptive cruise but I'd cope...), and about £25k for a 2017/2018 model with reasonable miles.

The new Berlingo/Rifter etc in XL are a bit cheaper but much more basic.

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Depending on this year's bonus/payrise I might have to have a look/test drive.

It annoys me having my car sat on the drive not doing anything for a week or 2 at a time, a van would let me go on short overnight trips or even just sling the bikes in the boot and go for a ride without the extra faff of putting them on a boot rack and/or worrying about security overnight.

The current / third generation Berlingo is pretty good. A better drive than the second gen ones (nearly as nice as the 1st gen ones)

I still get laughed at for having contributed unwisely to a "cars" conversation, contrasting the driving funness of the bacofoil 1st gen with the relative thirstiness of the more s(t)olid 2nd. Must learn to read the room, but clearly here are my peoples. I very much miss having a berlingo, and the ability to impulse buy the odd sofa.

The other parents mocked ours cause it's ugly. Meanwhile on wet days when we land back at the car and we have the child and the pram* (in the car whole with no folding) before they have finished folding and dismantling their pram to get it in the boot they see why we have it.....

But can get into multistorys and don't really have to worry much about rust....no brainer. Don't give a shit what it looks like - it might as well be a washing machine to me.

*Or trailer or bike or any other large object.

I wonder if I could take it to a car audio place and they could dynamat it enough that it felt like being in a normal car?

Probably. I used some NOCO (Dynamat type stuff) in the back of my car to help with noise. It used to sound like a window was open. Much better now, the original soundproofing was ruined by damp.

Currently on the back doors of the work L2 Connect, I have some magnetic hi Viz stripe things and just those fitted make the rear doors thunk rather than clang when shutting.

Just adding some mass to the big flat panels makes a huge difference.

I'd second something like a Honda Stepwagon or Nissan Serena.
The Stepwagon from 2010 (ISH) onwards has rear seats that fold flat into the boot so it can take a huge amount of stuff.

Last weekend I got 2 bikes (front wheels off), a bouldering matt, 4 people and all their gear in, and the kit was barely above the top of the rear seats.

Nice place to be as well, and drives more like a car. CVT gearbox isn't for everyone though.

wife doesn’t want to be seen dead in it.
How do I convince her?

Tinted windows

Wouldn't that make it her hearse?

So, the plan for a cheap Berlingo/Partner is now more like a plan for a LWB Connect/Caddy.

I got a double mattress in my 2019 Standard length Berlingo 5 seater. Might not fit if you're tall and need to front seats all the way back though.

Yeah, 1.97m tall here, so that may not work out, which is a shame as I wanted a relatively compact van. The longer ones are almost at the stage of just accepting life and buying another T5/Vivaro/etc.

The longer ones are almost at the stage of just accepting life and buying another T5/Vivaro/etc.

I was surprised to find just how big a footprint the XL Berlingo's have. Compared to L1/SWB Transit Custom: only 22cm shorter, 16cm narrower and 14cm less tall. Knowing that made me realise the Transit Custom I have is still relatively compact.

Berlingo XL is still smaller than the mid/big SUVs like BMW X5s though.

And still shorter than a proper sized estate! My Superb is 4850mm. A full 8 seater MWB van MPV (Traveller) is only 4950mm.

And still shorter than a proper sized estate! My Superb is 4850mm

I didn't expect that! That's long indeed. 5339mm for my L2 Transit Custom. Unsure how long a standard car park space is, but shorter than a L2 Transit Custom...

Mrs a11y is showing interest in a Berlingo to replace her Qashqai (I married a good 'un) but we don't need two MPV-vans between us.

Get an EV version?

The EV Berlingo has a woeful range unless you're doing local miles, realistically it's got around 120 miles range at 60-70mph.

A small battery (45kwh usable) combined with the aerodynamics of a brick.

Dunno if anyone has mentioned, but I have a Mercedes Citan crewcab XLWB and it's mint. Split folding rear seats which fold completely flat.

Fit 3 people and 3 fully built up 29ers with kit no problem. Works as a one person camper. Can fit loads of bikes in without wheels on when seats are up too.

Not to pricey too.

the citan is (afaik) a rebadged kangoo. doesn't look like the kangoo is anything other than a van in the UK though

OP here, many thanks for your thoughts everyone. I've pushed the button on a 2nd hand 21 plate Berlingo Flair. This new 101bhp model feels very similar to the 113bhp that I'm trading in- but SO much more comfortable! The Flair spec seems to match the previous XTR plus a few new bits like rear camera for parking, lane recognition, cruise control but NO BLOODY CUP HOLDER. FFS, absolutely bleedin' ridiculous.

WWSTW do? Any recommendations to keep my caffeine stable and accessible?

There seem to be loads of seat-covers and boot liners available. Previously I've gone down the budget line. The seatcovers seldom last long and are not particularly comfortable. I made the rear space liner from 4mm ruber sheeting cut to shape by yours truely. It has lasted over a decade and is still strong but doesn't match the footprint of the new model. Bearing in mind that the new model has fold flat seats (yup, flat, level to the boot space) means that I won't need to remove I'm after some kind of decent protection. Any ideas?

TIA

Camelback ?

Insulated Camelback?

I have an "insulated" hose for mine when snowboarding. It's just a neoprene sleeve and a rubber cap fir the bight valve. It still manages to freeze if cold enough. I wear it under my jacket to help.

Sorry wildly off topic now. Thought it was an amusing option given this thread is in the bike forum. Don't move it mods.

Just a quick update. I collected the car on Friday and drove home the long way through the Beacons. A mix of dual cariageways, A roads and tiny lanes, finishing with the Black Mountain road, so beloved by Top Gear fans. 'Performance' wise it is very similar to its 1.6HDI 113bhp predecessor, perhaps a bit mor sprightly if you use the 6 speed box freely. In 6th it purrs along nicely at 70mph but has no get up and go whatsoever. The motor gets a bit louder but that's it.

The comfort is so much better than previously. I'm 6'2" and whilst I could fit the previous car I often took my shoes off for longer drives. Not so now 🙂 Upholstery is plusher too. Infotainment (a concept new to me) works a treat but I need to find a way to connect AndroidAuto wirelessly not via a USB cable. Rear seats fold almost flat into the floor to leave a not quite level rear space for the bikes. The footprint of this area is very nearly identical in space and size to it's predecessor- I put the custom rubber mat from the 14 model in to fit and it is perfect apart from being a tad short by 10cm or so. I'd reuse it were it not for the holes in it for the seat fittings of the 14 model. New 3mm rubber sheet is on order, I'll use the old one as a template.

Having spent a fair wodge of cash I've decided to speculate to accumulate (or something like that) and invested in a custom bootliner in fetching orange from Hatchbags to protect the back of the car.

All in all I'm well chuffed with the vehicle. But it really, really needs a coffee cup holder. If only I'd kept the centre console from the previous car, it fits apparently.

Don't think you can do Android Auto wirelessly...don't think Apple Carplay can't be done wirelessly either...at least either have only ever worked plugged in for me.

Blimey, I hope not. Seems daft to have all that tech talking betwee themselves via copper when they have much greater capabilities. Buggeration.

You can get a “dongle” that plugs into the usb in the car, and then talks wirelessly to your phone for CarPlay. I presume you can get an android equivalent

Wireless android auto has to be built into the car for it to work natively.

As above, you can get dongles to allow wireless connection but then you lose the ability to charge whilst driving, unless you have a wireless charging pad.

Thanks folks, I'll look into it, First world probs though when all is said and done.

Can anything out-Berlingo a Berlingo?

I had a lift in a Logy last week. I reckon that would be closer to a Mk1 or 2 Berlingo than a mk3 Berlingo now.

Sadly not available in the UK.

You can get a “dongle” that plugs into the usb in the car, and then talks wirelessly to your phone for CarPlay. I presume you can get an android equivalent.

Looks like it

Though if you're worried about charging I'd have to ask why wireless is an issue.

[Responsible adult]

Why would you need your phone wireless whilst driving?

[/Responsible adult]

Plug phone in,

Chuck it in the tray.

Setup the satnav / playlist on the car's screen,

Arrive at destination with a fully charged phone having not killed anyone.

Distracted driver who killed cyclist convicted - BikeRadar

Anyone retrofitted cruise control into their Berlingo,

I'm sure it's possible from looking at some forums but difficult to know . Suppose I could ask a garage

2012 Berlingo btw

Anyone retrofitted cruise control into their Berlingo,

I’m sure it’s possible from looking at some forums but difficult to know . Suppose I could ask a garage

2012 Berlingo btw

On the older ones it could be simply a case of installing the stalk and telling the ECU that it was installed.

But it was inconsistent whether al the other gubbins was there as well like the clutch switch, extra brake switch, lights on the dash, etc.  Oddly mine had all the switches in the pedals, but lacked the light on the dash.

@tabletop2 - it's something I had wanted to do with our old one but never got round to it. I wish I'd had it for trips abroad where you sit at 130kph for hours on end.

This is all what I have read about getting it fitted. You need the control stalk which sits on the opposite side from the stereo controls in the same position. The wiring should be there for it so it's just a case of fitting it and plugging it in. You then need to get someone, probably a Citroen dealer, to enable it using their electronic wizardry, I believe they charge around £150 to do that.

You then need to get someone, probably a Citroen dealer, to enable it using their electronic wizardry, I believe they charge around £150 to do that.

A proper OBD tool can be had for less and allows you to do a lot more. Either that or hit up a forum or Facebook group and see if there's someone local who can do it for beer money.

In all honesty I wouldn't recommend anyone buys lexia etc to save cash unless they are willing to put in time to learn. It's not intuitive.

If you have anything that's not ancient they have the plugs and lights already in.

I retrofitted to mine it was a cert the gubbins were there on a b9

this^ - you need Lexia to get into the brains on a PSA vehicle not just any old OBD2 reader. For most people there's little point going to whole hog for a single time use. Especially when someone that knows exactly what they are doing can have it done quicker and not break anything else in the process.

My friend did it on his. Hooky Lexia setup off eBay, didn't seem terribly difficult. Plus, has earnt him beer every time mine throws a fault code and I need to borrow it to check. It's useful to have, though sometimes it doesn't tell you any more than a generic OBD2.

My Doblo was fantastic when it worked properly.

Unfortunately, that was a rare occurance.
The brakes, suspension etc on the car version were just not up to the job, the interior disintegrated around us and it soiled itself terminally at just over 100,000 miles.
Front suspension replaced twice, three sets of discs and pads, new injectors and a buggered dpf before the turbo let go.

If the Japanese or Koreans made something similar, just as ugly and widely available I'd have one tomorrow.

Yeah as I said they may be better off asking someone local to do it. I assumed it would be comparable to ForScan in terms of difficulty but I've never used Lexia so there you go.

Hooky Lexia setup off eBay

What I do know though is that not all Lexia clones are created equally, you need one with the proper optocouplers and chipset if you want it to play nice with anything newer than ~15 years old. Maybe older.

I got mine done...got the stalk cheap - £15 from the fan club forum...installed the stalk and took it to a local indy Piggy specialist who activated it. The stalk I have is cruise and limiter but only got wiring for cruise...which suits me.
However my parking sensors have a fault and it isn't the fuse so suspect I may need to see about replacing the 4 sensors in bumper and hope that does the trick.

My 19 year old Pug Partner/Blingo passed its MOT today, needed the rear brakes rebuilding (shoes/drums/cylinders and brake hoses) @ ~£200 so another year of cheap motoring.

I got mine to 174K before I traded it in two years ago, just checked and it's now on 190K with new owner. Not ULEZ compliant - so had to go.