Citroen Berlingo - The electric Multispace is everything your kids would hate about a car
The Citroen E-Berlingo Multispace looks like and has the character of a van. If you lined-up every variant side by side you'd be hard pressed to identify which version of the car was the newest and which was the oldest.
It's got an ambiguous style which isn't attached to a certain period of time. It looks neither new or particularly old - it's a fairly uninspiring-looking car but if you're buying one of these vehicles, that is probably not a consideration for you.
I remember the first time I got inside a Berlingo as a teenager and the uncool and gaudy, ugly nature of its exterior was redeemed by the space inside and comfort.
That's the formula Citroen is looking to stick with and continue to target - practicality, space and comfort.
As an MPV, that's broadly inherent of the car's capabilities and capacities but the Belringo has taken it to the next level.
The class-leading boot is a grand 675-litres, expandable to 3,000-litres with the seat folded down, due to its van like shape.
Additionally the rear tailgate is big with a flat load surface and there is also a split boot opening which just opens the window portion, in case there is a lack of room to open the full rear.
The two sliding doors on the side also give the car easier access, much like a van.
The new E-Berlingo Multispace is equipped with the same proven electric drivetrain as the Berlingo Electric LCV, which features in main fleets across Europe.
It has a range of 106 miles which should make suited to urban/suburban and city driving.
This engine develops 67hp (49kW) and has 200Nm of torque from its two lithium-ion battery packs.
The battery can also be recharged to 50 per cent in 15 minutes and 80 per cent in one hour when connected to a rapid charge point.
The standard full charge time of the car is between 8-10 hours. To slightly improve range, the E-Berlingo is fitted with regenerative braking.
An eco-driving assistance programme onboard will also aim to increase the driver's overall range, by helping the driver adopt the most economical driving style.
A remote controlled app allows the car to be accessed via a smartphone, so it can be pre-heated or cooled prior to entering the car, or for checking the car's remaining charge.
The battery included also has an eight-year/60,000 mile warranty.
Available equipment includes air conditioning, parking sensors, speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic stability control (ESC) combined with Hill-Start Assist and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The E-Berlingo Multispace also features the Citroën brand's highly-regarded in-car connectivity, with Bluetooth® and Mirror Screen technology.
The new E-Berlingo Multispace will be assembled at the Vigo production site and will go 'on sale' in the UK during the third quarter of 2017.
It produces zero-emission, it is cheap to run, its a safe and a practical family car with plenty of space inside for you children, its got buckets of room inside which could be used to move house or transport furniture etc.
It's a car you can't fall in love with and your kids would hate, but it's also hard not to like.
