It seems the van-based MPV sector is one of the hottest tickets in town at the moment and the Citroen Berlingo Multispace is spearheading a good proportion of that growth. In its latest guise, Citroen have driven the Berlingo upmarket, making it a little more car-like in the process. The 1.6-litre HDi engine is the pick of the range, making this a model that is capable of springing some surprises.

When Citroen first entered this market sector back in 1998, it's fair to say the company didn't really have much idea of the potential. The Berlingo Multispace was just a toe in the water and, to be frank, the water wasn't that inviting at the outset. In its first full year on sale, just 800 people signed on the dotted line. Word slowly spread that the Berlingo Multispace was more than just a plumber's van with windows, that it offered a new take on budget family motoring and some high profile journalists began championing its cause. 2002 saw sales top 7,000 units with volumes reaching 800 per month towards the end of the year.

The current models can be picked out from previous generations by way of the translucent central section in their rear light clusters, their revised side indicators, the body-coloured number plate mouldings and their thicker side rubbing strips. Clear-lensed headlamps meanwhile, bring a touch of Tiffany jewellery to the front of a car that many would consider more Elizabeth Duke at Argos. But that would be to sell the Berlingo Multispace well short. Yes, it is cheap and cheerful, but it's also a car that ruthlessly targets a specific market. It's a market that values rugged, inexpensive family transport.

"The Multispace HDi's 13.2-gallon fuel tank translates into a cruising range on motorways of an incredible 745 miles. That's London to Marseilles in one hit!"

Any logical appraisal would, at this juncture, examine whether it really is fun or whether it's just not half as bad as expected, but a self appointed panel of experts (OK - the staff from the office downstairs) tried it and gave it the thumbs up. There's scientific rigour for you. The 75bhp 1.6-litre HDi engine may not be hugely powerful, but seeing as most of the Multispace is fresh air, it doesn't really need to be. It's capable of hauling this generously proportioned cube from rest to 60mph in a sluggish 15.4 seconds and with a top speed of 93mph, the outside lane of the autobahn is not this car's native environ. One side effect of being light on its feet is fuel consumption. Even around town, the Multispace HDi will return an impressive 42mpg, although a more indicative figure for its all-round parsimony is the 52mpg combined figure. Its commercial roots are betrayed by its big 13.2-gallon fuel tank which translates into a cruising range on motorways of an incredible 745 miles. That's London to Marseilles in one hit! For £650 more you can secure the altogether better 92bhp version of the 1.6HDi engine. With this installed, 0-60mph takes 12.9s, there's a 99mph top speed and fuel economy is identical.

Inside, the dashboard features a centrally-mounted display screen, a steering wheel with stereo controls and a number of stowage areas. A Comfort Pack option offers aircraft-style trays on the back of the front seats, front folding armrests and Citroen's Modubox system in the boot. Priced at an almost laughable £60, this is one box well worth ticking when specifying your Berlingo.

Although the Berlingo still represents an inexpensive way of transporting a growing family, it's no longer the basic 2CV successor many once reckoned it to be. After all, how many 2CVs were fitted with digital multiplex wiring that allows a 'guide me home' function on the headlights or progressive dimming cabin lights? The sophisticated electronics also make the fitting of functions such as a key fob operated 'location' facility, automatic door locking and speed sensitive stereo volume simplicity itself. Safety is fairly impressive too, with the current car incorporating a reinforced body structure for improved impact resistance. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, twin front airbags, side lateral airbags and three three-point seat belts in the back.

The most notable feature of this model is still its vast folding roof. Yes, it is an option but most take it up. In this case, it's electrically operated and retracts to give an aperture of some 20-square feet - almost four times as big as a standard sunroof. Should it start to rain, the roof takes only around 12 seconds to close, at which point, if you're in the middle of a picnic, you can take shelter beneath the raised tailgate. At over 4ft wide, this doubles up as a large umbrella and raises high enough for party of six footers to stand beneath it. The other option that can be fitted instead of the sunroof is Citroen's Modutop system, a set of aircraft style overhead lockers that greatly adds to the amount of usable carrying space available.

In coupling a high-tech diesel engine with neat electronic convenience features and a no-nonsense wash'n'wear appeal to motoring, Citroen appear to be onto a winner with the Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi. Try it. What's the worst that can happen? You might even love it.

TOP 4 BERLINGO MULTISPACE DEALS

The results below show the top BERLINGO MULTISPACE deals on buyacar

	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi Desire 5dr DSL People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £185	Saving £1,722	Price £10,413
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi Forte 5dr DSL People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £180	Saving £1,648	Price £10,077
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 16V Forte 5dr DSL People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £183	Saving £1,977	Price £10,298
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 16V Desire 5dr DSL People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly £188	Saving £2,059	Price £10,626

typical 11.22% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000