The old Citroen Berlingo Multispace was a stroke of genius, converting a van into low budget family transport. This time round, Citroen has tried a different tack, distancing the Berlingo Multispace from its commercial origins. More sophisticated and 'lifestyle' it may now be but has a degree of charm has been lost in the process?

It has to be said that the customer base for the Berlingo Multispace hasn't always been particularly discerning. The vehicle has racked up a good proportion of its huge sales merely by being the most affordable new car that can house a big family and all their gear. Never mind about fancy electronics, the latest flippy spinny seats or anything like that, the Berlingo Multispace buyer wanted a lot of fresh air inside and if the vehicle resembled a pizza van, well, that was just a minor issue.

Owning a vehicle with rubber floors that could be hosed clean and which would always come back from the most fearful leathering was an experience that nevertheless endeared itself to many. There's something uniquely French about battering a car almost to death and then passing it on as a family heirloom and the Berlingo Multispace accepted this role with good grace. Now things have changed quite dramatically.

It drives far more like a car than a van these days, though it still isn't a vehicle designed to please car enthusiasts - nor should it be. The running gear is based on Citroen's avant-garde C4 Picasso mini-MPV, which means that it handles very competently indeed, with less roll than its predecessor around twisty roads. As with the old Berlingo Multispace, all-round visibility is excellent, making this a great companion in congested urban areas. The more sophisticated suspension is a particular boon on B roads, removing the experience offered up by the old car of crashing from one pothole to another. The more powerful 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi diesel makes sixty from rest in around 12 seconds on the way to a maximum in the region of 105mph. If you want to go any faster than that in a car of this kind, then there's something wrong with you.

"This Berlingo Multispace is undoubtedly a more cultured vehicle.."

The car has a pseudo MacPherson type front suspension and at the rear, a torsion beam with an anti-roll bar. The rear dampers are also inclined to reduce the size of the rear wheel arches and, therefore maximise the rear load area. Stopping-wise, there are four disc brakes and ABS, with electronic brake force distribution (EBFD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking.

It isn't only the C4 Picasso's chassis that this Berlingo Multispace shares to get away from its commercial roots. There are a number of C4 Picasso cues in the external styling as well and it's a very assured piece of design for a vehicle that is, by necessity, tall and boxy. With a longer wheelbase and a bigger load bay, the Berlingo Multispace hasn't forgotten about its need to remain practical. Overall length has gone up by a whopping 24cms and a potential load space of 3000 litres means it could swallow four washing machines. With the rear parcel shelf in place, a total of 675 litres is available.

The ability to adapt to many different uses is a key requirement of this type of vehicle. The car is fitted as standard with a three-person rear bench seat which can be folded (two thirds - one third), or removed completely. To increase the modularity even further, customers can opt for three individual, reclining, folding and removable seats, an option not previously available in this type of vehicle. The specially shaped back of the middle rear seat includes two cup holders, and when folded creates a table between the two outer seats. There are also folding "airline" style trays attached to the backs of the passenger and driver's seats. Citroen hasn't spared on using every trick in its armoury to improve day to day utility. There's an overhead storage 'galley' that can be used to house items such as skis, a removable central storage compartment, an opening tailgate window and a folding front passenger seat.

Citroen has taken a bold step in changing what was clearly a winning formula. Since the Berlingo Multispace effectively created the budget MPV sector back in 1998, it has sold more than all of its rivals combined in a sector that has achieved sales of over 20,000 units per year. In the UK alone, the Berlingo Multispace sold over 50,000, whilst worldwide, sales of car versions of the Berlingo have exceeded a million. This is, in fact, even more sales than the commercial versions ever managed to rack up.

All the engines available are 1.6-litre units, offered in 90 or 110bhp forms if you want petrol or 75, 90 or 110bhp guises if you want an Hdi diesel. Equipment highlights include a scented air freshener, automatic headlights, parking assistance, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, a speed limiter and even a rechargeable torch in the boot. There's also an XTR model which sits above the standard VT and VTR levels and features a rugged 'go anywhere' look. Despite only being front wheel drive, the added ground clearance and side rubbing strips mean it'll go places the ordinary Berlingo would struggle to reach. With a two tone bumper and grille, black body sections and tinted rear windows it's even a bit of a looker, something we never thought we'd say that about a Berlingo Multispace.

The old model made its name on being proper econobasic transport. Simple engines that ran and ran without ever offering the driver much in return, a modest tally of equipment and fixtures and fittings that made up in solidity what they lacked in design flair were all Multispace totems. Things have changed now, but the march of technology means that while the latest Berlingo Multispace is significantly more expensive to buy in the first instance, it won't cost any more to run. Cheap insurance, a modest thirst from the efficient powerplants and reduced engine emissions see to that.

You can expect to average close to 50mpg on a regular basis at the wheel of the 1.6-litre HDi diesel models that most owners will probably specify. All the while putting out not much more than 150g/km of CO2 into the atmosphere. Depreciation won't be as much of an issue as it would be if you'd stumped up another £3,000 or so to buy the C4 Picasso (which in 5-seat form is no more than the same car in a different suit of clothes). That's providing of course you take advantage of Citroen dealers' legendary willingness to do deals upfront.

The old Citroen Berlingo Multispace was a car that was enormously endearing. Like a faithful family hound, it wasn't flashy, could be a little agricultural in its manners but would never let you down. The latest version adds a little pedigree to the breed and in doing so, changes the rules quite significantly. The Berlingo Multispace is now positioning itself as a desirable family accoutrement. It has style and even has some equipment, both radical departures.

With its flared wheel arches, smoothly chamfered styling and modern interior, the Berlingo Multispace is undoubtedly a more cultured vehicle. It's also, on almost any objective grounds you could conjure, a better vehicle. Safer too, which is an important attribute for any family-oriented car. Will it be a more successful vehicle? I would be prepared to bet the house on the fact that it won't - but then a million sales is a lot to beat. That won't deter a good number of well-informed buyers looking for a modern car to cope with the needs of active families.

TOP 5 BERLINGO MULTISPACE DEALS

The results below show the top BERLINGO MULTISPACE deals on buyacar

	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 110 XTR 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £2,169	Price £12,451
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 90 XTR 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,989	Price £11,631
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi Desire 5dr DSL People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,722	Price £10,413
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi VT 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,598	Price £9,852
	Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6 HDi 90 VTR 5dr People Carrier
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,764	Price £10,606