Defying expectations and baffling the critics, Citroen's Berlingo has put on a sparkling performance on the light van stage. Nothing lasts forever though and, in true showbiz style, Citroen put their faith in an extensive facelift to prolong its popularity. Sporting a neater nose, wide staring eyes and inflated bumpers - in a look that would stand comparison with many an aging Hollywood actress - today's Berlingo is continuing to audition powerfully for weighty roles with UK operators, especially since the addition of the latest Euro IV compliant engines.

Even the most cantankerous and mean-spirited of commercial vehicle buyers would have to concede that the Berlingo has been a massive success for Citroen. Since the covers first slid from the van's glistening bodywork at its late 1996 launch, nearly a million models have found happy homes with European businesses. Things have moved forward somewhat since then, of course, the latest addition being that of the advanced 1.6-litre HDi diesel engines.

The updates that mark today's Citroen Berlingo out from its earlier iterations are limited to areas forward of the vehicle's A-pillars - the rear two thirds remain as they have been since launch. This may make owners more inclined to reverse into parking spaces, garages, etc, in order to show-off their van's cutting-edge facial features but aside from that, there are no obvious drawbacks to the aging rear end. It's still as big, robust and accessible as ever. At the front, the deep bumper, the prominent grille and the large lights that curve up into the bonnet and wings give the van a distinctive face. The designers didn't cut loose to the extent that fashion-conscious van users might have liked but the prerequisite mainstream appeal has been succinctly achieved.

"There's no reason to suspect that the current version of Citroen's Berlingo won't continue where its predecessor left off"

Inside, the cab is tastefully done and pleasing aesthetically. There's a digital centre console display brimming with useful information, chunky buttons, decent storage space and attractive circular vents dotted around the place. You'll find better quality plastics and a more upmarket feel in some rivals but the Berlingo's success has been built on keeping it simple and this interior isn't going to offend anyone. There's a fair bit of equipment too, with variable power steering, a height-adjustable steering column and driver's airbag throughout. All models except the entry-level also receive the dual fold passenger seat that doubles as a desk, remote central locking, a radio/cassette stereo, electric windows/mirrors and doors that automatically lock you in at speeds above 6mph.

That's not to say, of course, that either driver or passenger will feel the need to bale out of the Berlingo once it does get up to speed. This, like most small vans, isn't going to set many Pluses racing, unless you've just made the step-up from a horse and cart. But it's relaxed enough at motorway velocity and nimble around the urban jungle. The turning circle is tight, the gearchange punchy and the steering always imparts a feeling of control while remaining light enough so as not to overwork the driver.

Citroen offer a choice of petrol or diesel power but the 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol models are only tend to be of interest to buyers with an eye or two on LPG conversion. The vast majority of Berlingos sold have diesel power. That means one of two 1.6-litre HDi common-rail units, one packing 75bhp and the Range-topper offering a surprising turn of pace with 90bhp. Both of these units are impressively refined and make good long distance companions but they're equally adept in the cut and thrust of urban motoring where the powerful torque outputs pay dividends. The 75bhp unit yields 175Nm at 1,750rpm with the 90bhp option chipping in with 215Nm at the same engine speed.

Broadening the choice further is the line-up of nine load access configurations, two mainstream payload capacities and a platform cab that's ready to take specialist modifications and become the tailored antidote to your company's transport requirements - no matter how pernickety. There's even an all-terrain XTR+ model with a limited slip differential. Buyers can specify side-hinged rear doors, with or without a ladder flap for lengthier cargo, or a lifting tailgate. Then there's the option of single or double sliding side doors and the choice of 600kg or 800kg payload capacities. The variety and diversity of the different Berlingo models on offer puts much of the competition in the shade and we haven't even covered the van's people carrying sibling, the Berlingo Multispace. For the ultimate Berlingo, look no further than the Enterprise model. Here CV buyers are pampered by the inclusion of ABS brakes, a CD player as well as all the standard bumf.

Price-wise the Berlingo remains on a par with or slightly cheaper than the rest of the top contenders in the light van sector. It's also worth pointing out that the vehicle continues to be manufactured under the PSA partnership with Peugeot, who badge their identical version, appropriately enough, as the Partner. Another thing to bear in mind is that Citroen dealers are notorious for their special offer antics and you could well find the odd favourable deal at your local branch that makes the Berlingo appear even more of a tempting package. There's also the manufacturer's innovative LCV warranty arRangement where you can select either two year's unlimited mileage cover or a three-year deal that's limited to 100,000 miles - just go for the one that suits you best.

There's no reason to suspect that the current version of Citroen's Berlingo won't continue where its predecessors left off. The 1.6HDi engines have improved refinement, performance and economy and you can't ask for much more than that. There is some stiff competition out there in this sector but, on value for money at least, few can eclipse Citroen's star CV performer.