Test Drive Citroen Berlingo since 2008 Minivan

All photos Citroen Berlingo since 2008

With commercial veins

Which of us did not have to scratch the backups when buying household appliances, kitchen utensils or anything from all sorts of repair of an apartment, and then, creaking with her teeth and driving upholstered upholstered, try to shove acquired in the favorite car. Or hire a full-fledged truck for the carriage of the same refrigerator or washing machine. It turns out that you can live much more efficiently - in the world where a small van-truck corresponds to one or another needs.

However, often the van is simply unsuitable for the transport of people. Do not forget about the lovers of outdoor activities, long journeys, and simply irrepressible daches, for which the universal and at the same time a spacious car is a dream of life. That's when the passenger version of the car comes to the rescue, in which the creators tried to supplement the advantages of the freight modification of the comfort of an ordinary car. How successful - we have to find out in the test.
With all the community of solved tasks, the trio at first glance looks pretty distinct. In the arsenal Ford not only novelty, but also more solid sizes. Hence some advantage on the engine whose 1.8 liters of working volume and 115 horses will almost certainly give odds to the rest. And yet, for this car class, the motor parameters are not important, so we have accepted a French duet without oscillations, albeit with a more modest traction armed service - 1.4 l and 75 liters. With. for each. For throughout the rest of the quality of Citroen and Renault, it is quite universal as possible. Do not forget about prices, where the newcomer is also an indisputable leader. It seems that only picky acquaintance will put everyone in its place.
Width and height

It is unlikely that such vehicles are chosen by their eyes alone. The potential buyer will have a long time to study the possibility of transformation of the cabin, the size of the luggage compartment, its configuration and functional features. And only then, already deciding with the options for configuration, he will sit behind the wheel to feel like a host of several unusual vehicles. So we do and we.
Despite a small difference in internal sizes and execution, the whole Trinity is rather unanimous in its passenger-commercial ideology. Therefore, by entering the role of a potential buyer, you will have to immediately adapt to unusually high roof and, accordingly, a huge stock of space above your head. After all, the voice of practicality constantly promotes what to do with a certain amount of air - to carry it with it is simply so unprofitable. It is necessary to get used to the fact that under the open rear door (fifth or fourth), a small company will easily be located at a table for a picnic, and the luggage department will surprise not only with dimensions, correct rectangular forms, but also spread the plastic rug, irreplaceable during the carriage of goods. Everything else is the details, but often they define sympathies or antipathy.

Ford Tourneo Connect. It is felt that the newcomer very seriously prepared for consumer assessment, having raised to imagine the most advanced technical solutions.
In the back seat here, beyond any doubt, conveniently, the knees even a solid stock, well, and above the head just an air ocean. It is good and a trunk with a smooth floor and side walls, divided by half a rigid folding shelf. True, fighting with it in case of dismantling is not very convenient - the detail is cumbersome. But you can still fold a separate (60/40) rear seat back, separately or with the pillow, and then the connection will instantly turn into a truck. Here suddenly it turns out that the seats are easy to dismantle - it is worth pressing the lever and ... Stop! Here is the first problem. Through the only sliding door, the side is very uncomfortable to pull them out, and most importantly, to put into place. Especially double - heavy, not any power. Thinking about the configuration with the left back door (it will cost about 400 euros), we run three dense men to the rear seat, for final evaluation. Their opinion translated into the printed language also confirmed the lack of one-sided design. Along the way, I detect another: sitting on the right will not find the inner handle to close the sliding door (naturally, also a blocked lock) - its shape and sizes are so unprosable.

Citroen Burlingo. He is the only one in our test offers two sliding doors on the sides. Such care cannot be noticed - three targeted passengers are scattered in compliments to spent to the smallest detail of the Frenchman. Otherwise, their assessment is similar to the previous ones: it is also a bit closed in the shoulders, but in the legs of free space, even with a margin. The trunk of Citroen is almost not inferior to Fords, it is only a little shorter, but covered with a soft curtain, which is much easier to attach during the carriage of large cargo. But the rear seat here is not fast. Similar only to the possibility of transformation - laying a split back or seats entirely. Here are just light upholstery materials somehow do not have shipping.
Renault Kanga. At first glance, it is fastened, and easier to fellow. After a spacious Ford and cozy Citroen, the elements of the body, an undiscriminated pillow and a back of the body, are not covered with upholsters - they are only entirely. In general, the back seat causes controversial feelings. Although our Trinity and here rushed without any problems, but in the legs are closer, and there is also a tenhow. The safety belt castle, drowning in the pillow, suddenly dug into someone with such a force that you have to urgently plant experts. It seems that in Kanga it is better to carry passengers only for short distances. Partly at this hints almost the most spacious trunk - the main dignity of Kanga.
Alone and in motion

Ford Tourneo Connect. Massive doors, chubby, as if inflated from the inside, internal upholstery, large side windows, mirrors, twisted vertically, as on a truck, is not enough here. According to the first sensations, Ford is rather mini-Ven or minibus. But what then do with a considerable amount of metal and plastics, so to speak, daily, private use? Yes ... bigger! It would immediately put on the people to immediately or put the kilograms of four hundred cargo - then and speculate about functionality.
Nevertheless, on a driver's seat, everything is thoughtful and convenient. Spacious seats with a wide range of adjustments, good visibility due to the high landing of the driver and large mirrors, the ram, adjustable in two directions, three traditional ventilation spins. In our configuration there is even a package of additional equipment comfort, and in it the electric heating is not only mirrors and nozzles of the washer, but also the windshield. In general, everything is organized for the driver almost at the highest level and at the same time is extremely functional. True, in a rich configuration, the rear janitor is no longer absent at all, but it is already inconsistent equipment.

Balanced Connect and in the driving plan. Of course, not a car, playing from a number of in a row, but in the convenient power of the movements of the car, it is primarily reliable. Sufficiently frisky and at the same time, the traction motor, successfully selected gear ratios of transmission give the machine a rather cheerful character that would not spoil even the increase in the payload.
Good and pendants. Dense and elastic, they are reliable on most irregularities and are not straining with sharp shocks or, on the contrary, excessive body of the body. And most importantly, they feel a solid energy intensity supply, because even with a load of 300-400 kg, the nature of the car is almost no change - except that the body moves more smoothly and the rolls in rapid turns increase.
Especially do not adherd to manageability. Of course, in its settings there is no sophistication of smaller fellow, but in general everything is turned to the smallest detail. Accurate, convenient reactions, excellent informativeness make it possible to reliably control the car and not fear surprises. But acoustic comfort is not ideal. At first, Ford does not cause complaints: a quiet engine, no noisy tires. But on the roughing of the body, the body suddenly begins to resonate, like a decoration of a musical instrument, absorbing all the parasitic sounds into its insides. At a speed of 100-110 km / h from the Gula, it becomes difficult to talk to the neighbor.

Citroen Burlingo. Similar sizes, but other colors and shades, a little more game of imagination and designer finds in the form of all sorts of pockets and mesh. At the same time, the passenger does not have a sense of massiveness inherent in Ford. In fact, it is a familiar passenger car to which it is not necessary to adapt: \u200b\u200beven a considerable amount of free space does not cause a feeling of unused emptiness. From this it becomes comfortable and cozy, although the seats here are simpler, and the ranges of their adjustments are not so extensive. And let the steering wheel are adjusted only in height, but it is convenient, as well as the switching mechanism, a pedal assembly, playing by bright arrows, a combination of instruments.
Against expectations, even a modest engine does not cause rejection. Of course, it interferes with a slightly stretched gear ratios of transmission and an electronic accelerator, nevertheless Citroen reliably and confidently responds to the driver teams, demanding only a long acceleration on lower gears, and, of course, does not sink temperament after 120 km / h.

But, unlike the predecessor, he is all right with noise. No, they, of course, are present: Sings the engine at high speeds, sometimes tires are buzzing, but on comparison with the acoustic musical instrument, Burlingo does not suggest.
Another feature of Citroen - excellent chassis settings. Without any discounts on an unusual body: the car is not only very reliable on the road, it also causes driver sympathy, giving a lot in fast devias. Unlike coarse Ford, the Frenchman tracks the slightest desires of the driver very sensitively, allowing you to easily manage even side slip. All this is unusual, probably not even needed, at least, a similar car - but it is also, and from it on the soul is warmer.
She deserves praise and smoothness. Of course, the impact of the load here is more noticeable, and the capabilities of the suspensions are limited, but in most situations they coped with irregularities, easily competing with Fords.

Renault Kanga. After the intelligent and cozy Citroen, the Spartan interior of Kangu puzzles. The abundance of naked metal around, rude style and hard plastic, some small seats with short pillows. As if in a cargo van added some equipment, slightly raised and called passenger. Perhaps it is made consciously to emphasize the true purpose of the hardships, but, by God, such a cheapness did not benefit. For yourself, a loved one, I still want to be more domesticated and cooled, although, acquiring Kanga as a commercial vehicle, you can be able to have. In the end, the steering wheel and pedals on the spot, the combination of devices is pretty, there is even air conditioning. And the fact that everything looks simple and none of the rear windows opens - survive.
The disadvantage of Reno tolerates the eclifts. As if opposing himself with Citroen (and how otherwise?), The car to the modest engine offers a transmissision convertible on the gear ratios, thanks to which it seems more and more dynamic. This is partly true, that's just switching often: short transmissions quickly unscrew the engine. And coming to the highest steps, you very quickly understand that the van is a van and after 120 km / h

Nevertheless, the main problem of Kanga is acoustic. The salon is very quickly filled with sound asafonia, only, unlike Ford, has also been repeatedly reinforced. After 100 km / h Reno, I don't even want to compare with the musical instrument - so aggressively hums pressed on the ears. We will master in the tire orchestra, extremely rapidly reacting to the quality of the road surface.
Suspension Kangu is frankly tough and some uncompromising. The car annually repeats the profile of the road, throwing even on smooth irregularities, and quickly tiring with sharp vertical accelerations. To fight this manages the old grandfather's way. As soon as in the trunk or in the back seat, 200-300 kilograms of ballast appears, the car doubts the jumping knife. True, there are no problem with handling, and without something not perfect. The fact is that an empty car demonstrates insufficient turning, not wanting to drive around. But with a partial load, he suddenly begins to revenge the tail, falling into a skid. It seems that in pursuit of universality and lifting capacity, the creators moved with the rigidity of the suspensions, sacrifting the good handling and smoothness of the stroke. Of course, most of these features are manifested only with extreme driving, but each of us can get into a similar situation and mistakenly. It is quite difficult to accelerate him. But in urban conditions, it is, of course more convenient.
That in the end
Why prefer from our Trinity? I think there will be no definite answer - despite the community of destination, all cars are different.
Ford Tourneo Connect is good: thought out, easy transformed salon, powerful engine, reliable driving capabilities. That's just it seemed that for a private owner he was too big, and expensive, and therefore most interesting as a universal vehicle for a solid company. Then the starting price of 15,000 euros will seem moderate, although when choosing options to it easily add another 1500-2000 euros. And if this cost of your company does not afford, it is quite possible to navigate on Renault Kanga. As a passenger car, he, Mm, is not very, but it is quite suitable for the urban bustle in the carrier-to-massage shuttle mode.
If you seriously thought about the car, able to decide not only commercial, but family tasks, perhaps, it is worth paying attention to Citroen Berlingo. It is very well combined by the comfort of the usual passenger car with a spacious and thoughtful cargo compartment.

Ford Tourneo Connect.
For the first time is shown to the general public at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. At the end of the autumn, its sales began in Russia.
The car is offered in cargo and passenger variants with one gasoline 1.8 l, 86 kW / 115 liters. With. and one turbodiesel 1.8 l, 66 kW / 90 liters. With. engines. There are short-pass and long-pass version of the machine.
The starting price of the passenger connector - 15,000 euros. It increases by 2000-3000 euros when ordering packages of additional equipment, including all sorts of servo drives, heated windshield, airbags, ABS, etc.
Citroen Berlingo.
Debuted in 1996 and since then faith-truth serves as a consumer under the trademarks of Citroen Berling and Peugeot partner. In the fall of 2002, the car was cosmetic updated.
In the domestic market, the model is offered in cargo and passenger versions with two gasoline engines: 1.4 l, 55 kW / 75 liters. With.; 1.6 l, 80 kW / 110 liters. With. and diesel 1.9 l, 51 kW / 69 liters. With. The latter is equipped just a truck.
Depending on the motor and the level of the configuration, the passenger version costs from 12,550 to 14,750 euros. An impressive list of optional equipment contains ABS, air conditioning, etc.
Renault Kangoo.
Its presentation took place in December 1997, and in 2001, even an all-wheel drive modification appeared, which we have not yet been sold.
In the domestic market is presented in cargo and passenger versions with only one gasoline engine 1.4 liters, 55 kW / 75 liters. With.
For the passenger car there are two basic levels of configuration and a lengthy list of additional equipment.
Price - from 11 990 to 12,490 euros.

Ford Tourneo Connect.
Simple forms, calm lines. In the city landscape, Ford does not look a grind.
The cargo compartment is aligned with wheel arches, but it is worth removing the seat, and it becomes huge.
The cargo compartment is aligned with wheel arches, but it is worth removing the seat, and it becomes huge.
The back seat is designed for three passengers - they are comfortable here.

Citroen Berlingo.
Citroen Berlingo in the configuration Multispey: Exterior mirrors with inserts for body color, luggage curtains and the second sliding door on the left.
The trunk of Citroen is a bit shorter and Urza Fordovsky, but in its assets a soft shelf and practical pockets on the side walls.
Cute interior, playful hints of upholstery, convenient controls.
Pillow and rear seat back fold out in a 60/40 ratio.

Renault Kangoo.
The appearance of Renault Kangu is perhaps the most unusual: a tall and playful van with a large road lumen supplied to thin legs-wheels.
But the size of the luggage compartment is impressive - the largest opening and width.
At first glance, everything you need in our places. But design, texture and style - on an amateur.
The back seat is simple and folded only entirely.

SUMMARY
Ford Tourneo Connect.
A spacious trunk, ample possibility of transformation of the cabin, a convenient workplace, balanced rolling properties.
Uncomfortable handle to close the sliding side door from the inside, there is no rear wiper in one of the most saturated passenger versions.
Citroen Berlingo.
Thoughtful and comfortable interior, good smoothness and handling, high acoustic comfort.
Stretched transmission ratios, unsuccessful engine protection design.
Renault Kangoo.
Spacious and convenient cargo compartment, adaptation to Russian conditions.
Bad acoustic comfort, low smoothness, mediocre brakes.