Used Citroën Berlingo Multispace 2002 - 2008 review

If you want maximum practicality and versatility for your money, the Berlingo takes some beating.

The Berlingo might be based on a van, but it makes a great people carrier as a result. It's surprisingly good to drive, though, and it rides bumps fairly well, too. The Citroen's height does mean that it leans round bends a little, but it still has an enjoyable ride. The steering is light and there's good all-round visibility. It's also reasonably refined, although the diesels start to clatter and wind noise becomes noticeable as speed increases.

However, you don't buy this kind of car because of the way it drives. The Berlingo seats five adults with ease, along with a large boot. Headroom is good, and there are plenty of cubbyholes and pockets to stash bits and bobs. Options include overhead storage compartments, or a full-length electric sunroof.

Here's where the Berlingo earns its stripes, as it's frugal and cheap to maintain.

Both the 1.6-litre diesels give an official average of 47.9mpg; much better than the petrol models, which manage around 37mpg. The diesels also emit much less C02, making them cheaper to tax.

Insurance shouldn't be a worry, with the highest rating for the most powerful diesel being group 6. Servicing costs are roughly the same as its rivals'.

Resale values are fairly static, with the diesels worth not that much more than the petrols. Your choice of colour might make a difference, though, because some of the pastel paint colours widely available don't appeal to many buyers. Silver, metallic grey and more subdued colours are a better bet - unless the car is priced accordingly.

Of the four engines available, the two petrols are acceptable, but need to be pushed fairly hard. The 75bhp 1.4-litre is not as slow as you might think, but the 110bhp 1.6 is much more fun.

The diesel engine options have changed over the car's lifetime. Originally there was a 71bhp 1.9-litre and a 90bhp 2.0, which were available until 2005. These were replaced with two 1.6-litre engines: a 75bhp and a 92bhp unit. These are a much better bet because they give better fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The 75bhp isn't turbocharged, making it a little sluggish, while the 92bhp engine is refined and smooth.

All models come with power steering, electric front windows and electric door mirrors, but expect the bare minimum on the base Forte. The Desire adds a CD player and a few trinkets. The standard specification was improved from 2005, but things such as air-con and alloys were never included in the price, so look for cars with them included.

Models before 2006 came with only one airbag as standard, but from this date on curtain airbags were added as standard. ISOFIX child seat fixings were standard throughout, though.