Finding the right van for your business should be quick and easy, and yet there are so many options out there that it can be hard to know where to look first. For example, you may have had your eye caught by the range of new Citroen Berlingo vans, but you may not know whether or not they outstrip the competition. This is perfectly natural and nothing to worry about, especially when you come to the experts.
To help you on your way, we’re going to take a closer look at the Berlingo and its nearest competition. That way, you can make an informed decision that is in the best interests of your business.
Overview of the New Citroen Berlingo Van
A payload of one tonne is what many tradesmen and couriers will be checking first of all, but there is plenty more on offer when it comes to the new Citroen vans for sale we can connect you with. M and XL sizes can be chosen, allowing you to carry longer loads while maintaining the compact profile that you are used to. There is also the choice of diesel, petrol, and fully electric for those who want to be able to take control of the fundamentals from day one. Add in the 180-degree opening rear doors, lane assist, driver fatigue alert, and fully integrated 10-inch HD display, and you see why the Berlingo continues to be a popular choice across the UK.
What About the Peugeot Partner?
The Peugeot Partner is perhaps the closest competitor on the market to the range of new Citroen Berlingo vans, and it’s a van that certainly has plenty to offer. The size and fuel economy are comparable to many of the other similar vans on the market, and many fans of the Partner highlight the comfort and elegance of the interior. That said, there are some key drawbacks that you need to be aware of:
- Suspension System: While the Partner offers a smooth ride and dynamic response, the suspension system is known to be one of its main weak points. Budgeting for future repairs and frequent servicing would be a wise move here.
- Electrical System: One of the main drawbacks of Peugeot vans like the Partner is that they suffer from a tendency to develop intermittent electrical issues. This is often due to unsuitable shielding or cladding materials that gradually degrade. Diagnostics and repairs may prove costly and time-consuming.
- Turbocharger Design: Partner vans fitted with a turbocharger will generally require more frequent servicing and repairs due to the inherent features of the design. Factoring this into your assessment of the reliability is really important.
A closer look at some of the other key areas and a direct comparison with the Citroen Berlingo will help you to see where the real value for money lies.
Engine Options and Performance Comparison
You may be interested to know that the Partner and the Berlingo share the same engine technology, but that their overall performance differs. Both models use the 1.5-litre BlueDHi diesel engine, while you can also get the Berlingo with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine if you so wish. The engine technology is well-established, known for its durability and low maintenance costs, and designed to provide even performance in all UK weather conditions.
What is particularly interesting is how the MPG differs between the Berlingo and Partner when comparing like-for-like in terms of the engine under the bonnet. In the case of the 1.5-litre BlueDHi diesel engine, for example, the Partner’s rating of 52.3 MPG is easily beaten by an impressive 56.5 MPG delivered by the Berlingo.
Dimensions, Load Capacity, and Practicality
Both the Partner and the new Citroen Berlingo vans we can introduce you to today are built on the Stellantis van platform. This means that the technology and mechanics are highly developed, and their ability to carry uneven and unusual loads is very well understood. As a result, both models have identical basic specs and very high durability.
A maximum payload volume of 4.4 cubic metres and a maximum load length of 3.44 metres allow for the transportation of a wide range of different loads. There is also the option to fully fold down the front passenger seat so that longer lengths can be pushed through safely into one side of the cabin.
Pricing and Value for Money
Both vans are generally similarly priced, but, in our experience, it’s the new Citroen Berlingo vans that offer the best value for money when conducting a direct comparison. Lower maintenance costs, greater fuel efficiency, and the common issues reported with the Partner highlighted earlier all tip things in favour of the Berlingo. You may also decide to upgrade to the XL version so that you can carry longer loads and give yourself more options and flexibility. Ideal when you want to be able to take care of business with a van that is ready for just about anything.
Which Van is Right for Your Business?
Adding one of our new Citroen Berlingo vans to your business is a smart move if you want a model that is reliable, flexible, and highly durable. While there may be some reading this who still opt for the Partner, it’s our experience that the Berlingo offers the greatest range of options for businesses and tradesmen:
- The Berlingo offers better fuel economy and lower running costs
- The Berlingo is known for its smooth ride and tight turning circle
- The Berlingo is fairly and transparently priced when you come to the experts
If you would like to navigate your options the smart way, our experts are always available to talk you through how to buy a Citroen van on finance with ease. Contact our team today, and they will answer your questions, show you your options, and make sure you get the full benefits that only the right van can provide.