18/03/2016
The Citroën Berlingo has long been a stalwart on British roads, cherished by professionals and families alike for its unwavering practicality, robust design, and impressive versatility. As it evolves into its latest generation, the Berlingo continues to build on this strong foundation, introducing a host of enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience, whether you're transporting goods or people. This article delves into the most significant updates, explores its various iterations, and provides essential information for those considering the new Berlingo.
- The Latest Evolution: What's New in the Berlingo Van?
- Beyond the Van: The Versatile Berlingo Passenger Car
- Navigating Motability: Is the Berlingo Available?
- Acquiring Your New Berlingo: The Online Ordering Experience
- Seamless Transitions: Part Exchange and Delivery
- Finding Your Local Citroën Retailer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main comfort improvements in the New Berlingo Van?
- Is the Citroën Berlingo available on the Motability scheme?
- What finance options are available when ordering the Berlingo online?
- Can I use my current car as a part exchange for a new Berlingo?
- How long does it take to receive my new Berlingo after ordering online?
- What information do I need to order a Berlingo online?
- Conclusion
The Latest Evolution: What's New in the Berlingo Van?
For tradespeople and businesses across the UK, the Citroën Berlingo Van has consistently proven itself as an indispensable workmate. Citroën, with its rich heritage in crafting dependable commercial vehicles since 1996, has poured decades of expertise into the fourth generation of this popular van. The focus for the latest iteration is firmly on enhancing the daily working life of its drivers, making long hours on the road more comfortable and productive.
One of the standout improvements in the New Citroën Berlingo Van is the integration of the Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats®. These aren't just ordinary seats; they've been meticulously designed to provide superior support where it matters most. Drivers will immediately notice the reinforced lateral support, which helps to keep you securely in place during turns and over varied terrain. More importantly, the general back support has been made impeccable, significantly reducing fatigue on longer journeys and ensuring a more relaxed driving posture throughout the day. This commitment to driver well-being truly sets the new Berlingo Van apart, transforming the cabin into a more welcoming and less strenuous environment.
Beyond the enhanced comfort, the fourth-generation Berlingo Van also brings a suite of modern advancements to the fore. Drivers can expect to find a greater array of cutting-edge technology aimed at improving connectivity and convenience, alongside significant strides in safety features. While specific details on every new tech inclusion are extensive, the general push is towards a more integrated and secure driving experience, ensuring that the Berlingo remains not just a workhorse, but a smart and safe companion for the modern professional.
Beyond the Van: The Versatile Berlingo Passenger Car
While the Berlingo Van caters to commercial needs, the passenger version of the Citroën Berlingo offers an equally compelling proposition for families and individuals seeking space, flexibility, and comfort. Known for its clever design, the Berlingo passenger car excels in providing generous interior volume and adaptable seating arrangements, making it an ideal choice for everything from school runs to weekend adventures.
The Citroën Berlingo passenger car is available in two distinct sizes to cater to varying family requirements. The standard version comfortably seats five people, offering ample legroom and headroom for all occupants, along with a sizable boot for luggage or shopping. For larger families or those who frequently need extra seating, a more expansive version is available that can comfortably accommodate seven people. This larger model maintains the Berlingo's reputation for practicality, ensuring that even with a full complement of passengers, there's still a surprising amount of usable space.
The clever flexibility of the Berlingo's interior design means that seats can often be folded, slid, or even removed in various configurations, allowing owners to maximise cargo space when needed. This adaptability is a key selling point, transforming the Berlingo from a comfortable people carrier into a highly capable load-lugger in a matter of moments. Whether you're hauling sports equipment, flat-pack furniture, or simply doing the weekly shop, the Berlingo's interior is designed to adapt to your life.
For many individuals in the UK, the Motability scheme provides an invaluable opportunity to lease a new car, often with adaptations, in exchange for their mobility allowance. The Citroën Berlingo, with its spacious and practical design, might seem like a natural fit for the scheme due to its accessibility and versatility for passengers.
However, it is vital to convey the most current information regarding the Berlingo's availability on the scheme. As of the latest information, the Citroën Berlingo model is currently not available to order on the Motability scheme. This means that while it possesses many attributes that would make it suitable, prospective Motability customers will need to explore other vehicle options or await future updates regarding its availability.
It's important to remember that vehicle information, particularly concerning schemes like Motability, originates from third-party sources and is subject to change without prior notice. Therefore, while we strive to provide the most accurate guidance, we cannot be held responsible for any discrepancies in the data. We strongly advise anyone considering a vehicle through Motability to obtain professional and/or specialist advice directly from Motability, a trained and accredited Motability specialist at a Motability approved car dealership, or a related agency or organisation before making any decisions based on the content presented here.
Acquiring Your New Berlingo: The Online Ordering Experience
In today's digital age, purchasing a new vehicle has become more accessible than ever, and Citroën offers a streamlined online ordering process for the Berlingo. This convenient platform allows you to explore offers, personalise your chosen vehicle, and even complete your order from the comfort of your own home.
The online journey begins with reviewing available offers and then moves into the exciting phase of personalising your Berlingo. You have the freedom to configure the car to your exact specifications, choosing from a range of available paint colours, selecting the ideal engine for your needs, picking interior trims that match your style, and adding various optional extras. Beyond the vehicle itself, you can also personalise the finance settings, adjusting factors such as the contract term, estimated annual mileage, and the cash deposit levels to suit your budget and usage.
Currently, the online ordering system on the Citroën website primarily facilitates purchases through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance via Stellantis Financial Services UK Limited, which is the official finance partner of Citroën UK. While PCP is the main online option, it's worth noting that other finance options are indeed available, though these typically require a discussion with any of our authorised Citroën retailers. If you prefer to explore alternative financing, a visit or call to your local dealership would be the next step.
Should you decide to proceed with an online order, you'll need a few key pieces of information readily available to complete the process efficiently. This includes your driving licence details, bank information for payment and finance application purposes, and employment details. This information is crucial for the finance application part of the process. The entire online order can typically take between 20 to 30 minutes, and throughout this journey, help is readily available via phone, email, or live chat if you encounter any questions or require assistance.
For any queries specifically about ordering online, Citroën's dedicated Online Sales Support Team is on hand to assist. They are available from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and English Bank Holidays. You can reach them by calling 0800 042 2255, emailing [email protected], or utilising the live chat feature on the website. Of course, your local network of UK Retailers is also always happy to provide assistance and guidance.
Understanding Finance Options: Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
As mentioned, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is the primary finance option available for online orders. But what exactly is PCP?
PCP is a popular and flexible way of financing a vehicle purchase that offers a lower monthly payment compared to traditional hire purchase agreements. Here's a breakdown of its key components:
| PCP Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Deposit | An initial lump sum payment made at the very beginning of the agreement. This reduces the amount you borrow. |
| Monthly Payments | Fixed payments made over a set contract term (e.g., 24, 36, or 48 months). These payments cover the depreciation of the car during your ownership, not the full purchase price. |
| Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) | Also known as the 'balloon payment', this is an optional final payment to own the vehicle outright at the end of the contract. This value is agreed upon at the start of the contract and represents the car's projected minimum value at the end of the term. |
| End of Contract Options | At the end of your PCP agreement, you have three main choices: 1) Make the GFV payment to own the car, 2) Return the car (subject to mileage and condition agreements), or 3) Part-exchange the car for a new one, often using any equity above the GFV as a deposit. |
The benefit of PCP is that you don’t have to pay for the entire value of the car upfront or through the monthly payments, as a portion is deferred until the end of the contract. This provides significant flexibility and often results in more manageable monthly outgoings. While PCP is the online standard, remember that other finance options, such as Hire Purchase or outright cash purchase, are available directly through Citroën retailers.
Seamless Transitions: Part Exchange and Delivery
If you currently own a car, the process of upgrading to a new Citroën Berlingo can be made even smoother through part exchange. When ordering online, the website can provide you with an estimated valuation for your current car. This valuation is for guidance purposes only, giving you an initial idea of what your car might be worth.
For a firm and definitive valuation of your current car, it is always best to consult with our network of Citroën retailers. After a thorough inspection of your vehicle, they will be able to provide you with a precise valuation, which can then be factored into the purchase of your new Berlingo.
Once your order is placed, a common question is, "How long will it take for me to get my new car?" During the online ordering journey, an indicative lead time for building your new Berlingo will be displayed. This gives you an estimated timeframe for when your vehicle might be ready. However, Citroën does maintain a stock of certain vehicles, and in some cases, it may be possible to offer you an earlier handover if a suitable model is readily available. If you require a quick delivery, it is advisable to contact the Online Sales Support Team directly, as they can explain which vehicles are currently available for expedited delivery. Alternatively, your chosen Citroën retailer can also provide this information.
Should you need to make any changes to your online order after it has been placed, the process is straightforward. Simply contact the Online Sales Support Team using the phone number (0800 042 2255), email ([email protected]), or live chat. They are available during their standard operating hours to assist with modifications. You also have the option to contact your selected Citroën retailer directly, as they are the ultimate supplier of your new vehicle and can help manage your order.
Finding Your Local Citroën Retailer
Whether you need to discuss finance options beyond PCP, get a firm part-exchange valuation, or simply prefer an in-person consultation, finding your local Citroën Retailer is easy. As you progress through the online order process, the Online Store Locator will provide you with the contact details of your nearest approved dealership. Additionally, you can find a comprehensive list of retailers directly on the Citroën UK website.
When you place an online order, it's important to understand that your order will ultimately be placed with your preferred Citroën retailer. This ensures that you have a local point of contact for vehicle handover, after-sales service, and any ongoing support you might need throughout your ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions potential Berlingo owners ask, with concise answers to help you navigate your decision-making process.
What are the main comfort improvements in the New Berlingo Van?
The New Berlingo Van features significant upgrades, most notably the Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats®. These seats are designed with enhanced side support and provide impeccable general back support, making long journeys much more comfortable and reducing driver fatigue.
Is the Citroën Berlingo available on the Motability scheme?
Currently, the Citroën Berlingo model is not available to order on the Motability scheme. While it offers many suitable features, prospective customers should check with Motability directly or explore other available vehicles on the scheme.
What finance options are available when ordering the Berlingo online?
When ordering online through the Citroën website, the primary and currently only available finance option is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) through Stellantis Financial Services UK Limited. Other finance options are available but must be discussed and arranged directly through our network of Citroën retailers.
Can I use my current car as a part exchange for a new Berlingo?
Yes, you can. The online platform can provide an estimated valuation for your current car for guidance. For a firm valuation, it is recommended to visit your local Citroën retailer, who will inspect your vehicle and provide a definitive figure.
How long does it take to receive my new Berlingo after ordering online?
During your online order journey, an indicative lead time for building your vehicle will be provided. However, Citroën does hold stock of certain models, and an earlier handover might be possible. For quick delivery options, it's best to contact the Online Sales Support Team or your chosen retailer.
What information do I need to order a Berlingo online?
To complete an online order, particularly for finance application, you will need your driving licence, bank information, and employment details. The process typically takes between 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
The latest generation of the Citroën Berlingo, in both its van and passenger iterations, continues to uphold its reputation for practicality, versatility, and now, significantly enhanced comfort. Whether you're a professional seeking a reliable and comfortable work vehicle or a family needing adaptable space, the Berlingo offers compelling solutions. While online ordering provides a convenient route to ownership with PCP finance, remember to consult directly with Motability or your local Citroën retailer for specific needs like Motability scheme enquiries or alternative finance options. The Berlingo remains a smart choice for those seeking a highly functional and enjoyable vehicle for everyday life in the UK.
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