Test driving the Citroën Berlingo with the cheap van insurance experts

Ever since its introduction to British shores in 1996 the Citroën Berlingo has become a staple presence on our roads, and after a good turn about town in one of these small but spacious vehicles it is easy to understand why so many of our cheap van insurance customers still come to us seeking cover for this vehicle.

Although there have been only relatively minor changes to the Berlingo since its initial incarnation, this is mainly because the manufacturer hasn't wanted to mess with its "proven pedigree", but, after all, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

This is why, even now, Citroën's factory line is still rolling of versions of the original model; a good option for those new van buyers on a tight budget.

However, not everything has remained the same. There are now two chassis lengths to choose from, as well as a whole spec sheet's worth of small but significant evolutions.

For example, the inside of the original Berlingo used to have quite barren and cut price feel; not anymore. These days there is greater sense of space and luxury, with most of the technical trappings - electric windows, heated mirrors and quality CD player etc - that you would expect in a good to midrange family car (thankfully there is no danger of hearing any whining coming from any backseat). There is also the option of inbuilt satnav and vehicle tracking systems. The satnav certainly helped me navigate my way around the jungle of North London. I fear that without it I would probably still be winding my way around the North Circular.

Not having driven a Berlingo since 1999 I was quite surprised by how serenely its 90bhp diesel steered its course. There is very little noise, good traction and an ample feeling of elevation for such an unassuming van.

Although I didn't exploit the full loadspace - my wife got wind of the review and ordered me to deliver a dresser to her best friend's mother - the L2 I drove had a very ergonomic-feeling 3.7 metres of cubic space.

Those preoccupied with cheap van insurance will be disappointed that most Berlingos, including the one I drove, do not have remote central locking fitted as standard. If you fancy the more upmarket LX though, you can have this added security feature.

The price of these vans can vary - from around £10,500 upwards, but they represent good value for money; just don't let your mother-in-law get wind of its existence or, like me, you might find yourself stuck in traffic delivering a dresser.

Get a quote today
We are the UK's leading van-only insurance experts, if you would like to receive a cheap van insurance quote that can save you money on your existing commercial vehicle policy, let our superspeedy iVan search engine work for you - it only takes a couple of minutes.