Citroën Berlingo : the unexpected return of combustion engines...in the UK

The career of the Citroën Berlingo has certainly been a tumultuous one, marked by the sometimes perplexing strategic decisions of its parent company, Stellantis. After making headlines by abruptly discontinuing combustion engines in favor of a 100% electric lineup, the group orchestrated a brief return of the diesel variant during the recent facelift, only to cease its production once again. Just when the fate of internal combustion engine (ICE) MPVs and passenger vans seemed sealed, Citroën has announced another surprising reversal. Responding to persistent customer demand, the French brand is reintroducing petrol and diesel engines for its Berlingo and SpaceTourer models. This welcome decision, however, is currently exclusive to the UK market.

The Berlingo: a comprehensive ICE lineup to meet demand

In the United Kingdom, the Citroën Berlingo is therefore reconnecting with a diverse range of combustion engines, which will be sold alongside the existing all-electric ë-Berlingo versions. This pragmatic decision aims to provide a solution for every customer's needs. As Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, stated, "By introducing petrol and diesel powertrains to Berlingo and SpaceTourer, alongside our state-of-the-art electric models, we are providing our customers with more choice than ever." In practical terms, the catalog is being expanded with a 110 hp PureTech petrol engine, available on the standard M-size body. On the diesel front, two BlueHDi options are offered: a 100 hp version and a more powerful 130 hp variant. Both are available in the five-seat M and seven-seat XL body styles, with a choice of a manual or an automatic gearbox depending on the powertrain.

This engine range is available across two trim levels, named PLUS and MAX. The entry-level PLUS trim is already generously equipped, featuring essential modern conveniences such as rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a 10-inch central touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The higher-tier MAX trim adds an extra layer of comfort and technology, including a 180° reversing camera, the highly acclaimed Citroën Advanced Comfort seats that provide unparalleled seating comfort, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. With prices starting from £23,915 (OTR) and going up to £29,780, the combustion-powered Berlingo is repositioning itself as a competitive and versatile alternative for families and businesses alike.

The SpaceTourer: Diesel makes a comeback for the long haul

The Berlingo is not alone in benefiting from this return to its roots. Its larger sibling, the Citroën SpaceTourer, designed for large families and passenger transport, is also seeing its combustion engine option reintroduced. Starting this autumn, the model will be available with a latest-generation BlueHDi diesel engine producing 180 hp, providing ample power to move this large vehicle with ease. Offered in both M and XL lengths, the SpaceTourer can accommodate up to nine passengers in versatile and modular configurations. Its design emphasizes practicality, featuring a low loading sill, a boxy trunk that maximizes cargo space up to 3,100 liters, and up to six Isofix anchor points for child seat safety.

Similar to the Berlingo, the PLUS and MAX trims structure the range. The PLUS version comes well-appointed with a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless mirroring, LED headlights, and a stylish Design Pack. The MAX version, meanwhile, is fully loaded with high-end features: dual-zone climate control, the Citroën Connect Nav system, a 180° parking camera, power-sliding side doors, and leather upholstery. These ICE versions will coexist with the electric ë-SpaceTourer, which, like the ë-Berlingo, now features a new bidirectional onboard charger with "Vehicle-to-Load" (V2L) capability. This allows users to power external devices directly from the vehicle's battery. The starting price for the diesel-powered SpaceTourer is £41,925 (OTR).

Finally! One could almost say that Citroën has come to its senses. By reintroducing combustion engines on its flagship models, the Berlingo and SpaceTourer, the brand appears to acknowledge that the transition to an all-electric future cannot be achieved by ignoring the needs and constraints of a significant portion of its customer base. The Berlingo's excellent sales figures, even in markets where competitors had abandoned ICE options, undoubtedly played a crucial role in this decision, proving the continued relevance of these powertrains. We can only hope that this decision, currently confined to the UK, will be a lasting one and not just a short-term operation as seen in the past. The burning question on everyone's mind is whether this pragmatic strategy will cross the English Channel and be applied to the rest of Europe. For the many families and professionals eagerly awaiting a diverse and accessible vehicle lineup, it is a development that is sincerely wished for.