News

The PSA Group has launched an all-new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. The new vans, which will appear in right-hand drive form this summer, are slightly larger than the current models. Load volume has increased from 3m3 to 3.3m3, while payload is up from between 600kg and 800kg to between 625kg and 850kg. The front seats can be transformed into a mobile desk, folded out of the way to increase the van's load-carrying capability, or used to carry a second passenger.

This is the first  time that a van in this class has been able to carry three people in the front, and in theory it's a great idea in practice it's not so great, on account of the designers seemingly forgetting that most passengers have legs. By PSA's own admission, the third seat is for occasional use only, ideally 20km or 20 minutes, whatever comes first. Another first for the group is the introduction of a fleet management system. This aftermarket service allows fleet managers to remotely monitor things such as brake-pad life, oil levels and mileage.

Comfort and space have been improved too (assuming that you aren't the middle passenger), with more standard features and a comprehensive options list. In terms of safety, the new Berlingo/Partner represents a stride in the right direction. We are talking ABS, twin airbags, head curtains, ESP and even cruise control. Which safety features will come as standard and which will cost you extra have yet to be confirmed, but you can expect an announcement  to coincide with April's CV Show.

The new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner will be built and sold alongside the older-generation models in Europe. Speaking at the launch of the new vans, PSA Group chief executive Christian Streiff, said: "We want to increase the shelf-life of our vehicles. By offering both the new vans and the Berlingo First and Partner Origin [the new names for the older-generation models], we are able to maximise our range and reach as many customers as possible.

"We will continue to produce them for as long as there is a demand." Although prices are yet to be announced, the older versions will be cheaper than the new arrivals, and are likely to step into the shoes of the budget C15, which finally disappeared in 2006. Peugeot is confident that this decision will boost its market share in the UK.