The original generation of Citroen Berlingo Multispace was first presented to the public in June 1996, but its full-scale debut took place only in the fall of the same year at the Paris Motor Show, and the appearance of the production model was preceded by three concept cars at once.
In 2002, the "Frenchman" underwent a small update, having received a "facelift" and interior improvements, and in 2004 it was modernized for the second time, slightly changing its appearance.
The car finished its "life cycle" in 2012, though not everywhere - in Argentina its production continued.
The first generation cargo-passenger "Berlingo" is a five-seater "compact class" minivan with the following external dimensions: 4135 mm in length, 1820 mm in width and 1725 mm in height.
The vehicle has a wheelbase of 2,695 mm and a ground clearance of 140 mm. The curb weight of the "Frenchman" varies from 1205 to 1275 kg, depending on the installed engine.
The power range of the "first" Citroen Berlingo Multispace combines six four-cylinder engines working in conjunction with a 5-speed "mechanics" and rotating wheels of the front axle:
- The gasoline component includes an atmospheric "heart" with a volume of 1.4-1.6 liters with distributed injection technology, producing 75-109 horsepower and 120-147 Nm of torque.
- The diesel line includes turbocharged units with a volume of 1.6-2.0 liters with a Common Rail fuel supply system, which produce 71-90 "stallions" and 125-215 Nm of maximum potential.
At the heart of the original "Berlingo" is a front-wheel drive platform with a transversely positioned power plant. At the front, the car shows off an independent suspension with McPherson struts, and at the rear, a torsion bar design.
The standard equipment of the minivan includes disc brakes on each of the wheels (ventilated in the front) with ABS and a rack and pinion steering system with hydraulic power assistance.
The main advantages of the “first” Citroen Berlingo are the attractive design, roomy interior, reliable construction, excellent handling, good visibility, accessible content and other points.
Its main disadvantages are low ground clearance, poor sound insulation, not the most outstanding dynamics and stiff suspension.
