New 'lingo Test-driven!

[tronboy]

Well I couldn't resist a test-drive in the new M'space, so I gave a 92bhp HDi VTR a go. I must say that there were a few points scored over the previous model (mine's a 92bhp HDi Forte) but also a fair few against:

 

Practicality:

Well, the new one's a fair bit bigger, and I like the better rear seat legroom, dash-top cubby for paperwork and centre between seat cubby, but what's happened to the wonderful 3-litre bottle of water pockets in the doors then? The in-dash bottle holders are useless except maybe for pens, and the cup/can holder is too low to reach. Boot space is no wider because of plastic intrusions either side of the boot. The under-seat tray in the new car is about 25% smaller. The removable rear seats are also a welcome feature. The whole vehicle is wider but not that much more spacious. Advantage Multispace 1

 

Handling:

No contest. The new model holds the road better and there are no rattles or rolling. Brakes are far far better although the pedals are still too close together allowing inadvertent pressing of the throttle in hard braking (no change there then) but the ABS system is much keener. Advantage Multispace 2

 

Performance:

The 92bhp HDi is markedly more sluggish than its predecessor. You need the XTR 110bhp machine for any kind of performance, and the economy's better with the larger motor too. Advantage Multispace 1

 

Equipment:

A mixed bag here. Some kit is better in the new car, but the instruments are dull and harder to read. The rake/reach wheel adjust and height adjustable front seats are good, and driving position 4x4-ish and lofty, but you feel as if you're sitting on the car rather than in it. Standard Radio/CD is a million miles better than the shite one in the older car and it'll play mp3 encoded CDs if you can be arsed to burn them. The Modutop is made of better quality plastic than the old version, but is missing the centre skylight in the rear and the car's a tad darker as a result. The fragrance diffuser is rubbish and pointless. Some gear standard on the earlier car is a cost-option on the new one. No fabric roof option. Bah. Colour options are all a bit dour, but at least black is on offer. No overall winner.

 

Safety:

In spite of better child crash protection which is a good thing and a multitude of airbag options, both cars score four stars in ENCAP tests which is surely a missed opportunity for the Multispace2? You can be sure that the new Kangoo rival will be a five starrer.

 

Overall:

I can't help thinking that this car is too much of a 'normal' mpv than the good old honest Berlingo, which was for me a bit more quirky. A 2CV for modern living, with a lovely air of 'one-downmanship'. It's a better replacement for the Xsara Picasso really. It's just a bit too far upmarket and complicated for a 'Lingo, and too close to C4 Picasso territory, so why bother? It's bigger; heavier and somehow too serious. And anybody else here reckon that it's also fuckinugly compared to the old one? I jumped back into my old car and it fitted me like a glove.

 

Deal:

The dealer offered me £4,500 for my old 55reg Forte with 60k on the clock and interest free on the new car. Peugeot offered me a discount of 22% off a near-identical Partner Tepee but no interest free deal. Either way, they're trying to sell them aren't they? No discount was offered on the Citroen, but it was implied that there could be room to move by giving me a better p/x price.

 

Trouble is, I'm not totally sure that I like it enough. Now I would be far more interested in a passenger version of the Nemo. That would be a true 'Lingo substitute.

[northman]

Thanks for that. Very useful - though pretty much what I expected - and probably pretty much what you expected too, I guess.

 

I know exactly what you mean about the brilliant door pockets in the old Berlingo. Perfect for one's Volvic. I don't know if any other car comes close.

 

Certainly not at the price. :D