Why not go all out for a 4x4 truck when you can get extra off-road at a fraction of the price? This is the rationale behind the Berlingo XTR.
A complex and expensive transmission four-wheel-drive is not the be all and end all of off-road driving. Anyone who regularly businesses in great unknown that lies beyond borders on the road, we will tell you that it is possible to go a long way away from the soil and the mechanical grip. Citroen knows this well and has great production XTR versions of the trucks as viable alternatives for the full four-wheel commercial vehicles. The latest Berlingo XTR offers an element of off-road capability in a manageable price.
Let's face it. If you are driving your business vehicle off-road day by day in test conditions, you sure as possible that they will not hang or maintain any harm. A fully equipped to pick-up truck or a 4x4 truck real hardcore is the only option. If, however, will occasionally have to cross a muddy construction site or trundle a dirt road or two, the Berlingo XTR would be ideal. It is less expensive than the various truck-based compact 4x4 has the great capacity of a standard Berlingo van and should have all the off road capabilities you need. That's the plan anyway.
Only the front wheels are driven on the Berlingo XTR, just like any standard Berlingo van, and each is a limited slip differential. This works to reapportion torque to the wheel with most grip to help prevent the truck from floundering in slippery conditions. There is no input required from the unit, except perhaps a boot-full throttle when the situation requires. The engine is a 1.6 liter HDi Berlingo in 90bhp guise, and the output torque of 215Nm at 1.750rpm should make pleasantly tractable from low speeds. The Berlingo XTR running on Michelin Synchrone 4x4 tires designed for a mixture of on and off-road use.
"There are few direct alternatives out there in an XTR Berlingo"
The limited slip differential and tires help maximize the available traction, but the XTR has some other tricks up its sleeve to keep things moving in the mud, while raising a possible prangs by unscrupulous masonry and the like. The Heavy-duty suspension components have been installed, increasing the amount of running from 30 mm to help stop dragging his belly on the ground. Then at the bottom should come into contact with anything untoward, there is extensive protection to prevent damage. A heavy metal sump guard duty is established, along with two mini metal plates running the length of the vehicle to protect the brake and fuel.
The L1 van Berlingo where the XTR is based on 4380 mm in length. This is 243 mm longer than the previous generation Berlingo with 350 mm extra wheelbase to the apartment. The space at the rear is accessed via the side-hinged rear doors that open nearly 180 degrees and reveal a compartment is 1800 mm in length and never less than 1229 mm wide. The sliding side doors are available as options, such as a hinged lid roof, through which time information can be pushed. The loading lip in the back is nice and low and the cargo bay gets excellent protection of the contents is courtesy of the investment that goes halfway up the sides of the vehicle. The diaphragm is a standard under stairs behind the driver's seat only and an unusual touch is the light load compartment that can be detached and used as a torch.
Internally, the Citroen Berlingo is an impressive work done by van standards with quality materials and neat design. It is worth remembering that the compact 4x4 trucks in the market based on passenger cars will be significantly better in the cabin designated by their predecessors - though perhaps parts and less durable. The storage space is plentiful and ingenious solutions abound, ready to swallow all the paraphernalia of your workday. There are two options and three-seater cabin and two-seater Berlingo, the single front passenger seat folds to reveal a desk and cup holders.
The space in the cabin of the Berlingo is immediately apparent. It is great with plenty of room for driver and front passenger. The problems begin to appear when you set the three-seat model, a highly unusual inclusion in a van this size. Prominent dash mounted gear makes the middle bunk uninhabitable by anyone with legs and Citroen claim that the "occasional chair is ideal for young children seems a moot point. The few remaining chimney sweeps may be interested, but in this day and age, as your child works on a daily basis is rightfully up. The real advantage of the cabin in detail, as the three-seater layout is known, is the ability to fold the outer passenger seat down to increase the load length available. You can also flip the seat cushion until it makes a convenient storage space in the cabin floor.
The basic equipment for the Berlingo include ABS brakes, trip computer, a stereo CD, central locking, electric front windows and internally adjustable door mirrors. The XTR is based on the plusher LX trim, however, and that adds remote central locking, heated electric wing mirrors and an external temperature sensor. There is also considerable power of attraction of the model of Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and vehicle monitoring system.
There are few immediate alternatives out there in an XTR Berlingo. For off-road capability, is halfway between conventional compact truck and van models based on compact 4x4 cars. The latter group is more elegant and is suitable for off road travel, but the price reflects the fact that the carrying capacity will be significantly less. The XTR is also available on the platform and cabin crew bodystyles van with a number of additional options that are available through the Citroen Ready to Run program.
Van operators who are often faced with the need for a point off-road driving have a conundrum on their hands. They take the risk of being stuck with a conventional compact van or shell out extra cash for a less practical 4x4 model that can perform in the rough; Berlingo Citroen XTR offers of a compromise. With front wheel drive layout give additional opportunity through a limited slip differential, mixed ground tires and upgraded suspension, should be the perfect fit for a van.
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