Berlingo Multispace

Berlingo Multispace gains a wider, more defined grille and a new headlight arrangement. The model’s side mirrors have been updated with a more aerodynamic design to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. New ‘Airflow’ wheel embellishers are also improve fuel efficiency.

A new ‘Black Pack’ is introduced too with customised Onyx Black trim on the top of the front bumper, side mirrors, side rubbing strips and rear number plate moulding. Inside the cabin, colours and materials have been revised on all levels of trim come with a more ‘contemporary feel’. The Berlingo Multispace is also available with two new body colours, Nocciola and Belle Ile Blue.

The model can be specified with up to seven seats and there is a range of efficient engines and gearbox to choose from too, including Citroën’s e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrain with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox – e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6 versions deliver CO2 emissions of just 125g/km.

On five-seat versions, the HDi 75 and HDi 90 models now deliver reduced emissions – 135g/km down from 139g/km – thanks in part to the aerodynamic upgrades. The HDi 110 engine is upgraded to HDi 115, providing extra performance.

In the UK, the new Berlingo Multispace is available with three core trim levels, VT, VTR and XTR. The XTR versions are designed for more adventurous families and features raised suspension (+10mm), a skid plate beneath the car and a special body pack.

Dispatch Combi

One of the largest passenger vehicles in the Citroën range, the new Dispatch Combi is designed to combine generous space – up to nine occupants and a large boot – with MPV levels of on board comfort.

Like the Berlingo Multispace, the Dispatch Combi gains a new front end with a wide chromed grille featuring the brand’s updated chevron design. A new body colour, Hickory Brown, updates the range of shades available.

For improved safety, Grip Control is newly available, with the driver choosing one of four modes – normal, all-terrain, snow or sand. This advanced anti-skid option optimises traction and adapts to all driving situations. An optional tyre pressure monitor is also offered.

The new Dispatch Combi also becomes available with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which is mated to the HDi 160 engine. Six-speed manual gearboxes are also available with the HDi 95, HDi 125 and HDi 160 engines. All versions feature a dashboard-mounted gear selector for a comfortable and convenient driving experience.

Special efforts were made to reduce the model’s CO2 emissions with the addition of aerodynamic panels underneath the body and a ‘volt control’ function to optimise battery charge management by the alternator.

The new Dispatch Combi is available in two trim levels in the UK, Combi and Combi SX.

Final UK specification and pricing details for the new model are expected to be confirmed closer to the 2 April 2012 ‘on sale’ date.

Award criteria included reliability, cost-effectiveness and durability. Presenting the award, ITM’s judges commented that: “Businesses are looking for LCVs that are lighter, with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency, qualities that the Citroën Berlingo range has in spades.  In particular, the Citroën Berlingo e-HDI Airdream models are equipped with e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology.”

Furthermore, ITM praised the Berlingo van  for its inclusion of Citroën’s unique Trafficmaster telematics package, which further reduces urban fuel consumption and emissions by offering the fastest congestion avoidance routing direct to the driver.

Citroen’s Berlingo eHDi Airdream models, with their micro-hybrid drive, use a stop/start system to avoid wasting fuel while at a standstill. Available with a choice of either a 5 speed manual transmission or Citroen’s advanced 6-speed automated manual transmission, the Berlingo e-HDi models offer combined fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg and 123g/km CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the win Scott Michael, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager said:  “We are delighted that the Berlingo has opened 2012 with yet another award and particularly one which recognises the Berlingo’s versatility, reliability, exceptional fuel economy and low emissions by the key sector of transport management.  No other small LCV range on sale in the UK can match the Euro 5 Citroën Berlingo’s choice of models, payloads, load volumes, trim levels and seating configuration.  With a choice of petrol, diesel or dual fuel engines, a unique extra traction van, a wide range of Ready to Run specialist bodies and a platform cab, there is a Berlingo to suit the widest range of operator requirements.”

A mix of C4, C4 Picasso, C5 Saloon and C5 Tourer models have been delivered so far featuring efficient HDi diesel engines and e-HDi micro-hybrid powertrains with Stop & Start.

Clear Channel has also included DS4 e-HDi models which boasts a combined mpg of 64.2, a 0-62mph time of 12.4 seconds, 114g of CO2 every km, zero rated VED in the first year and the lowest BIK tax rate of 13%.

Glenn Ewen, Fleet Manager for Clear Channel UK, commented: “In each price band, Citroen has a choice of three or four models and using a single supplier cuts down on paperwork.

“It also reduces work for our drivers as they don’t have to compare models from a variety of manufacturers.

“With these new Citroen cars, our drivers certainly appreciate paying less Benefit in Kind tax than they did before.”

Coming in red, yellow and blue, the manual DS3 DStyle Plus VTi 120 cars will be used by customers of the approved Slough-based repairers while their own cars undergo body repair, cabriolet roof care, alloy wheel refurbishment, or air conditioning service.

Rod Wallace, MD of Bodytechnics, explained the company’s eyecatching choice: “We have a wide ranging client base built up over the last 16 years that is discerning in their taste, whether it be food, fashion or cars. 

“So we need loan cars in which all our customers feel comfortable and the distinctively styled Citroen DS3s provide a premium quality, stylish and comfortable solution.

“We believe that our clients will appreciate using the DS3s while their own cars are in our workshops.”

The 15 vehicles have been acquired through Citroen London West and are being operated on Citroen Contract Motoring contract hire agreements.

A spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs told BusinessCar that the 3% supplement which applies to regular diesel models would not affect a diesel hybrid because “s141(3) of ITEPA 2003 (the regulatory document) defines ‘diesel car’ as being ‘propelled solely by diesel’.”

The news was welcomed by Citroen ahead of its DS5 Hybrid4 launch in February 2012.

Andy Wady, Fleet Director for Citroen UK, said the ruling will benefit fleets as much as themselves.

“This is fantastic news for us but it’s also great news for many company car drivers already attracted to DS5 and the Hybrid4 powertrain with its impressive fuel economy, low CO2 emissions, free VED, no London Congestion Charge and now a BIK taxation rate at just 10%,” he commented.

Citroen’s Hybrid4 technology will play a big part in helping the manufacturer build on its commitment to drive down CO2 emissions. 

“Already, a full 50% of Citroen cars sold this year emit under 130g/km of CO2,” added Andy.

“There has been a five-gram decrease in average CO2 emissions for the European range as a whole.”

Improved fuel efficiency, fewer CO2 emissions, a self-regenerating Diesel Particulate Filtration System, and lower running costs are just some of the aspects the programme will focus on.

Scott Michael, Citroen’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager, believes that the programme offers a significant step forward for LCV operators.

“It demonstrates Citroen’s unique and all-embracing approach to improving the efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of our LCVs,” he explained.

“Since the introduction earlier this year of the ‘Citroen Vans – Business Class’ programme, Citroen has continued to improve its sales and aftersales service, as well as providing a greater choice of converted vehicles through both our Relay Specialist model range and our expanded Ready to Run range. 

“With the Citroen 5 Star Euro 5 programme, our customers can now benefit from further fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19% and CO2 reductions of up to 17.5%.”

Citroen is keen to highlight the greener and more frugal Euro 5 Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay ranges with a combined consumption from 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions upwards of 109g/km.

PSA Peugeot Citroen group is continuing its successful relationship with Mitsubishi with the launch of the new Peugeot 4008 and Citroen C4 AIRCROSS models next year.

Having previously collaborated on the 4007/C-Crosser/Outlander car, the trio are at it again, utilising a modified 4007 platform to build a new compact all-terrain model.

Both new models are set for world debuts at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show before heading to the UK in the summer.

Final specification and engine choices for the UK have yet to be finalised by either Citroen or Peugeot, however there will be four engine choices available – two petrol and two diesel.

Petrol choices revolve around a 1.6-litre 115 unit and a larger 2.0-litre 150 unit, although neither marque is expected to bring the larger engine to the UK. Predicted to be more popular with UK punters are the two diesel units – 1.6-litre HDi 110 and 1.8-litre HDi 150 units.

The new SUV will also come with a latest generation four-wheel transmission system, providing optimal handling in all conditions.  This technology allows the car to be driven permanently in four-wheel drive mode, with the torque optimally distributed between the front and rear wheels.

Using the single control positioned behind the gear lever, the driver can manually select one of the three transmission modes:

• 2WD, for optimal fuel consumption
• 4WD, which automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles
• ‘Lock’,which provides maximum traction in severe conditions.

Smaller than the C-Crosser and 4007, the SUV has a very similar wheelbase to its larger sibling which means it remains a true five-seater with plenty of interior space.

With the addition of vehicle tracking, the Trafficmaster is hailed as one of the most secure telematics package around with a 98% recovery rate for stolen vehicles.

Returning up to 12% better fuel economy and a 10% cheaper running costs, Scott Michael, CV Operations Manager for Citroen, commented: “50,000 Citroen LCVs fitted with Trafficmaster’s advanced telematics has resulted in these vehicles being amongst the most economical and secure for UK businesses.

“It is a practical demonstration of Citroen’s continuing ‘Business Class’ commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its LCV range, while delivering real financial, operational and safety benefits for its business customers.

“The high standard of Citroen LCV security equipment now means virtually all thefts [95%] involve taking the keys, rather than breaking into the vehicle. Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking clearly builds on this very high level of security, with 80% of stolen Citroën LCVs recovered within the hour.”

Worth

Pat Gallagher, Trafficmaster’s Director of In-Vehicle Products, says a Trackstar enabled Citroen LCV can be tracked within seconds of it being going walkies.

“Once we have confirmed it as being stolen, the police are informed of the vehicle’s whereabouts – even if it is still moving – allowing them to apprehend the criminals before they can make off with the vehicle’s load or the vehicle itself,” he explains.

The package is available from £19.99 per vehicle per month and Scott Michael reckons its worth a lot more.

“We estimate that the unique Citroen Trafficmaster package is worth some £2,000 per year, per vehicle in terms of increased productivity and lower running costs,” he adds.

The spacious estate model ticked all the boxes said Fleet Manager Ian Darroch [pictured right] who was so impressed that he added 23 C5 VTR+ NAV HDi 110 manual Tourers to the company’s 150-vehicle fleet.

“We selected the Citroen C5 Tourers to meet the demanding operational requirements of our sales force,” he explained. “They need a car with a boot big enough to carry large samples of the window and conservatory sections we manufacture and install, while as a business we demand low whole-life costs.

“The C5 Tourer meets all of these requirements having the interior space of a large vehicle combined with low running costs, with up to 64mpg.”

Upon its launch in 2008, then-MD Xavier Duchemin hailed the C5 for adding a fresh dimension to the business user market with sophisticated drive, sharp design and uncompromising safety.

He said: “Our customers want and deserve the highest standards in comfort, reliability, safety, performance and style. And with the new Citroen C5 that is exactly what we are offering.”

Aimed at the small business and owner/driver sectors, the free fuel initiative will be available to qualifying customers obtaining their new Citroen LCV through Elect 3 Pro (PCP) Hire Purchase or outright purchase from this Thursday [1 September].

Scott Michael, Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager at Citroen, said the promotion brushes aside one of the most significant concerns for businesses.

“In today’s tough economic climate, businesses need to make savings and the new Citroen LCV ‘Free Fuel for a Year’ scheme meets this key business need,” he explained.

“It enables our business sector customers to not only benefit from some of the most fuel efficient LCVs on the market, but also to have their fuel costs paid for 12 months.”

How it works

A year’s worth of fuel, in Citroen’s book, works out at 10,000 miles based on the engine with the lowest mpg fitted in the customer’s chosen Citroen LCV model. The average cost per litre is based on the July 2011 AA Fuel Price Report.  The value of the fuel will then be provided to the customer on a prepaid debit MasterCard.

The French manufacturer’s Trafficmaster Smartnav telematics package comes fitted as standard to Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay panel vans, meaning customers can see exactly how they can make their fuel go further.

Citroen’s 90 Business Centres shifted around 8 in every 10 Citroen LCVs bought by companies in the small to medium enterprise sector during the first seven months of the year.

Focus

Martin Hamill, Citroen’s Head of Commercial Vehicles and Business Sector, said: “Through the Business Centres, Citroen has enhanced its offering to the key small and medium sized businesses that are integral to the success of UK industry.

“We are able to treat them with the same level of professionalism that is offered to larger National Fleet customers, not only within the sales process, but for their aftersales requirements as well.

“This focus has lead to a significant year on year increase in sales to this sector of the market.”

It’s quite some way off but Citroen has already confirmed its place at next April’s CV Show in Birmingham.

Mr Michael said the event is important to Citroen because it acts as the ideal launch platform for their latest, standard-setting commercial vehicles: “With major developments in hand for virtually all models in our advanced LCV range, we expect the 2012 CV Show to be more important than ever for us.”

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Over 50 vehicles have been ordered by the Scottish SPCA, the bulk of which being black Berlingo HDi 75 models. This latest deliver marks the fourth batch of vehicles the charity has ordered from Citroen in the past four years.

The vehicles are considered ideal for purpose with ample space to store a number of cages for injured animals as well as plenty of room for animal catching equipment.

Scottish SPCA Finance Manager John Allan said every penny of funding needs to be spent wisely and Citroen more than fit the bill.

“We like the Citroens because they offer us lower running costs, whilst still giving us the space we need for the cages and equipment our inspectors and ambulance drivers have to carry,” he commented.

“We are a charity – we can’t afford to waste money.”

Dispatch and Relay vans have also joined the Scottish SPCA’s 85-strong fleet including a Relay 35 L3H2 120 6-speed manual van, capable of pulling a 3 tonne GVW double horsebox.

All the vans have been leased through ING on three years and variable mileage contracts.

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The partnership allows business fleet customers to take advantage of a site survey, technical report, a range of recharging products, installation services and smart metering technology.

EDF Energy has been facilitating the site survey and installation of charge points at all Peugeot and Citroën appointed EV dealers across the UK. In addition, EDF Energy has already provided training to dealership staff on safe recharging.

Eric Salomon, Energy Field Services Director with EDF Energy, said: “We are delighted to be working with Peugeot UK and Citroën UK and to offer an electric vehicles package to the domestic and fleet customers.

“As Britain’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, it fits perfectly with EDF Energy’s ambitions to be a leader in low carbon solutions. We understand that the take-up of clean, low-carbon electric transport is crucial to Britain in meeting its carbon reduction targets.”

The iOn and C-Zero are considered more tempting options for fleets with impressive cost saving potential. According to the SMMT Electric Car Guide [link], the fully-electric models can be charged from empty for as little as £1.92, which if driven to meet their 96 mile range, works out at around 3p a mile.

The first 500 residential customers to sign up will benefit from 1,000 electricity miles for free.