Citroën Berlingo MPV Feel XL BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 auto (7-seat) 5d Owner Review

I've got a 5 seat diesel with EAT8 auto box and it's very smooth; you hardly feel it changing up or down. It's the first MPV I've had but I'm very impressed with it except no lumbar support and no center armrest. It wasn't explained to me that those were optional extras when I took the test drive. I don't use S&S much as the car has to move at speed higher that 6mph between stops and starts so it works one time and not the next. I turn off the lane assist for much the same reason; it's a good idea on paper if you can't concentrate on driving in a straight line but as I live in a very rural area the roads aren't wide enough for the system not to try and throw me into the hedge. I like the overhead storage in front as it's just big eneough for sun glasses, leads etc plus another area in front of the driver with a lid for odds and ends. Don't put your phone it though as it's too far away if you need it. Yes it's a boxy van type car but it doesn't handle like one should. It's stable on the twisties provided you're not a boy racer then I could see it getting out of hand quickly. Make steady progress and it's comfortable and quick off the mark. It's got enough oomph to accelerate to 60 mph in less time than you'd think it would. The brakes are good and steering does have a bit of feedback (albeit not much). Without parking sensors I'd be wary of reversing and guessing where the rear corners are as it's slab sided like a van. The lift up tailgate really needs a motor on it; it's not too heavy but it would be a nice extra to have. I'm disappointed with the so-called sat nav which relies on a mobile phone. Misleading descriptions at test drive and brochures. I haven't found anywhere suitable for my old sat nav unit yet as there on no flat surfaces to mount it safely. The wireless charging for the phone is disappointing too as the phone has to be connected via USB cable to use the sat nav so it charges the phone anyway. No spare wheel allegedly to save weight but when you have to find storage space under the front seats for a jack and air compressor plus tyre weld, you'd save time just having a spare wheel. Overall though there are more positives to this car than negatives. It's a bit pricy as you go up the range but the Blue HDI 1.5 with EAT8 auto is a good combination. I haven't had much chance to drive it since I got the car due to Covid-19 lockdown but when that ends I'll have a chance to enjoy it for the job I need it for; going on holiday.