• Dashboard feels more like a conventional car than before…
• But the driving position betrays its commercial vehicle origins
• Very easy to get comfy, though; excellent visibility

How is the quality and layout?

First things first: from the driver’s seat of the Citroen Berlingo, there’s no escaping the fact that you’re in a van-derived car. You’re sat high up with massive windows, plus its width and the amount of space above your head reinforce the commercial vehicle feel of it.

Visibility is a strong point, save for the thick bases of the windscreen pillars, but they’re annoying rather than something to hide a cyclist or pedestrian in the blind spot.

Plastics on the dash and door panels aren’t squidgy soft-touch materials, but they are well-assembled, feel robust and attractively trimmed. Most Berlingos have what looks like a flecked stone finish, while XTR versions feature a green, rubbery coating on many of the surfaces.

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Infotainment

The 8.0-in touchscreen is a bit sluggish and the graphics look several years out of date compared with what you’ll see in a VW Caddy Life. The menus take a little bit of getting used to, but thankfully you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard to sort music, nav and more.

Comfort

• Soft seats won’t suit everyone
• But driving position fundamentally sound
• Full-size centre seat in second row means occupants won’t feel pinched

You’ll find the Berlingo’s driving position is decent, with seat, pedals and wheel lining up nicely. The front seats especially feel well-padded, although some additional side bolstering to hold you in place better when cornering would be welcome. Some also found the seat base was a little too short, failing to support their thighs adequately.

Those in the middle row will appreciate the opening windows in the sliding doors and the three equally-sized chairs. That means the centre passenger isn’t perched on something designed for only occasional use, which combined with the flat floor make it a great option for those who regularly have a car full of people.