A tale of two vans

Two new Citroen vans, one driver. Sofie Lidefjard finds out which one to choose

Berlingo X 1.6HDi
90hp L1 Van

ENGINE: 1.6-litre, 4 cyl
TOP SPEED: 99 mph
0-62mph: 13.9 secs
MPG (combined): 48.5
CO2: 153/km
PAYLOAD: 625 kg (inc driver)

Nemo LX 1.4HDi
70hp Van

ENGINE: 1.4-litre, 4 cyl
TOP SPEED: 95.5 mph
0-62mph: 16.9 secs
MPG (combined): 62.8
CO2: 119/km
PAYLOAD: 610 kg

With the launch of two new vans, Berlingo and Nemo, Citroen aspires to grab a larger share of the all-important LCV market. I first drove the Berlingo for one week, and then the Nemo for another, and after that first week it felt a little like switching to Berlingo’s poorer cousin. Berlingo is more powerful and comfortable, has better visibility and steering, and is smoother and sturdier.
    
Having said that, Nemo is a perfectly capable van with CO2 levels will impress and perhaps be the factor that wins you over.
    
The all-new Berlingo has increased overall dimensions, totalling a load compartment volume of 3.3cu.m (extendable to 3.7cu.m). In the cabin everything is in its right place, making for easy access to controls. The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard and both driver and passenger seats are provided with comfortable, hard wearing and easy clean cloth faced seats.

It's oh so quiet
For a van, Berlingo is pretty quiet. The aerodynamic design and resulting noise levels are complemented by extensive internal noise reduction measures. Low cabin noise levels are achieved with effective acoustic encapsulation of the engine and the under-floor body pan is specially coated to reduce road noise and protect the vehicle body structure from stone chipping. In addition, the interior boasts a wide range of noise-absorbent acoustic materials applied to dash, roof and other surfaces.
    
Standard equipment includes Trafficmaster’s Smartnav system and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking (for all but one model), central locking, electric windows and internally adjustable mirrors. Optional extras include Bluetooth kit, rear parking sensors and ESP.
    
The van is available with a choice of three frugal engines – a new 1.6i petrol engine and two 1.6HDi diesels. Both diesel engines can be operated on up to 30 per cent biodiesel without any technical modification or loss of warranty.
    
The load compartment is fully panelled to the waist rail to prevent damage. The standard load compartment specification includes a 12V socket and a rechargeable torch, and a ladder frame bulkhead behind the driver. A combination of a passenger side glove box, a glove box behind the steering wheel, over-windscreen storage, large door pockets, a central console and additional driver’s seat storage provide a total in-cab storage space of up to 61 litres. The new Berlingo is big on comfort, safety and convenience. It is set to make a major impact in the LCV market.

Small but big
Citroen Nemo has the tag line ‘The smallest, biggest van’ and I do agree that it is small; all external dimensions are considerably shortened compared to Berlingo. However, Nemo’s payload is 610 kg, which is only 15kg less than Berlingo’s, though the load compartment volume is only 2.5cu.m. The load compartment benefits from near vertical side-walls. Access is via two asymmetric hinged rear doors that can easily be opened to 180°. Other standard load compartment features include floor-mounted tie-down eyes and protective panelling to the waist rail. Standard features include ABS, driver’s airbag and height adjustable headlamps.
    
The fact that Nemo is smaller contributes to the general feel that it’s inferior, but there are other differences, perhaps insignificant but noticeable nonetheless, working against it as well. The speedometer and rev counter have oddly enough switched places in Nemo, now what’s that about? And despite a wide and high windscreen, visibility is definitely poorer.
    
Of course Nemo’s 1.4 engine isn’t as powerful as Berlingo’s 1.6 but I would prefer it if I didn’t stop for a red light and was nervous that drivers behind me would come up and tap my window to ask why I’m not moving even thought the lights have changed. What clearly speak in favour of Nemo are its very low emissions; only 119g/km, that’s like a small car and that’s just fantastic! Fuel consumption is also excellent; a combined cycle results in 62.8mpg and who wouldn’t be happy about that?
    
Berlingo’s emissions of 153g/km aren’t bad, but if you can make do with slightly less van (in all possible meanings) Nemo will be the choice for the environmentally conscious fleet manager.