Paying homage to the iconic Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette AU utility vehicle launched in 1951, a modern interpretation of that design can be seen in the Berlingo.
“We are proud our best-selling Berlingo has been revisited by Caselani, drawing inspiration from the iconic 2 C V Fourgonnette, which left its mark on both Citroën’s history and that of the automotive sector more widely.
“Work on designing it got underway in the coachbuilders' studios. We then worked together, hand-in-hand. Our designers kept a close eye on work to ensure the original 2CV Fourgonnette was not literally interpreted, but the result truly had Citroën’s DNA. Digital tools, with which we are accustomed to working, were used to treat the surfaces and scale the volumes, giving the vehicle a modern flavour,” says Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroën Style.
The Berlingo Van has been an industry leader in its segment since its European launch in 1996 - all three generations have sold more than 1 891 196 units. As of the end of August 2022, it was the second most successful vehicle in its segment in Europe, with a 17% market share.
A highly versatile vehicle has succeeded in reinventing itself over the years and is a trailblazer in the leisure vehicle segment. It has introduced numerous innovations, including the integrated cabin, the three-front-seats configuration, the electric parking brake and, more recently, in the third generation, the overload indicator.
“The design specifications did not involve simply copying the forms of the old van in the strictest sense. Instead, they involved going back in time and bringing its charm to 21st-century vehicles. As a distant descendant, Berlingo was completely designed as a tribute to the Citroën 2CV of the 1950s.
“It was an exciting challenge because the original van had completely different proportions. It had a very short front overhang, a nice long bonnet and a visually stand-alone load compartment, very different features from those of Berlingo. So I focused more on an overall evocative aspect of the original vehicle rather than straining the individual design elements to make them look like the 2CV Fourgonnette,” explains Caselani designer David Obendorfer.
At the time of its original launch, the 2CV Fourgonnette could reach average speeds of between 40 km/h and 50 km/h and carry up to 250 kg of goods (as well as the driver) in an effective volume of 1,88 sq/m.
The new version has done away with all the noise of the two-cylinder engine and the hole in the grille for the crank.
Berlingo Van can carry 3 people (5 in the private passenger version) and it can go significantly faster. It is also bigger – its loading capacity has quadrupled: (it can now carry up to a tonne) and its effective volume has practically tripled (it’s now 4,4 sq/m).
Berlingo Van features up to 18 driver assistance technologies and four connectivity technologies. These include the colour head-up display, hands-free access and start, the overload indicator and surround rear vision, as well as the Active Safety Brake, towing stability control, Grip Control with Hill Assist Descent and the blind angle monitoring system.
The commercial vehicle is available as a diesel-powered 1,5-litre BlueHDi, a petrol-powered 1,2-litre PureTech and an EAT8 automatic gearbox.
Will it be available locally? We will have to wait and see.
