New Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner

Yesterday we reported that, behind the virtual curtain of a small Citroën presentation microsite, a new model would appear today. Among the possibilities we suggested, one stood out strongly: the very same Citroën Berlingo that, just a few days earlier, we had seen cheerfully appearing in front of the spy photographers’ lenses.

And after the birth of the first twin, the brother was not long in coming, so we now have the Peugeot Partner among us. Or should we say the other twin? Compared with the generation it replaces, this brand shows many more design differences between the feline model and the inverted chevron.

So let’s begin with the one that has first taken the step towards unveiling: the new Citroën Berlingo. Since its market debut in 1996, this model has been one of the pioneers in sales in virtually every country, reaching the incredible figure of 1,760,000 units sold to date. This new model will reach dealerships in the second half of 2008 with the same commercial aim, and it will immediately replace the old model, except in some countries where the earlier generation, under the name “Primera Berlingo“, will continue to be offered as the entry-level option.

A renewed design that keeps the style of the model it replaces, including features very typical of the brand’s recent models such as the C4 Picasso, with a length of 4.38 metres, while maintaining its high practicality: that is how this new van presents itself. In its passenger-transport version it will have a second row made up of three independent, folding seats, a sliding door and more cargo space. In addition, the increased wheelbase and the use in the chassis of numerous parts inherited from the C4 Picasso, together with ESP, will give it a composure and ease of driving very close to, and very similar to, that of an MPV.

On the other hand, in the cargo version versatility will be its main premise, since it offers a cargo space of 3.3 cubic metres, 1.8 metres long and carrying up to 850 kg, although thanks to its modularity it could accommodate a maximum of 3.7 cubic metres and 3 metres in length. Carrying three people in the front will also be one of the options in this version.

Powering this van, for the moment a 110 hp HDi diesel engine has been unveiled, fitted with a DPFS particulate filter that will guarantee emission levels that are acceptable and as low as possible for this type of vehicle.

Moving to the other camp, the Peugeot Partner is basically the same as Citroën’s Berlingo; however, its exterior design is much more differentiated, unlike its previous generation. At least that is what the front end suggests.

As with the Berlingo, the Partner will be available in two versions: one designed for “family use” or the transport of people, broadly speaking, and another with an industrial orientation aimed at carrying goods. The latter version is identical in characteristics to the Berlingo, so there is nothing more to say about it.

However, in the other version the changes are notable and this model takes on a different character. The Tepee version, as it is called, has as its hallmark and distinguishing feature its off-road capabilities and a personalised exterior design made for adventurous spirits. Its interior is also considerably more pleasant thanks to the light received through the roof windows.

And that is all regarding these two, but for the PSA group it means concluding a renewed range of models in the industrial field, which will undoubtedly let them lead, or fight for the lead, with far more strength and conviction thanks to products that competing brands will find hard to match.

Via | World Car Fans