Citroën has updated its popular long-body variant of its Berlingo commercial vehicle range with an all-new drivetrain and transmission, that brings with it significant cost savings.
The new drivetrain is also the first, diesel powered, light commercial vehicle, under 2.5 tonne, to feature a stop-start system.
The new drivetrain contributes to a significant one-litre per 100km saving in fuel economy over the similarly specified manual transmission, saving owners in the order of $300 per year* in fuel use alone.
Apart from fuel savings, the new, six-speed, ETG6 transmission with paddle shift, reduces driver fatigue with no requirement for clutch use – a priority for light commercial vehicles drivers.
The transmission also features an automatic mode.
Berlingo's safety quotient has also been increased with standard Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist on ETG6 models.
Citroen Australia's National Sales Manager, Shaun Mackle said the updates to Berlingo were in response to growing demand from the market for an efficient, easy to drive, light commercial vehicle.
"The addition of the new Citroen Berlingo drivetrain tackles issues that are at the heart of all businesses, safety and running costs," said Mackle.
"Being the first in its class with stop-start technology is testament to our commitment to Australian business operators and the growing number of Berlingo customers," said Mackle.
The Berlingo line-up consists of two body sizes, a short body 80kW petrol manual and the long body 66kW HDi manual and new ETG6 transmission – the long body making up in excess of 90 percent of sales.
Over the short-body, the long-body offers an extra 248mm of rear overhang, left and right sliding doors and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
The ETG version is further enhanced with a Euro 5 e-HDi engine which includes 'Stop & Start' technology and ESP as standard – contributing to the combined fuel use figure of 4.7L* per 100 kilometers.
The Berlingo ETG, long-body, will carry a recommended retail price of $28,990^.
As in introductory offer, until December 31, the new model will be offered at $28,990^ driveaway.
For full specifications, please see attached PDF.
*Fuel savings calculated using official ADR81/02 fuel economy figures, calculation assumes 20,000km a year at Sydney diesel average price of $144.8 per litre (NRMA fuel watch – 25/11/14).
^Manufacturer's list prices are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs
The CITROËN brand
CITROËN was born over 90 years ago at the feet of the Eiffel Tower. A dynamic and creative brand, in 2010 it launched the DS line, a new line of distinctive products that today features the DS3, DS4 and DS5. Building on its "Créative Technologie" positioning, CITROËN markets a range including a full-electric car as well as vehicles equipped with e-HDi micro-hybrid and Hybrid4 full hybrid technology. The brand's technological advance is also on show in the World Rally Championship, where it has amassed seven Constructors' titles. In addition, the Marque is innovating in services with the CITROËN MULTICITY mobility offering.
*submitted to the official results by the FIA