In 1998, Citroën dared to be different by creating a whole new market sector in the UK - the 'budget MPV' - with the launch of the unconventional Berlingo Multispace. Since then the Company has dominated this rapidly growing market. Now, it is launching a New Look model with a fresh new face, revised interior, more equipment and improved safety levels, plus numerous other enhancements.

To understand what the New Look Berlingo Multispace is all about, you need to imagine a car with the space of the biggest estate and the creature comforts of a family hatchback all for the price of a supermini. With recommended retail prices starting from under £9,300, it will actually cost less than the previous model, on a similar equipment basis.

In short, it is a vehicle with an appeal based on its individuality, practicality and, ultimately, its freedom from the constraints of convention - perhaps that is why sales are already up by 42% so far this year. Today it is selling more than the combined total of its rivals from Renault and Peugeot in the budget MPV class that this year has already accounted for some 15,000 sales.

The New Look Berlingo Multispace features a more robust and funky front end, complete with deep wraparound bumpers, squared-off clear lens headlamps, a new grille, bonnet and front wings, plus front fog lamps and 15" alloy wheels on certain models.

Inside, there is a fresh new look thanks to the completely redesigned, colour-coded dashboard and dials, with a digital display screen, aluminium effect air vents and more ergonomic controls.

New patterned, hard-wearing seat trim and a host of new stowage areas around the cabin provide added comfort and convenience, as does the option of aircraft style trays on the back of the front seats, front armrests and Citroën's innovative Modubox folding trolley.

Research showed that many original Berlingo Multispace owners chose to include additional equipment packs, so Citroën has now elected to fit, as standard, remote control central locking with a dashboard-mounted control button, electric front windows, heated door mirrors and an electric passenger's door mirror.

In addition the Multispace range gains, for the first time, many of the benefits of digital multiplex wiring. Neat touches such as 'guide-me-home' headlamps and progressive dimming of the cabin lights are joined by functions such as a key fob operated 'location' facility, speed sensitive stereo volume and automatic locking of the doors when the vehicle is in motion or if it is accidentally unlocked.

Levels of safety have been increased too. Not only has the body structure been reinforced and redesigned for improved impact resistance, but the range now comes with the availability of ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and up to four airbags. The introduction of variable power assisted steering, along with a number of enhancements to the running gear, will help to make low speed manoeuvres easier while improving overall levels of ride comfort and handling.

Offering drivers an attractive balance of power, performance and economy the New Look Berlingo Multispace comes with a choice of four engines - 75hp 1.4i or 110hp 1.6i 16V petrol units or 71hp 1.9D or 90hp 2.0HDi options. Helping to keep running costs down, the petrol and HDi diesel versions have service intervals of 12,500 miles.

And, of course, Citroën is keeping its practical and user friendly twin sliding doors along with its innovative Modutop aircraft style, roof mounted, storage system and the option of its enormous, electrically operated, full length sunroof.

LEADING THE WAY SINCE 1998 - THE MARKET

Citroën created a whole new 'budget MPV' market sector with the introduction of the Berlingo Multispace in 1998. Four years later it continues to dominate this rapidly growing segment despite increased competition from Renault, Fiat, Peugeot and
now Ford.

Whilst simple, inexpensive cars, often based on light commercial vehicles, have long proved popular throughout mainland Europe, this type of vehicle had not previously made an impact in the United Kingdom.

It was only when Citroën launched the Berlingo Multispace, with its bright colours, the world's largest sunroof and car-like equipment, specifications and refinement, that UK buyers really began to realise why this type of vehicle is such a big hit on
the continent.

As Citroën were blazing a fresh new trail, it was impossible to predict how many buyers there would be for this sensible, value for money approach and in its first full year, the Multispace sold some 800 units. But the British car buying public soon began to realise just how much sense the Multispace made and in 2002 it is set to sell well over 7,000, some 40% up on the previous year. Today, 800 units in a month is not unusual.

And, with some 15,000 sales so far this year, this new market sector as a whole continues to expand rapidly yet, despite this growing competition, the Multispace outsells its next two rivals - combined. In the first 10 months of 2002, 6,730 hit the streets, well ahead of its closest rival, the Peugeot Partner, with 3,582, the Renault Kangoo at 2,483 and miles ahead of the Fiat Doblo at 1,383.

In total, over 800,000 Berlingos, cars and vans, have been sold worldwide - the majority of these being passenger car versions.

CITROËN BERLINGO MULTISPACE - THE BEST GETS BETTER

Radically different, the New Look Citroën Berlingo Multispace has already captured the imagination of the British public. With the launch of the new model, the Berlingo Multispace has now become even more refined and grown-up.

The New Look Berlingo Multispace does not possess the conventional looks of an average family hatchback, instead it offers exceptional practicality and versatility.

Its tall stance and high seating position give a king-of-the-road driving position, appreciated by 4x4 drivers, yet without the drawbacks of low fuel consumption, extra weight and reduced agility.

Now introducing a new exterior look, a significantly updated interior, enhanced safety and equipment levels, as well as modifications to the running gear, the New Look Citroën Berlingo Multispace is likely to appeal to even more British families.

It will prove especially attractive to those looking for a different way of motoring that provides masses of space, good levels of comfort and refinement, all the equipment that anyone needs and all at a low price.

LOOKS (AND THE CHARACTER TO GO WITH IT!)

Outside, its appearance has achieved a more subtle yet robust appearance, giving it the true look of a leisure vehicle with its commanding presence on the road, reinforced by a new deep grille and wraparound bumpers, distinctive chrome chevrons and large clear-lens headlamps embedded in the redesigned, more horizontal, ribbed bonnet.

Its wider wings underpin this rugged new look, whilst the body colour coded side rubbing strips and door mirror housings combine with optional styling touches such as front fog lamps and the availability of 15-inch alloy wheels to give it a more stylish appearance.

Customers choosing the Modutop roof option gain five separate 'mini-sunroofs', while the roof bars and parallel ribs ensure that it neatly complements the car's overall look. Alternatively buyers can choose the world's largest electrically operated cloth sunroof, perfect for flooding the cabin with light on sunny days.

INSIDE STORY

Once inside the New Look Berlingo Multispace, any preconceptions that the vehicle is utilitarian in its approach to creature comforts are left behind. Bigger, brighter and taller than the average car, Citroën's latest model has now become even more comfortable, more refined and better equipped.

The interior boasts a new, hard-wearing, two-tone, colour coded seat upholstery which coordinates with the seatbelts, door trim, carpets and front folding armrests.

A completely redesigned dashboard features smart, stylish lines framing the funky C3-style air vents, colour coded instrument dials and centrally-located digital display screen. Controls for the heating, electric windows and central locking and the steering wheel mounted stereo controls are all ergonomically designed.

Storage areas abound with the upper part of the dashboard containing two open, recessed areas, one just the right size for a mobile phone. The central console also provides a home for a variety of objects and includes a cigarette lighter, an additional 12 volt socket and three recesses that can be used to hold drinks cans or the movable ashtray.

All models offer at least 20 different stowage areas, including an overhead shelf at the front, bins in the front and rear doors, elasticated nets above the side doors, pockets on the backs of the front seats and under floor storage at the rear.

SPACIOUS & COMFORTABLE

Thanks to its class-leading design and clever use of space, the New Look Berlingo Multispace is able to offer five generous and slightly elevated seats, a capacious boot, numerous storage compartments and more head and elbow room than most executive cars.

A king-of-the-road style seating position, together with a tall door aperture, helps make getting in and out of the New Look Multispace exceptionally easy, while access to the rear seats is facilitated by the twin sliding side doors.

The 60/40 split rear bench seat can accommodate three adults in comfort, with more elbow room than many executive cars. To maximise carrying capacity, it can be easily folded forward against the back of the front seats to provide a large flat load area.

Access to the boot is via a vast tailgate, which can be opened high enough for a six-foot tall individual to load the vehicle without crouching. And with the seat and retractable luggage cover in place, the Multispace offers 624 litres of boot space.

Withdraw the luggage cover and the useable space soars to 1,450 litres if loaded to the roof. Tip the rear seat forward and the capacity is expanded to a staggering volume of 2,800 litres - enough for two mountain bikes, upright.

And if all that wasn't enough, Citroën's innovative Modutop roof option provides an extra 100 litres of space. This unique aircraft-style overhead storage system houses a wide range of additional functions such as air vents above the rear seats, extra lighting, an overhead cassette or CD holder, a 12 volt socket and, of course several extra storage compartments.

On top of this, the Modutop is equipped with individual tinted sunroof panels for each occupant as well as hugely practical roof bars that, unusually, can be unscrewed and pivoted to fit either lengthways and crosswise - the Allen key required is even clipped neatly away inside the Modutop!