| New Budget MPVs | Peugeot Partner Tepee & Citroen Berlingo Multispace |
French manufacturers Citroen and Peugeot have simultaneously released preview pictures of their upcoming budget MPVs, both here later this year. Each car boasts greater interior space over the old models, whilst exterior styling has been suitably overhauled for a sleeker, more family-like appearance.
Citroen's latest effort is the second generation Berlingo Multispace, designed with hopes of providing increased versatility and practicality thanks to a longer wheelbase. Although official details are yet to be announced, it is expected that the new Berlingo will borrow diesel engines from the C4 hatch.
The MPV will be built around the C4 Picasso's chassis, and use similarly styled headlights and frontal grille, yet inside the new car allows the removal of three rear seats and incorporates redesigned roof storage compartments that make the most of its available headspace.
But its tall stance doesn't mean the Citroen is an ugly car. The first generation Berlingo never managed to hide its van genes thanks in part to flat flanks and a far from sloping windscreen, but that's all changed with the new Berlingo Multispace with a bolder front end and subtly defined wheelarches. The rear sliding doors remain, but use more conventional door handles, whilst the newest Berlingo allows shopping and smaller items to be passed through an independently opening tailgate window.
Citroen's biggest rival will be the Peugeot Partner Tepee. With less appealing looks, its level of boldness doesn't match the Citroen for sophistication. But hope is at hand for the more adventurous MPV-buyer, since Peugeot will offer the Tepee Outdoor in more rugged off-road guise.
Where it lacks in exterior design, Peugeot hopes the Tepee will appeal with improved interior space and three individually flat-folding seats. The French manufacturer also seeks to create a better interior atmosphere thanks to a new 'Zenith' roof that lets in more light.
More details on the specifications and UK pricing of both cars are soon to emerge before their release in the second half of this year.
Kyle Molyneux - 7 Jan 2008