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Prices announced for new Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter

Van-based MPVs are better to drive than predecessors and well equipped

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French sister brands Peugeot and Citroen have revealed prices for their new compact MPVs. The Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter are all-new vehicles, based on the Berlingo and Partner vans, and offer serious amounts of space for comparatively small amounts of money.

The two vans are both available in two different wheelbase lengths – M or XL – and with a choice of 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines in five different power outputs. Kicking off the range is a BlueHDi diesel with a measly 74bhp, though we suspect most buyers will opt for the higher-powered BlueHDi 100, which offers 99bhp. Topping the diesel range is a 128bhp version of the same unit – the only diesel available with an automatic gearbox.

(PA)

On the petrol front there are two power outputs of the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder – 108bhp or 128bhp. Again, it’s the higher-powered unit which is the only one available with an automatic gearbox.

The Berlingo is pitched as the more budget offering of the two. Prices start from £18,850 for a medium-wheelbase, BlueHDi 75 diesel in entry-level Feel trim. To mark it out as a true Citroen, it features the brand’s now-signature ‘Airbumps’ along the sides, protecting it from car park dings.

If you prefer petrol, the cheapest option available is £19,070, while the range tops out at £26,070 – that nets you a BlueHDi 130 model with the automatic gearbox, in Flair trim on an XL wheelbase.

Opting for the Peugeot will see prices rise slightly – though it’s fundamentally the same car, it’s pitched as a more upmarket alternative with a sleeker design and plenty of standard kit. Prices kick off at £19,650 for a base-spec model, though entry-level Active trim does include lane keeping assist, air conditioning, Bluetooth, DAB radio and aluminium roof bars. Stepping up to mid-range Allure will add most essentials, including rear parking sensors and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Order books for the two vehicles are open now. Expect prices and specifications for the third sibling in the family, the Vauxhall Combo Life, to be unveiled soon.

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