We have already informed you that Citroen is breathing new life into the legendary Berlingo by bringing back the much-loved diesel engines to the model's configurator. The French brand, which practically “invented“ the segment of multifunctional leisure vehicles, has decided to listen to the voice of consumers. Although the focus has recently been aggressively directed towards electrification, it has not proven to be so successful and now the practicality of the BlueHDi units is once again taking center stage. This is a real homage to people who do not just get around, but travel long distances with a lot of luggage and expect savings that only diesel technology can offer in this class. Now we tell you which diesel units are back on sale.
At the heart of this return are the two well-known variants of The 1.5-liter BlueHDi turbodiesel with 100 and 130 horsepower respectively. These engines, known in engineering circles under the code name DV5, are the result of many years of evolution at the PSA Group. The 100 hp version is optimized for maximum efficiency in urban and suburban conditions, offering solid torque even at low revs. The more powerful 130 hp version turns the Berlingo into a real "cruiser" for the highway, often combined with the precise 8-speed automatic transmission (EAT8), providing a smoothness that was until recently only inherent in high-end limousines. BlueHDi technology uses SCR (selective catalytic reduction) with AdBlue injection, which allows these machines to meet even the strictest environmental standards without sacrificing their dynamics.
The history of these units is impressive, as they have proven to be true “workhorses“ in dozens of models of the Stellantis concern. Before their triumphant return in the Berlingo, the 1.5 BlueHDi engines were the main choice for bestsellers such as the Citroen C4 Cactus, the technological flagship C5 Aircross, as well as for the stylish urban jewel C3. What's more - these same engines also powered the “cousins” from Peugeot - the 208, 308 models and the popular 2008 and 3008 crossovers, where they racked up millions of kilometers on the roads of Europe. Their reliability and low fuel consumption made them a preferred choice even for the light-duty ranges of the Opel Combo and Toyota Proace City.
Technically speaking, the BlueHDi units in the Berlingo impress with optimal thermodynamic efficiency, relying on an aluminum head and block to reduce the total weight of the front axle. Engineers have implemented a Common Rail direct injection system under high pressure, reaching 2000 bar, which guarantees fine atomization of the fuel and more complete combustion in every phase of the working cycle. The 130 hp version has an impressive torque of 300 Nm, available at 1750 rpm, which allows the car to accelerate confidently even when fully loaded or towing a trailer. The advanced SCR catalyst, located in close proximity to the exhaust manifold, takes care of dealing with nitrogen oxides (NOx), allowing it to enter operating mode in a flash after starting the engine. All this power is transmitted to the road via precisely tuned gear ratios, which, combined with the low coefficient of drag, allow for a combined fuel consumption of less than 5.5 liters per 100 km - a figure that makes every wallet breathe a sigh of relief.
However, Citroën's offensive in diesel engines does not stop at Berlingo. The larger models in the range – the versatile SpaceTourer, the Holidays camper van and the Jumpy work van – are also receiving a major technological update under the hood. They will now be offered with a new 2.2-liter diesel engine, available in 150 and 180 horsepower versions. This engine has been designed to meet the needs of professionals and large families who require greater towing capacity and resistance to high loads. The new 2.2 BlueHDi offers noticeably increased torque and better flexibility in medium operating modes, which is critical when driving a loaded van on mountain routes. Despite its larger displacement, the engine has been optimized to reduce CO2 emissions and optimize fuel consumption through precise management of combustion processes.
However, maintaining these diesel units requires attention to detail to ensure their longevity, with standard service intervals usually set at 30,000 km or one year, although experienced mechanics advise changing the oil every 15,000 km in harsh urban conditions. A key element here is the use of a specific low-ash oil (Low SAPS), which protects the diesel particulate filter (DPF) from premature clogging. In addition to periodically topping up the AdBlue fluid, which the car signals promptly on the dashboard, it is important to monitor the condition of the timing belt, whose resource has been optimized but remains critical for the health of the engine. Regular fuel system maintenance with quality additives is also recommended to avoid deposits on the fine nozzles, ensuring flawless engine operation for hundreds of thousands of kilometers.