Is the Berlingo Mk3 Facelift version an MPV or a Van (Light Goods Vehicle) ?

[allanr]

The V5C for my 2021 Mk3 Berlingo 1.5 BlueHDi 130 states Body Type= MPV, and Vehicle Category= M1, in other words a 'car'.

However, the latest Citroen Berlingo Prices & Specifications online document (1 April 2025) states that petrol/diesel models are now homologated as Light Goods Vehicle ('van').

I was considering upgrading to the facelift model but this re-classification is a deal breaker because:

* The fixed metal bulkhead prevents carrying bulky (e.g. sofa) or long items. OK it could be removed but that would probably viewed as a 'conversion' for insurance purposes, and still leaves -

* Reduced speed limits on single/dual carriageways (10 mph less than cars).

* Higher annual 'Road Tax', currently £345 for LGV, £195 for car.

To add confusion, a local Citroen dealer's 2025 stock of the facelift Berlingo BlueHDi 130 diesel doesn't have any metal bulkhead and is definitely registered as MPV, Category M1.

Any clues as to what is going on?

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EXTRACT from New Citroen Berlingo Prices & Specifications 1 April 2025 document:
 https://pricelist.varioweb.co.uk/citroen...passenger/

  - Page 5/16 "Please note, petrol and diesel versions of Berlingo are homologated as ‘N1’ (light goods vehicle under 3.5 tonnes) due to having a mesh bulkhead behind the second row of seats, and therefore subject to Vehicle Excise Duty and UK speed limits applicable to light goods vehicles. The petrol and diesel versions may also attract the higher light goods vehicle toll road charges where applicable.

  - Page 14/16 "Please note, petrol and diesel versions are classified as N1 (light goods vehicle) and have an annual Vehicle Excise Duty of £345."

[evdama]

The latest homogulation has landed due to the reintroduction of fossil fuelled engines after disappointing sales of electric Berlingo.
New petrol/diesel models have to use the older goods vehicle spec while electric ones are classed as true cars.
A rule of thumb is the presence of a bulkhead behind the front seats.
If its there then your car is a van with windows

[boop]

A rule of thumb is the presence of a bulkhead behind the front seats.
If its there then your car is a van with windows

How does this align with the likes of Transit Custom double cab (with various drivetrain configurations), which is a dual row car with an isolated cargo area.

[evdama]

Youd have to look at each case individually.
Stelantis chose to use a van standard for their reintroduced fossiil powered K9, other manufactures will choose their own path.

[Vivian]

I would have liked to have bought a new Multispace a year ago. Didn't want electric or the "passenger / light goods" versions.

Last week I got a call from my local main dealer. Citroen are going to start building petrol and diesel proper car versions again in November. He said possible delivery in December but that could be a little optomistic. So I hope to buy a petrol version with manual gearbox.

[Opensauce]

Well that is good news. Appears to be the case on Cit website. Looks like I can stick with a Berlingo when current one is due for replacement in March ‘27. The 5yr warranty on my current car expires then & with the camchain issues on pre ‘23 1.5 diesels I dare not keep it once warranty has expired but if current diesel is ok then I might go for another. I was considering a Dacia Duster instead but ho hum.

[boop]

Just keep an eye on rust issues. Go to regular checkups, with are paid but well worth it when rust breaks out. Mine is getting all new doors and the rear hatch.

[Vivian]

Just keep an eye on rust issues. Go to regular checkups, with are paid but well worth it when rust breaks out. Mine is getting all new doors and the rear hatch.

That's not great for a 4 year old van boop.

Thanks for the tip off.

[Vivian]

Local Citroen dealer tells me that my new 1.2 petrol Berlingo is being built and expected delivery next month. I have chosen the "Plus" version with metallic paint and optional style pack. Definitely classed as a car.

[evdama]

If it has a bulkhead behind the front seats it's a van,regardless of appearances.
Check first.