Berlingo mk1 safety/crash test

[somerain]

Hello fellow members!

I've been looking for a budget used Berlingo Multispace for my weekend drives to my hometown, as well as camping in the holidays. I found one (mk1) that looks really nice, at a good price too, and i was planning to go check it out tomorrow.

However, i just found this crash test, that has kind of scared me:
http://www.adac.de/_ext/itr/tests/Crasht...8_2002.pdf
(Translated into english: http://crash.citroenz.biz/Berlingo )

Basically, it gives the Berlingo only 2 out of 17 points for a frontal impact, which is the lowest i've ever seen for any vehicle!

Alternatively, i could go for the "safer" (but not as reliable) Kangoo, or switch to a Picasso body-type, with less space and more safety features. What would you do?

(PS: I live in Greece, where the sub-2000-euro MPV/Van range contains almost exclusively French cars. Also, i will not hold you responsible for my premature death - please express yourselves freely if you want :p)

Thanks!

[Tomcat3]

My advice would be dont have a head on crash !!!!!!
I have never brought a vehicle because its got good crash protection and between the 2 i would have a berlingo/partner than a kangoo. I had one of ages and it was ok but there was always some electrical issue to sort out. I had it for years and it had tons of stuff chucked in it and it just carried on plus it had a lot of hard wearing trim inside that you could just wash and wipe down.

[philip]

If it was me and I wasn't happy with the crash test then go for a mk2, isnt the mk2 just a facelift of the mk1?
Or dont crash!

[Mike]

It could happen with any car, it depends on speed of crash etc.

You also have to look at the chances of having a head on crash too.

[Gadgetman]

What's the Kangoo option doing in there?
(The only Renault I'd ever want to drive anyway, is the FT... )
You sit lower in that than the Berlingo, so you don't get the same overview, so while it might be safer in a crash, you're also more likely to end up in one...

The VW Caddy... (I drive a 2012 with the DSG and largest Diesel engine at work) has the most annoying automatic gears ever made, and doesn't even have heated wing mirrors as standard...
There wasn't a window in the sliding door on the passenger side. We had to pay a local company to install one. We have to SLAM the rear doors for them to latch properly, or the rear wiper won't work...
(That problem also existed on the previous Caddy we had at the office. Probably a 2006 or 2007. )
Modern VW cars with DSG gearing has a 'hill start' package...
Except for 'business models' such as the Caddy.

[Clio_due]

it seems they have had a good look at the Euro NCAP crash test,
because this is what Citroën writes for the new BERLINGO (model year 2003):
Continuous improvements to safety

Active safety equipment
Concerning the braking system, all Berlingos are fitted with front ventilated discs of large dimensions: 266 mm x 26 mm. ABS is standard *, and coupled with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution*.
Reinforced body structure
To ensure the safety of the occupants, the structure of the Berlingo has been reinforced to meet Europe’s most stringent criteria on impact resistance. The design of the front end has been reviewed. Impact resistance has been increased and the inner wings have been redesigned. The front doors of the Berlingo have been reinforced to maximise occupant safety in the event of side impact.

Equipment *
- front seats equipped as standard with seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters,
- driver’s airbag increased from 45 litres to 60 litres as standard*,
- 100 litre airbag available as standard*,
- 18-litre head/chest side airbags at front, availability depending on versions*.

* Depending on the version and the country

[Northman]

Well, a few years ago, I hit compacted snow / ice taking a corner on a fine winter day. My Mk. 1 Berlingo went into a spin, hit the side of the road, and rolled. (Strange experience, being momentarily upside down, then sitting in the driver's seat on one's side, feeling like a complete idiot for rolling the car.) The car was a write-off, but my wife and I climbed out, and were fine, apart from minor bruising and a little cut from some broken glass.

Yes, I know that was roll, not a head-on collision, but the principle is the same.

The cars that I spent my childhood in - the cars that may safety conscious, responsible parents drove, back in the 1960s and 70s and 80s would, by modern standards, be seen as death traps. But my parents never worried. Compared to them, the Berlingo Mk 1 is a very safe vehicle. I'd have no qualms about driving another one.