Peugeot Partner
| Company type | Automotive marque |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën ZX, Peugeot 306 (platforms) |
| Founded | 1996 |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Light commercial vehicles and passenger minivans |
| Parent | PSA Group (now part of Stellantis) |
The Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner represent a series of vans introduced in 1996 under the Citroën and Peugeot marques. These vehicles are available as light commercial vehicles or as passenger-oriented minivan models equipped with rear seating and windows. Originally developed by the French automotive group PSA Group, now incorporated into the global Stellantis conglomerate, their third generation is also marketed as the Combo by Opel and Vauxhall Motors, as the Proace City by Toyota since 2019, and under the Doblò nameplate by Fiat starting in 2022.
The passenger-oriented variants include the Berlingo Multispace, Partner Combi, Partner Tepee, and the third-generation Peugeot Rifter. In Italy, the inaugural Partner model was sold as the Peugeot Ranch. The earliest versions were constructed on platforms derived from the Citroën ZX and Peugeot 306 estate models.
Characterized by a squared cargo compartment paired with an aerodynamic front design, these vans continue the tradition established by the Citroën 2CV panel van (AK400). The 2018 iterations of Berlingo and Partner incorporate styling cues shared with the Vauxhall/Opel Combo following General Motors’ sale of Opel to PSA.
Both models provide options for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and fully electric battery-powered variants alongside conventional petrol and diesel four-cylinder powertrains.
First generation (M49; 1996)
The Berlingo and Partner debuted in July 1996. At that year’s Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show), Citroën unveiled three concept vehicles: Berlingo Coupé de Plage, Berline Bulle, and Grand Large. The Grand Large concept evolved into the leisure-focused Multispace and Combi versions, while the Berline Bulle served as a precursor to the C3 model.
Production of pre-facelift units persisted in Argentina until 2010, when a refreshed model was introduced.
This vehicle was sold under various appellations including Peugeot Partner, Peugeot Grand Raid (Mexico), Peugeot Ranch (Italy), and Doninvest Orion M (Russia). Engine options comprised petrol units such as the 1.4L TU3 I4, 1.6L TU5 I4, and 1.8L XU7 JB/LFX I4, alongside diesel choices including 1.6L Ford/PSA DV6 HDi, 1.9L DW8 I4, and 2.0L DW10 HDi turbo diesel engines. The Berlingo Electrique variant utilized a 28 kW Leroy Somer permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a 162 V NiCd battery supplied by Saft.
Available body configurations included 4- or 5-door panel vans and 5-door passenger vans, featuring a wheelbase measuring 2695 mm and an overall length of 4135 mm.
Facelift (M59; 2002)
In September 2002, an updated edition was released featuring a redesigned instrument panel reminiscent of the Peugeot 206, an overhauled interior cabin, and refreshed front-end styling for both Berlingo I and Partner I models. A minor update followed in 2004 with modifications to the grille and lighting assemblies.
After launching second-generation Berlingo and Rifter models, first-generation variants continued sales under the names "Citroën Berlingo First" and "Peugeot Partner Origin."
In 2010, electric versions named Berlingo First Electrique and Partner Origin Electric were introduced by Citroën and Peugeot respectively; these electric vans were powered by technology from Monégasque company Venturi and assembled at facilities in Solesmes, Sarthe.
Peugeot offered an off-road edition called Partner Patagónica in Argentina, which was marketed across Europe during the 2000s under various titles such as Partner Ushuaïa Grand Raid and Partner Indiana.
European sales of Berlingo and Partner ceased from 2013 onwards; however, production continued in South America for both commercial van and passenger versions. The passenger models—Berlingo Multispace and Partner Patagónica—received a June 2021 update focusing on increased local component sourcing, including replacing imported tailgates with barn doors.
A subtle refresh in January 2023 brought a new Citroën emblem along with a plastic grille to the Berlingo, while the Partner adopted a similar grille design but lost its chrome front badge surround.
Powertrain Options
The vans came equipped with a variety of powertrain choices, including petrol, diesel, electric, and CNG variants.
2.0 L (1997 cc) N/A Electric 28 kW (38 PS; 38 hp) 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)| Displacement | Engine Type | Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L (1360 cc) | TU3 inline-four | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) | 121 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.4 L CNG (1360 cc) | TU3 inline-four | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) | 121 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) Dual fuel: CNG/Gasoline |
| 1.6 L (1560 cc) | DV6 HDi inline-four | Range: 55 kilowatts (74 hp) to 68 kilowatts (91 hp) | Range: 169 newton-metres (125 lbf⋅ft) to 216 newton-metres (159 lbf⋅ft) |
| 1.6 L (1587 cc) | TU5 inline-four | 80 kW (109 PS; 107 hp) | 147 N⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.8 L (1761 cc) | XU7 petrol injection inline-four | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) | 147 N⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 L (1905 cc) | PSA XUD engine#XUD IDI diesel inline-four | {{convert|52|kW|} | 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 L (1868 cc) | PSA EW/DW engine#DW8 diesel inline-four | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) |
| PSA EW/DW engine#DW10 HDi inline-four | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) | 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) |
Electric Model
Between 1998 and 2005, the first-generation Berlingo was available in an electric version featuring a nickel-cadmium battery (Citroën Berlingo Electrique). Later, in 2010, a limited batch of electric vans was produced for La Poste, utilizing the first-generation chassis combined with a ZEBRA molten salt battery and powertrain supplied by Venturi Automobiles.
Second Generation (B9; 2008)
In 2008, two new models succeeded the initial Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo: a compact variant (Citroën Nemo/Peugeot Bipper) and the larger Citroën Berlingo II/Peugeot Partner II.
Designed by Gilles Vidal, the Berlingo II was built on the PSA PF2 platform, shared with the Citroën C4, resulting in a vehicle that was marginally bigger and more upscale than its predecessor.
The Berlingo II debuted in January 2008 and entered the European market in April of the same year, followed by the Partner in May. In certain regions such as Mexico, this generation was sold concurrently with the original model under names like Grand Raid and Partner Origin.
An electric variant powered by a traction motor and lithium-ion battery technology derived from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was launched in 2013. By March 2017, Citroën expanded its electric commercial vehicle portfolio with the introduction of a five-seat e-Berlingo Multispace.
Russian Market
In Russia, this generation has been manufactured and marketed as the Peugeot Partner—including the passenger-focused Partner Crossway—Citroën Berlingo (and Berlingo Multispace), as well as the exclusive Opel Combo Cargo and Combo Life since March 2021.
Engines
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i 16V | I4 | 1587 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 5800 rpm | 132 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 195 |
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 4000 rpm | 185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4000 rpm | 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4000 rpm | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 140 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | BVM5 | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) | BVM5 | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 300 newton-metres (220 lbf⋅ft) | BVM6 | 113 |
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlingo Electric | 49 kilowatts (66 hp) | 200 newton-metres (150 lbf⋅ft) | 0 |
Third generation (K9; 2018)
The third iteration of the Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. After PSA Group acquired Opel in 2017, this model also serves as the fourth generation for the Opel and Vauxhall Combo lines. Since late 2019, it has been sold as the Toyota ProAce City, a result of an extended collaboration between PSA and Toyota, with its debut taking place at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. The Fiat-branded variant, known as the Fiat Doblò III, including its electric e-Doblò version, entered the market in June 2022.
This generation represented Berlingo’s inaugural introduction to the Japanese market in October 2019.
In January 2022, to comply with European Union emissions standards, Stellantis halted sales of petrol and diesel passenger vans in the UK, Norway, and EU territories, shifting focus toward electric variants for models such as Berlingo, Rifter, and Combo Life. However, panel van versions and those with Toyota badging continued unaffected. Mild-hybrid internal combustion engines are anticipated to be reintroduced in 2023.
Electric versions
Citroën launched the battery-electric ë-Berlingo Van on 14 January 2021. Shortly thereafter, Opel released the Combo-e Cargo and Vauxhall introduced the Combo-e six days later, followed by Peugeot’s e-Partner another six days after that. Peugeot presented the e-Rifter on 26 February 2021, while Toyota revealed both the ProAce City Electric and ProAce City Verso Electric on 4 May 2021.
Production of electric vans began in 2023 at the Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility.
Caselani Fourgonnette
Drawing inspiration from the 1951 Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette, this retro-styled Berlingo features coachwork crafted by the Italian company Caselani. Production is capped at 200 units, with manufacturing commencing in October 2022. Its first public appearance was at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.
Facelift
Revealed on 23 October 2023, the updated model introduced significant technological enhancements throughout the lineup. For the European market, available engines consist of a 1.2 Turbo Puretech producing 110 HP and two variants of the 1.5 BlueHDi DV5 diesel engine delivering 100 and 130 HP respectively. Scheduled for release in mid-2025 is a Euro 7-compliant 1.2 Turbo Mild Hybrid engine with an output of 122 HP, aligning with Stellantis’ objective to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across its commercial and passenger van range.
Worldwide sales and production
| Year | Global production | Global sales | Remarks | ||
| Berlingo | Partner | Berlingo | Partner | ||
| 2008 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 147,600 | |
| 2009 | Template:TBA | 120,500 | Template:TBA | 133,300 | |
| 2010 | Template:TBA | 164,600 | Template:TBA | 160,200 | |
| 2011 | 164,162 | 167,368 | 165,807 | 165,240 | By this year, total Berlingo production reached 2,448,214 units. Partner production accumulated to 1,964,054 units. |
| 2012 | 136,800 | 142,300 | 139,800 | 149,800 | Cumulative Berlingo production totaled 2,585,000 units. Partner production reached a total of 2,106,300 units. |