Peugeot Rifter
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën ZX/Peugeot 306 estate (platform) |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Gilles Vidal (designer of second generation) |
| Products | Light commercial vehicles, Multi-purpose vehicles |
| Parent | PSA Group (originally), now Stellantis |
The Citroën Berlingo alongside the Peugeot Partner constitute a series of vans introduced in 1996, sold under the Citroën and Peugeot marques. These vehicles serve dual roles as light commercial vehicles and passenger-oriented multi-purpose vehicles, originally developed by the French PSA Group, now integrated into the global Stellantis corporation. The third generation extends its reach through rebadging by Opel and Vauxhall Motors as the Combo, by Toyota under the name Proace City since 2019, and by Fiat as the Doblò starting in 2022.
The passenger variants include models such as the Berlingo Multispace and Partner Combi, with the third generation versions marketed as Partner Tepee and Peugeot Rifter. In Italy, the initial Partner generation was sold as the Peugeot Ranch. These early models were built upon the platform of the Citroën ZX/Peugeot 306 estate.
Characterized by a boxy cargo compartment paired with an aerodynamically styled front, these vans trace their conceptual heritage back to the Citroën 2CV panel van (AK400). The 2018 iterations of the Berlingo and Partner/Rifter incorporate design cues similar to those of the Vauxhall/Opel Combo, reflecting PSA’s acquisition of Opel from General Motors.
Both model lines provide options for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric powertrains in addition to conventional four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
First generation (M49; 1996)
Debuting in July 1996, the Berlingo/Partner was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show featuring three concept designs: Berlingo Coupé de Plage, Berline Bulle, and Grand Large. The Grand Large concept evolved into what became known as the Multispace and Combi leisure vans, while the Berline Bulle previewed design elements later seen on the Citroën C3.
Production of pre-facelift units persisted in Argentina until 2010, coinciding with the introduction of an updated model version.
The engine lineup comprised petrol engines including 1.4L TU3 I4, 1.6L TU5 I4, and 1.8L XU7 JB/LFX I4 units, alongside diesel options such as 1.6L Ford/PSA DV6 I4 HDi, 1.9L DW8 I4, and 2.0L DW10 HDi turbocharged diesels. Additionally, a Berlingo Electrique variant was equipped with a 28 kW Leroy Somer electric motor. Power delivery was managed through a five-speed manual gearbox.
Facelift (M59; 2002)
In September 2002, a refreshed edition of both Berlingo I and Partner I was launched featuring a redesigned instrument panel, updated interior trim, and revised front-end styling. A minor update followed in 2004 that altered grille styling and lighting assemblies.
After introducing second-generation Berlingo and Rifter models, earlier generation vehicles continued sales under names such as "Citroën Berlingo First" and "Peugeot Partner Origin."
By 2010, electric variants named Citroën Berlingo First Electrique and Peugeot Partner Origin Electric were made available; these were powered by Venturi Automobiles technology and assembled in Solesmes, Sarthe.
In Argentina, Peugeot released an off-road adaptation called Partner Patagónica, which bore different titles in Europe during the 2000s including Partner Ushuaïa Grand Raid and Partner Escapade.
Although discontinued in Europe from 2013 onward, production of both light commercial and passenger versions persisted in South America.
In June 2021, passenger-oriented versions—the Berlingo Multispace and Partner Patagónica—underwent updates emphasizing increased local component sourcing; notably, imported tailgates were replaced with locally manufactured barn doors.
A slight redesign in January 2023 refreshed the Berlingo’s front with a new Citroën emblem and plastic grille insert; similarly, the Partner adopted this grille style while removing chrome accents surrounding its front badge.
Powertrains
The vans were available with a variety of propulsion options, including petrol, diesel, electric, and CNG systems.
| 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 diesel | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) to 68 kW (92 PS; 91 hp) | 169 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) to 216 N⋅m (159 lb⋅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-injected 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 | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) | 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 L (1868 cc) | PSA EW/DW engine#DW8 diesel inline-four | {{convert|52|kW|} | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) |
|- 2.0 L (1997 cc) ||PSA EW/DW engine#DW10 HDi inline-four diesel || {{convert |66 |kW |} || 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) |- N/A |'Citroën Berlingo Electrique' |'28 kW (38 PS; 38 hp)' |'180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)' |}
Electric model
From 1998 through 2005, the initial generation Berlingo was also available as an electric variant powered by a nickel-cadmium battery—known as the Citroën Berlingo Electrique. Later, a limited series was produced for La Poste, utilizing the original generation's chassis equipped with a ZEBRA molten salt battery and a drivetrain developed by Venturi Automobiles, which was delivered in 2010.
Second generation (B9; 2008)
In 2008, the first-generation Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo models were replaced by two distinct vehicles: the compact Citroën Nemo/Peugeot Bipper and the larger Citroën Berlingo II/Peugeot Partner II.
Designed under the guidance of Gilles Vidal, the Berlingo II was built on the PSA PF2 platform shared with the Citroën C4, resulting in a vehicle that was both roomier and more upscale compared to its predecessor.
The Berlingo II made its debut in January 2008 and reached European markets in April, with the Partner following in May. In some regions, such as Mexico, this generation was sold concurrently with the original models under the names Grand Raid and Partner Origin.
An electric version featuring a motor and battery technology derived from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV entered production in 2013. In March 2017, Citroën expanded its electric commercial vehicle range by introducing a five-seat e-Berlingo Multispace.
Russian market
This generation continues production and sale in Russia under various badges: Peugeot Partner (including the passenger-oriented Partner Crossway), Citroën Berlingo (and Berlingo Multispace), as well as the exclusive Opel Combo Cargo (and Combo Life), starting from March 2021.
Engines
| Model | Engine | DisplaceTemplate:Shyment | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i 16V | Inline-4 | 1587 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 5800 rpm | 132 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 195 |
| Model | Engine | DisplaceTemplate:Shyment | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6HDi 16V | Inline-4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 4000 rpm | 185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | Inline-4 | 1560 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4000 rpm | 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | Inline-4 | 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 | Inline-4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | 5-speed manual gearbox (BVM5) | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | Inline-4 | 1560 cc | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) | 5-speed manual gearbox (BVM5) | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | Inline-4 | 1560 cc | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 300 newton-metres ([convert: unknown unit]) | 6-speed manual gearbox (BVM6) | 113 |
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlingo Electric | 49 kilowatts ([convert: unknown unit])* | 200 null[convert: unknown unit] | 0 |
Third generation (K9; 2018)
The third iteration of the Berlingo, alongside the new Peugeot Rifter, was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. After PSA Group's acquisition of Opel in March 2017, this model is also marketed as the fourth generation Opel and Vauxhall Combo. From late 2019 onward, it has been offered as the Toyota ProAce City, highlighting the extended collaboration between PSA and Toyota in commercial vehicles, with its first appearance at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. The Fiat Doblò III, including an electric e-Doblò, was introduced in June 2022 under Fiat's branding.
This generation marked Berlingo’s initial entry into the Japanese market in October 2019.
In January 2022, Stellantis halted sales of internal combustion engine variants (both petrol and diesel) of its passenger vans—including the Berlingo, Rifter, and Combo Life—in the UK, Norway, and EU regions to comply with EU emissions standards by prioritizing battery-electric models. Panel vans and Toyota-branded versions were exempt due to adherence to CAFE regulations. Mild-hybrid internal combustion versions are anticipated to return in 2023.
Electric versions
Citroën launched the electric ë-Berlingo Van on 14 January 2021, followed by Opel’s Combo-e Cargo and Vauxhall’s Combo-e six days later, and Peugeot’s e-Partner another six days after that. Peugeot introduced the e-Rifter on 26 February 2021, while Toyota revealed the ProAce City Electric and ProAce City Verso Electric on 4 May 2021.
Production of electric vans began in 2023 at the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port facility.
Caselani Fourgonnette
Drawing inspiration from the 1951 Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette, the Berlingo features a retro-styled body crafted by Italian coachbuilder Caselani. Production is capped at 200 units, commencing in October 2022. This model was first revealed at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.
Facelift
Revealed on 23 October 2023, the updated model brought significant technological enhancements throughout the lineup. The European engine range includes the 1.2 Turbo PureTech delivering 110 HP, alongside two diesel variants of the 1.5 BlueHDi DV5 producing 100 and 130 HP respectively. Additionally, a 1.2 Turbo Mild Hybrid Euro 7 engine with an output of 122 HP is scheduled for release in mid-2025, addressing stricter emission regulations and growing demand for electrified drivetrains.
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 | Cumulative Berlingo production reached 2,448,214 units. Cumulative Partner production reached 1,964,054 units. |
| 2012 | 136,800 | 142,300 | 139,800 | 149,800 | Total Berlingo production hit 2,585,000 units. Total Partner production reached 2,106,300 units. |