Citroen's other alternative to the Berlingo?

[rm008]

The Dispatch Combi. I've put this post in Nemo corner where it doesn't exactly belong, but I am thinking that this vehicle is basically a larger Berlingo, and the Nemo is a smaller one... Hope you can see where I am coming from. 

So what does everyone think of this vehicle? They are very popular as taxis I notice. I haven't had a proper look around one but the ones I've seen on the roads do look from some angles pretty much like a bigger version of the current Berlingo. To me that would be ideal as I use my vehicle with rear seats removed, almost exclusively as a van, but often find the load bay just that bit too short... I could do with an extra couple of feet in length ideally and there is no doubt the Dispatch Combi has much more space.

The downsides are, it's obviously much more expensive to buy, starting at £23,855 list price according to Citroen's website (I'd be buying used so not such an issue). TBH I'd be most scared of the potential running costs of something bigger than a Berlingo... I see that as the biggest downside. The increased parking space required for a vehicle of its size could also be a problem some of the time for me but that's not a big concern. Overall I don't think I'll go for one over another Berlingo when I change, but I'll certainly consider it. 

Any views? 

[Solent]

As a van, I had a Fiat Scudo for a while, same as the Dispatch - different badge. Was OK but not great, the version I had was very underpowered.

To be honest, I preferred my previous Vauxhall Vivaro. Not needing the space anymore I find the Berlingo a perfect vehicle.

[Bill Rose]

I have often thought about getting the bigger van, but since the new Berlingo plus has been available I am not sure that the 'Dispatch' would be a better van.

Yes its bigger and the load area is better but will it drive more like a van..? Meaning that the Berlingo drives more like a car. (Yes its a van and was designed as a van...I know, oh I knowwww...) But sitting in the Berlingo looking forward it feels like a car, only when you turn round you notice its a van.

Having said that, If Citroen called the Dispatch something like 'Berlingo Super Plus' I might be persuaded to buy one.

Dispatch with twin sliding doors...
   

[rm008]

Above all I really like the van sensibilities and practicality of my Mk 3 Multispace. I could never trade down to a low-slung traditional saloon-based estate. I love the upright, raised driving position and the improved stance and visibility it gives. So I am thinking the even higher driving position of the Dispatch, (and its clones) and its greater load space, would be my idea of perfection. Keep the opinions coming!

[Jed Clampit]

Have you thought about getting a trailer for the day's you need it

[CourierJim]

I've heard that a Dispatch with anything less than a 120hp engine, can be a bit of a pain to drive. This height of this larger van may also cause problems in multi storey car parks, or fast food drive thru's (if you use them!).

[rm008]

Yes, I've been reading up a bit and it looks like the 2.0 l is the engine to go for (I think it's the PSA diesel engine of choice on the forum??)

Jed, that's a good suggestion with the trailer option, but in my case it's the length rather than the 'bulk' I'd like. I sometimes have to carry coving, and the roof rack is far from ideal for this but the only option as at 3m they are too long to go inside the Berlingo. However, I also see the Dispatch (and its many clones ) could also be a problem as the load length is less than that.. Maybe with no bulkhead and the passenger seat folded down flat or something...... Hmm.

Every vehicle is a compromise isn't it, but the Berlingo just does most of what you need, 90% of the time.

[CourierJim]

Yes, I've been reading up a bit and it looks like the 2.0 l is the engine to go for (I think it's the PSA diesel engine of choice on the forum??)

Jed, that's a good suggestion with the trailer option, but in my case it's the length rather than the 'bulk' I'd like. I sometimes have to carry coving, and the roof rack is far from ideal for this but the only option as at 3m they are too long to go inside the Berlingo. However, I also see the Dispatch (and its many clones ) could also be a problem as the load length is less than that.. Maybe with no bulkhead and the passenger seat folded down flat or something...... Hmm.

Every vehicle is a compromise isn't it, but the Berlingo just does most of what you need, 90% of the time.

rm008, I can (and have, on many occasions), carried items slightly longer than 3m in my L2 Berlingo, through a bulkhead hatch and with the passenger seat folded flat. The actual basic load-bed of the L2 version of the Berlingo is 1.93m.

[ajcommercial]

I have had a Dispatch as a company van and wasn't impressed, poorly built with poor materials. Also the load area might be larger but Not any more useful as a standard van because the Cab area is larger and takes up some of the length.
Before the Dispatch I had a VW Transporter, great van, reliable, economical, very useful load space, almost too much. After the Dispatch I was given a Vito 109, less said the better, all I will say is, buy one of these if money is no object as fuel and reliability are Diabolical....
Now I'm self employed I find the Berlingo adequate because I don't need to carry long lengths of anything..

[rm008]

It seems like an L2 version of the Multispace would be ideal. Wonder why they have never made one of these? I'm sure there'd be a market for them, since the van version appears fairly commonplace?