OVERVIEW

The new Berlingo is synonymous with versatility, practicality and reliablity and the latest new van is no exception. With its state of the art looks, increased load capacity, choice of 2 load lengths and wealth of standard features, the new Berlingo is set to redefine the benchmark for the hi-cube van market. Going head to head against the Caddy Maxi and Transit Connect this one will certainly be hard to beat.

Whichever version you choose, from the L1 X model to the top of the range L2 LX, you will have the perfect business partner and with Trafficmaster’s Smartnav system, with Dynamic Traffic Guidance, fitted as standard on the Petrol LX model and all diesel models, new Berlingo will ensure you can maximise your journey time out on the road.

The Platform Cab version, has few competitors and offers a superb base on which to create specialist conversions, meaning you can build new Berlingo into a wide variety of vehicle types.

With an unrivalled level of versatility, choice of payloads and a load space of up to 4.1m³, it is easy to adapt the new Berlingo to suit your business needs, making it one of the most efficient load carriers. The innovative Extenso® Seat System on the LX model, allows drivers to extend the main load space into the passenger seat area. With asymmetric 60:40 rear doors on all vans and side sliding doors (Twin or single) and a rear opening roof flap available as options new Berlingo really does offer the opportunity to create a champion all rounder in a van.

As well as being practical and versatile, new Berlingo provides more safety and security. It helps look after you in the event of a crash it has safety features like driver’s airbag, optional lateral airbags, ABS and reinforced side and front bumper protection and with security features like central locking and an immobiliser fitted as standard on all models, it also looks after itself and your load.

The New Berlingo is comfortable and a joy to drive thanks to its extemely modern chassis. The new cabin interior represents one of the best in class and is comfortable and ergonomically arranged just like a car. Inside, the tough and durable quality materials help, where hopping in and out of your van is a regular activity. Then, when the time comes for you to do paperwork out on the road you have the unique availability to fold down the single or middle passenger seat, (depending which model you choose) to create a handy table-top.

THE OUTSIDE

The New Berlingo has an air of confidence. Its sturdy yet stylish look, confirms it’s a multi-talented workhorse, ready for any challenge. Robust wrap-around bumpers and side rubbing strips help protect against everyday bumps and scrapes.

The large, imposing front lights sit high and are neatly out the way of damage. As you move down the van, it is obvious that the new Berlingo has all the characteristics of the original but evolved with larger flanks, emphasising the additional capacity available.

At the rear, you have a choice of either unglazed solid rear doors or glazed. This was never an option on the previous berlingo, now called the Berlingo First. It was glazed doors or steel window blanks retro fitted. Safety and security is key, with a third, high-level brake light to warn everyone of your deceleration; even if you opt for the rear opening roof-flap, which allows for those longer items such as ladders, it will still be clearly visible to all.

Whatever the configuration, new Berlingo stands out as a van you can easily adapt for most purposes and it comes in a range of paint colours to suit your style, including metallic and pearlescent finishes.

THE INSIDE

Firstly, there is a choice of load spaces in new Berlingo depending on which version you go for. Starting at 3.3m³ with the L1 version, increasing to 3.7m³ with the L2. All that is before you start folding seats, adding rear roof flaps and using the numerous handy storage compartments dotted around the interior, which take new Berlingo up to an impressive 4.1 m³.

With new Berlingo you can carry up to 850kg of payload andto secure the load. In the event of sudden braking, you are protected from shifting loads by the standard ladder-frame bulkhead behind the driver’s seat, or you can opt for a variety of additional bulkhead options, even one that will still allow you to make use of the 3m plus load length with the Extenso® Seat System, whilst still protecting the cab from shifting loads. Health and Safety is ever more prevalent in UK industry and this is one of the safest vans on the road.

In the cab you will find the seats are comfortable and ideal for zipping around town or long hauls up and down the motorway and being fully adjustable seats will mean you will be able to find your natural driving posture. Add to this a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel and maximum comfort will not be hard to find. The new dashboard display is easy to read and well laid out so controls are within easy reach and the trip computer means you will know exactly how efficiently you are driving your new Berlingo.

To ensure you keep your new Berlingo as smart on the inside as on the outside, there is an impressive 61 litres of storage space in the cabin which is made up from 2 glove boxes, an overhead storage shelf, door Pockets, central console storage and under seat storage. With the Extenso® Seat System there is even secure storage in the centre seat bigger enough for a laptop.

HOW’S THE DRIVE?

The new Berlingo’s cabin space is as well equipped, comfortable and quiet as most modern cars and the refined chassis means that any bumps in the road are dealt with effortlessly. Air-conditioning, which is available on all models, keeps the internal temperature constant no matter the weather outside. An RDS CD/radio stereo, with MP3 compatibility, comes as standard across the range and the speaker volume is speed sensitive, so you do not have to turn it up when travelling at higher speeds.

Safety features such as driver’s airbag, ABS and optional lateral airbags make new Berlingo a reassuring van to drive, too. For those days when the weather deteriorates, rear fog lamps come as standard to make sure the new Berlingo is clearly obvious to other road users and the twin reversing lights ensure you are visible no matter the manoeuvre you are making.

With its well balanced chassis and because the front and rear wheels are set as far apart as possible, the new Berlingo bears weight easily and handles well, whatever is on-board. Compared to many other vans in its class, the Berlingo is a safe and refined drive.

PERFORMANCE

Choose from three 4-cylinder engines – the 75hp and 90hp 1.6HDi Euro IV diesel engines or the 90hp 1.6i Euro IV petrol version, all of which give a great combination of load-carrying power and impressive fuel economy. All new Berlingo models are front-wheel drive and all the engines are mated to five-speed manual gearboxes. Impressive payload figures range from 625kg to 850kg depending on the model and vary according to additional specifications and conversion types.

VAN LEASING

Rates for the New Berlingo start at £159 per month based on 3×35 contract hire agreement, 10,000 miles per annum and non-maintained available from www.lease2u.co.uk

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Nissan has announced that it is to build a new model at its plant in the North East Of England, this will secure the jobs of nearly 5,000 workers directly employed by the Japanese car maker.

The car, an addition to the Nissan range, will use the free capacity freed up when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010. The new model will be in the same size class as the Nissan Micra. Production of the Micra will switch to India.

The build of the new model required an investment of £55 million and is being subsidised by the UK Government to the tune of £6.2 million.

The Sunderland plant plant produced a record 374,000 cars in it’s last financial year.

Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said: “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products.”

A Happy Union.

The Unite union said the decision would safeguard over 1,200 jobs “at a time when Nissan will move production of the Micra to India”.

“This proves once again that given the opportunity the UK can remain a strong manufacturing base for the world’s top producers.”

Chief executive James Ramsbotham stated: “This is excellent news for manufacturing in the North East and Nissan’s success is testament to the skill, flexibility and versatility of its workforce and the wider supply chain.

“The fact that Nissan has retained such a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive industry demonstrates that manufacturing in Britain can be cost-effective while delivering a quality product that is superior to cheaper alternatives manufactured abroad.”

Car Sales Increase Dramatically.

Nissan has seen a dramatic increase in sales, up 85% on last year. A lot of these sales have come from the highly succesful Nissan Qashqai. Demand for this car is far outstripping supply. A lot of these vehicles are being sourced through car leasing schemes.

The Nissan car range is now one of the most popular on Britains roads.

The Van Market.

Nissan van sales are also on the rise in the UK. Nissan has finally started to attackt the commercial vehicle sector. Working in partnership with Renault and Vauxhall the Nissan range is moving forward. Once again it is this new approach of Nissan UK to finally get involved in the van leasing market that is making the difference to Nissan vans sales.

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