New Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner unveiled

French manufacturers Peugeot and Citroen have unveiled all-new compact vans for 2019 – each offering new technology, safety and engine updates.

Revealed in Europe before an anticipated launch in Australia later this year, both are based on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform, and as such offer improved driving dynamics along with more interior and load space.

A spokesman for the Australian distributor of Peugeot and Citroen wouldn’t be drawn on what the local model line-up would look like or whether it would include both models.

“We are in discussions with PSA as to what the next generation PSA LCV line-up will look like in Australia,” he said.

Starting with Citroen, the new Berlingo will be available in two sizes, M and XL, and two variants, Worker and Driver. Each variant differs in ground clearance, protection and fitout components, and equipment levels.

Depending on the model, the Berlingo’s payload extends up to 1000kg, while the distance between the wheel-arches is 1.23 metres – big enough for a European pallet, but shy of the Australian standard.

The Berlingo varies in length depending on grade, from 4.4 metres to 4.75 metres. It can be had with three seats across the front row, or in five-seat configuration across two rows.

Along with improved NVH, the Berlingo now promises car-like driving features such as dual-zone climate-control, colour head-up display, wireless phone charging, front seat lumbar adjustment, automatic headlights and wipers and electric park brake.

An 8.0-inch touch-screen now projects functions including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while on the safety front the Citroen offers automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, trailer stability control, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.

The Berlingo also claims to improve visibility over and above typical trade vans. Using two cameras – one located at the base of the passenger side mirror and the other at the top of the rear panel doors – it removes passenger side blind spots and offers a rearward view for easier access into congested areas.

Furthermore, it makes use of a new Overload Indicator, which alerts drivers when the authorised load limit has been exceeded.

Engine choices on the Citroen – at least internationally – include 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. Each is available with a manual or automatic transmission.

Meantime, the Partner redesign mirrors a lot of the Berlingo's, similarly offering two different body styles and different seating and engine options.

The Partner introduces Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard design, along with a signature small steering wheel borrowed from the likes of the 308.

Peugeot and Citroen’s Australian distributor, Inchcape, is expected to reveal its plans for both models around September.