Why Are Petrol and Diesel Engines Making a Comeback in Citroën’s Berlingo and Spacetourer?
If you’ve been following the car world, you might’ve noticed a trend: electric vehicles are everywhere. But Citroën’s latest move bucks that trend, at least a little. The French automaker is bringing back petrol and diesel engines for its Berlingo and Spacetourer MPVs in the UK. So, what’s behind this decision? It’s simple—demand. Not everyone’s ready to go electric, and Citroën is listening.
Over the past year, feedback from families and businesses has been loud and clear. While electric models are great for city driving and short trips, many people still need the flexibility, range, and refueling speed that only combustion engines offer. Whether it’s a family road trip or a business shuttling passengers across the country, sometimes you just want the peace of mind that comes with a traditional engine.
What Engine Choices Do the New Berlingo and Spacetourer Offer?
Let’s break down what’s actually on offer. The five-seat Berlingo M now comes with a 108bhp three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. If you’re after more seats or prefer diesel, both the Berlingo M and the larger seven-seat Berlingo XL are available with a 99bhp four-cylinder diesel (six-speed manual) or a punchier 128bhp diesel (eight-speed automatic).
Prices for these internal combustion engine (ICE) Berlingos start at £23,915 for the entry-level petrol M and go up to £29,780 for the 128bhp diesel M in Max trim. If you want the spacious XL with the most powerful diesel, you’re looking at £28,015.
The Spacetourer, Citroën’s larger people-mover, is built for bigger families or shuttle services. It now features a 178bhp diesel four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The entry-level M starts at £41,925, while the roomy XL version tops out at £48,150.
How Do the Electric Versions Stack Up?
Citroën hasn’t forgotten about electric fans. The electric ë-Berlingo remains in the lineup, offering a 134bhp front-mounted motor and an official range of 212 miles (in M form). Prices start at £31,240. The ë-Spacetourer, meanwhile, uses the same motor but boasts a larger battery, stretching its range to 215 miles. It’s priced from £36,995.
For many, the electric versions are perfect for daily commutes or city-based businesses. But if you need to cover longer distances or can’t always rely on charging infrastructure, the return of petrol and diesel options is a welcome relief.
What Does This Mean for Families and Businesses?
The real story here is choice. Citroën’s move isn’t just about nostalgia for petrol and diesel. It’s about meeting people where they are. Some families need a seven-seater for weekend adventures, while others want a reliable workhorse for their business. And not every town or village has rapid EV charging on every corner.
According to a 2023 survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), nearly 60% of UK drivers cited charging infrastructure as a key barrier to switching to electric. For businesses, downtime spent charging can mean lost revenue. That’s why having a mix of efficient combustion engines and practical electric options makes sense.
Citroën UK’s Managing Director, Greg Taylor, summed it up well: these vehicles play an important role for families and businesses alike, and the flexibility of efficient combustion engines with the practicality of electric options ensures there’s a Citroën solution for every need.
When Can You Get Your Hands on the New Models?
If you’re eyeing the new Spacetourer, you won’t have to wait long—it’ll be available from this autumn. The refreshed Berlingos are set to arrive before the end of the year. That means whether you’re planning a big family holiday or gearing up for a busy business season, you’ll have more options than ever.
Is This a Sign of Things to Come in the Car Market?
Citroën’s decision isn’t happening in a vacuum. Across Europe, several automakers are re-evaluating their all-electric strategies in response to real-world customer needs. While the push towards electrification is still strong—especially with tightening emissions regulations—manufacturers are realizing that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
The outcome? More flexibility for buyers. Whether you’re ready to embrace electric, want the familiarity of petrol or diesel, or need a bit of both in your fleet, you’re not being forced down a single path.
The Takeaway: Choice Is King
At the end of the day, Citroën’s move is about giving people what they want—options. The return of petrol and diesel engines to the Berlingo and Spacetourer ranges isn’t a step backward. It’s a recognition that the journey to electrification is just that—a journey. And everyone’s moving at their own pace.
So, if you’re in the market for a practical, versatile MPV, you’ve got more choices than ever. Whether you go electric, petrol, or diesel, Citroën’s got you covered. And that, in today’s ever-changing car landscape, is something worth celebrating.