New Berlingo Doblo or Zafira? Opinions would be helpful

samf1971

Hi all.

We're getting a new car and have narrowed it down to a choice of 3

Vauxhall Zafira Life 1.6 (or the Exclusiv)

Fiat Doblo 1.3 16v Multijet active

Citroen Berlingo First 1.6HD (or the Multispace)

I've looked at a few road tests etc and seem to come up to the conclusion that the Doblo has a lot of issues with things such as clutch & the NCAP safety report is very poor (although this was done in 2004)

The Zafira seems to get good reviews and also the NCAP safety report seems good as it has lots of airbags

The Berlingo also seems to fair quite well, not really sure other than styling if there is really anything to compare with the First or the Multispace

We want something roomy enough to take cases for hols, shopping and also our son's large special needs buggy in the boot. The car will be through the motability scheme so I guess the only real concern as such will be fuel consumption, although apart from a long drive for a holiday through the year, it'll be mainly used around and about town.

Thanks in advance

decsdad

Hi,
I have a berlingo multispace which I bought new 4 years ago ( 1.9 deisel). I looked at the fiat doblo at the time and I am so glad I didn't get one. The berlingo is very very practical, fairly economical 48mpg ish, and touch wood has had no problems other than the usual brakes/exhaust/tyres wear and tear stuff(90k miles now). I decided not to get the fiat because it was too van like, the berlingo is a bit more of a car(not much, just a bit though).

I have recently had a look at the zafira(i even cheekily took one on the 3 day test drive they were doing) and loved it. It is far more comfortable, drives much better( the 1.9cdti deisel one) . Maybe you dont need a diesel if youre not using it much. Looking back I would still have bought the berlingo, it came down to money and the citroen was really cheap, citroen were doing a deal at the time and it worked out at about £7200 brand new, I know the new model is more expensive.

I guess though, if they cost the same the zafira would be much better.
I don't know how the mobility thing works and if cost is a factor to you.
Finally, given that the two cars are quite different, I would seriously advise a test drive of each and you can see for yourself. The berlingo does handle a bit like a van.

Best of luck !

Fruity1

Unless you absolutely need 7 seats look at a Honda FRV. I had a Zafira which I loved until I sat in an FRV. I have the 2.2CDTi and it drives brilliantly.

nesssie1702

We've had a Fiat Doblo (03 plate) and now have a Berlingo (06) plate. I prefer the Berlingo to the Doblo, the internal finishes are much nicer.

Contemplating getting a new Berlingo in 2009, so looked at the new model in October. Citroen appear to have made it more car like rather than a van. We've got the 1.6 HDI engine and it's pretty good & economical - averages 50 - 55 mpg. Touch wood, haven't had any problems with it since we got it.

Lots of space in the Berlingo too, from the boot, to the door pockets and even under floor storage and under seat storage.

vansboy

Check out http://www.honestjohn.co.uk
His Car by Car breakdown of Good AND Bad on all models.

The Fiat is Ok, as a working vehicle, certainly more van than car, Zafira is out-selling even Vauxhalls predictions, especially in Motability, it is a modern looking vehicle, too. Berlingo is pretty much the best all rouinder, though!

Think you need to test drive each of them, in turn. On the same day if you are able, to get best idea.

& I'd go Vauxhall, personally, better seating & more impressive road presence!! If they can see you coming. less chance anyone bumping into you!!

VB

MrSmartprice

Another vote for the Berlingo. I've had mine for nearly 7 years and never had any proems with it. It is the old 1.9D engine which isn't quick but plods on forever. The comfort is fine and it drive well even after all this time. FIL has a newer HDi one which I drive sometimes and it's brilliant - much better performance.

I am seriously considering a new Berlingo next year but I don't do that many miles these days. Still, I may just indulge myself! I have already had a test drive and was very impressed. They are certainly good value for money.

I have known several people with Berlingos and all have been delighted with them. I have only known one with a Zafira - it was forever back in for faults and they got rid of it after 2 years to buy a C4 Picasso.

samf1971

Thanks very much for your opinions guys ...tbh we have looked at the vehicles...actually ruled out the Doblo as the dealer didnt have one due to the fact that one of his staff takes it home and doesnt work weekends ! Very poor service from our local Fiat garage didnt even take our names and address to call us back ...Zafira well its poss to big for what we needed,not too keen on its basic overall look tbh..so yesterday we took a look a a
SKODA ROOMSTER 1 available on the mobility for our son and liked what we saw ! So much so we took the plunge and ordered one ! Look into all the reviews etc (inc Honest Johns many thanks ) and it came up trumps ...many thanks for all your advice ...happy motoring ..