Citroen Berlingo 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Citroën Berlingo has long been a staple in the compact van market, cherished for its practicality, efficiency, and adaptability. In 2024, this iconic model steps up with a refrigerated variant that promises to redefine temperature-controlled transport for small businesses and niche operators. With its sleek design, a robust Glacier Vehicles conversion featuring a GAH refrigeration system, and a payload capacity that punches above its weight, the 2024 Citroën Berlingo Refrigerated Van is engineered for precision and reliability. Whether you’re delivering fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or delicate floral arrangements, this van offers a compelling blend of agility and performance. This review explores every facet—refrigeration capabilities, load capacity, fuel efficiency, maintenance, technology, and real-world performance—to help you decide if this is the refrigerated solution your business needs.
Quick Comparison Table
The Citroën Berlingo 2024 Refrigerated Van brings a compact yet capable profile to the table, tailored for urban deliveries and specialised hauls. Here’s a snapshot of its key specifications:
| Feature | Citroën Berlingo 2024 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 935 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Electric (e-Berlingo option) |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 50-55 MPG (Diesel) / 343 miles (Electric) |
| Load Volume | 3.3 m³ (M) / 3.8 m³ (XL) |
| Noise Level | 38 dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Small Food Deliveries, Pharma, Urban Routes |
This table sets the stage for a van that balances efficiency with compact versatility, making it a standout in its class.
Van Overview
The Citroën Berlingo has evolved significantly since its debut, and the 2024 model reflects decades of refinement. Available in two lengths—M (4.4m) and XL (4.75m)—this refrigerated version, enhanced by Glacier Vehicles’ expert conversion, caters to businesses needing a nimble yet powerful solution. The diesel variant boasts a 1.5L BlueHDi engine, while the e-Berlingo offers a 50kWh battery for zero-emission operations. Its boxy design maximises interior space, and the Glacier conversion elevates it into a refrigerated powerhouse. Ideal for urban environments where manoeuvrability is key, the Berlingo also shines on longer routes thanks to its fuel efficiency and robust build. This isn’t just a van—it’s a tailored tool for small fleets and solo operators who prioritise practicality without sacrificing performance.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of the 2024 Citroën Berlingo Refrigerated Van lies in its Glacier-installed GAH SRF150 refrigeration system, a compact yet potent unit designed for precision. Delivering 1.8kW of cooling power, it maintains temperatures from +5°C for chilled goods down to -25°C for deep-frozen items, with dual-zone capability for mixed loads—a rarity in this size class. The system operates at a hushed 38 dB, quieter than a typical conversation, ensuring discreet deliveries in residential areas. Glacier’s insulation—50mm Styrofoam for chilled setups and 75mm for freezers—locks in cold with surgical accuracy, holding -20°C even in 40°C summer heat, as proven in rigorous testing. An electric standby option keeps the chill going overnight without engine use, slashing fuel costs by £150 annually compared to idling competitors. This setup outperforms budget units by 20% in energy efficiency, making it a reliable choice for temperature-sensitive hauls.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
Despite its compact footprint, the Citroën Berlingo 2024 delivers impressive cargo credentials. The standard M model offers 3.3 cubic metres of load volume, expandable to 3.8m³ in the XL variant—enough for 2-3 Euro pallets depending on configuration. With a payload of 935kg, it outhauls the Peugeot Partner’s 850kg and rivals the Ford Transit Connect’s 743kg, giving small businesses a clear edge. Glacier’s conversion optimises this space with bespoke features: adjustable shelving for pharmaceuticals, movable partitions for multi-temp loads, and six tie-down points for secure transport. The rear doors open to 180 degrees, and a low load height of 548mm simplifies loading, making it a practical choice for frequent stops in tight urban settings. This is a van that proves size doesn’t limit capability.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is where the Citroën Berlingo 2024 truly shines. The diesel BlueHDi engine achieves 50-55 MPG, a standout figure that saves £1,400 annually over the Ford Transit 350’s 35 MPG (£1,800/yr at £1.50/L, 20k miles). The GAH SRF150’s low-power design trims refrigeration fuel draw by 12%, adding another £200 in yearly savings. For eco-conscious operators, the e-Berlingo’s 343-mile range (WLTP) costs £600/yr to charge (£0.10/kWh, 20k miles), undercutting diesel by £800 while dodging ULEZ fees (£12.50/day, £3,125/yr in London). Upfront, the diesel Berlingo starts at £23,500 pre-conversion, with Glacier’s £6,000 upgrade bringing it to £29,500—£2,500 more than a Partner but £10,000 less than a Transit 350. Over five years, the Berlingo’s total cost of ownership (TCO) hits £36,500 vs. Transit’s £47,000—£10,500 saved—proving premium doesn’t mean pricey.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is a cornerstone of the Citroën Berlingo 2024, backed by a failure rate of just 1.5% (vs. Partner’s 3%) and Glacier’s meticulous conversion quality. The BlueHDi engine thrives on 20,000-mile service intervals, costing £150 each at Citroën’s vast UK network. The GAH SRF150 requires annual checks (£99 via Glacier), and its 25-year pedigree ensures minimal breakdowns—less than 1% reported annually. Citroën’s 3-year/60,000-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration guarantee, covering compressor failures or insulation wear. Glacier’s UK-wide callout service and GAH Connect monitoring cut downtime by 80%, saving £600/yr over rivals without support. Real-world data shows Berlingos hitting 150,000 miles with original refrigeration intact—a testament to durability that budget vans can’t match.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 Berlingo blends modern tech with robust safety, enhancing driver ease and cargo security. The diesel model features an 8-inch touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav, integrating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and real-time traffic updates. The e-Berlingo adds a 10-inch digital dash tracking range and charge status. Glacier’s remote temp monitoring lets you check +5°C or -25°C from your phone, a £300 upgrade that prevents spoilage. Safety-wise, it’s loaded: ABS, hill-start assist, lane departure warnings, and a rear camera with 180° view—crash-tested to 40MPH with zero cargo shift. Reinforced GRP panels and encrypted locks deter theft, making this a fortress on wheels for valuable loads.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the field, the Citroën Berlingo 2024 earns rave reviews—4.9/5 from 30+ UK operators. A Bristol baker reports, “My M Berlingo’s 3.3m³ hauls 50 cake boxes daily at +5°C—£3,000 saved in spoilage this year.” A London pharmacist praises the e-Berlingo: “343 miles covers my routes, and 2°C precision keeps meds perfect.” Fuel economy shines, with diesel users hitting 53 MPG on mixed runs—15% better than Ford Connect’s 45 MPG. The downside? Its £29,500 price tops the Partner’s £27,000, but £1,400/yr fuel savings and £2,000 higher resale value (£12,000 vs. £10,000) offset the gap in three years. Compact size means tight turns (10.8m radius) outmanoeuvre Transit’s 12.2m, though some note the 935kg payload limits bulkier hauls—manageable with smart load planning.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
The refrigerated van market is diverse, and the Citroën Berlingo 2024 holds its own. For food delivery, its 3.3-3.8m³ and 55 MPG make it a fuel-sipping champ, outpacing the Transit 350’s 10.5m³ but 35 MPG—efficiency over volume. Pharmaceuticals favour the Mercedes Sprinter’s 1,500kg payload for bulk meds, though its £1,600/yr fuel cost lags Berlingo’s £600 (electric). Urban routes bow to the Berlingo’s agility—10.8m turn radius trumps Dispatch’s 11.3m—while budget seekers eye the Peugeot Partner’s £27,000 tag, sacrificing 85kg payload and 5 MPG. Each shines, but Berlingo balances cost and capability like few others.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for ice cream or +5°C for flowers? Berlingo’s dual-zone GAH delivers both. Volume matters—3.3m³ suits solo runs, but fleets might need Transit’s 10.5m³. Compliance is non-negotiable—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables; Berlingo’s certified for both. Cost-wise, £29,500 upfront beats Partner’s £27,000 when you factor £10,500 5-yr savings (£36,500 TCO vs. £47,000 for Transit). Diesel’s range suits rural hauls; electric’s £600/yr cost fits city ULEZ zones. Test payload (935kg max) against your loads—overstuffing cuts efficiency. This guide ensures your choice aligns with profit, not just price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2024 Citroën Berlingo maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy the Citroën Berlingo refrigerated van outright?
What’s the best alternative to the Citroën Berlingo in its category?
Conclusion
The Citroën Berlingo 2024 Refrigerated Van is a compact colossus, blending 935kg payload, 3.3-3.8m³ space, and a GAH SRF150 system that nails -25°C with whisper-quiet efficiency. At 55 MPG diesel or 343 miles electric, it saves £10,500 over five years against bulkier rivals, proving premium value in a small package. Glacier Vehicles’ conversion—£29,500 total—delivers bespoke chill for food, pharma, or flowers, backed by UK-wide support. Ready to freeze your competition? Glacier Vehicles has your Berlingo waiting—get a free quote for £250 off or DM for a spec sheet. Your refrigerated reign starts here!
