The van and I have battled together through the worst winter for 30 years – but soon it will be time for our long-term Citroën Berlingo to go back.

During that time this doughty performer hasn’t missed a beat and I was grateful on several occasions when the little orange light winked on the dashboard to inform me that the stability control system was quietly doing its work, keeping me safe in the ice and snow.

It is rather a shame though that Citroën charges £350 for the unit.

Ford has broken the mould by making ESP standard on the Transit Connect – a first for a van of this size – and I wonder how long it will be before the others follow?

The Berlingo has been named Van of the Year by Fleet Van for the past two years, so understandably there is little to complain about.

Its build quality is superb, there’s plenty of room in the back (3.7 cubic metres to be precise) and its road manners are pleasant.

We’ve also been pleased with fuel consumption, which has hovered around the 45mpg mark, despite the fact that none of our testers are known for their light right feet.

My only real niggle is that there isn’t much room to put my left foot when it isn’t doing anything.

The rest pedal to the left isn’t in the right place and I end up with my foot wandering all over the place.

To book a Citroen Berlingo test drive, reserve your place at the Greener Company Car In Action today, for more information visit www.companycarinaction.co.uk

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