It is no longer the Berlingo, the first "MPV" market unveiled in 1996 which has now exceeded one million copies produced. Few drivers know, however, the limited edition X TR marketed since late 2003. This is actually a version of all-way limited slip differential (25%), which provides better traction to the front wheels, the enhanced ground clearance of 30 mm and provided with a hard top protection under body maintaining engine / transmission and brake lines and fuel.
As we see from our testing of the new Berlingo in the fall of 2002 a few cosmetic changes on the front side give a little fighter, close some SUV (4x4 "light") to fashion. Luckily, the X-TR has virtually capabilities. Its secret is the limited slip differential. It does not transfer over the entire torque to the slipping wheel as a conventional differential, but the limit by up to 75%. 25% are automatically directed to the other wheel. In most cases this is enough to pass through a muddy road or to cross a small rocky ramp, where a normal Berlingo will crash forever, even well conducted. This is also in precarious grip conditions for the two wheels, one of which is almost always a better grip than the other.
Amazing traction
Despite its weight and relatively wide tires, the Berlingo X TR is a little better off than tar example Mehari (for reference to an old dear to Citroën).
Its traction on snow or slippery truly amazing to track suspicious to say the 80% of a Kangoo 4x4 or other gear transmission 4-wheel slip unfilled or locking differentials front and rear. In other words, the majority of SUV. To do this, it will still invest in tire sculptures mixed replace the Michelin Energy who do not like mud and snow not too good by Synchronous same brand (which are very acceptable on the road).
Ground clearance increased by 15 mm compared with the additional option all the way suspensions available on the base Berlingo (130 €) hoisted at most small SUV, but does not allow him to address the real crossing.
Cheaper than the real 4X4
Save the price, weight and consumption of an additional transmission 4x4 even conceding a loss of efficiency should definitely lots of users sunken roads (not too steep and not too deep ruts). Left to take the risk at one time or another to ask blandly to the farmer in the area to pick you out of a mess (with a 4x4 tractor or not). But it's the kind of mishap that also happens to real off-roaders ...
The other advantage of X TR is that it preserves more accurately the behavior of the asphalt and the performance of a conventional Berlingo 4x4. The handling is very safe, with body movements a little better controlled than the Kangoo 4x4. The suspension comfort always surprises, not the least in common with the trucks of yesteryear, such as vacuum support, a bit over the Renault.
The effective braking is assisted by a well-calibrated ABS, that does not work too early and optimally, the contact of the wheels on the ground is well covered by suspensions efficient. The hydraulic assistance really does not affect the accuracy of conduct, but the linearity of the management is not exemplary effort at the wheel of average amplitude (almost a third of towers) appear to amplify the angle to the wheels . The return line, especially at low speeds in town, we felt too strong here. And as for the Kangoo, ski in the direction parasites are much more sensitive than most compact sedans today.
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