Readers of a certain age probably remember the Matra Rancho. During the late 70’s, it breathed a bit of life back into the ailing Simca arm of the Chrysler and later Talbot corporations. Aimed at the leisure market, it had off road looks with out being a true off roader, and traded on it Matra connections to promote a sporty image. In many ways it was the early forerunner of today’s “soft roaders”, and is perhaps the inspiration for the new Citroen Berlingo Multi­space XTR.

Mechanically the only major difference between the Berlingo Multi­space XTR and the new standard Berlingo is the ride height, but like the Rancho there are lots of additions and gadgets, designed to appeal to the type of motorists who always keep a Swiss army knife in their glove compartment. Outside there is a two-tone bumper and grille, black plastic body kit and bold rubber side strips. Inside, there is a roomy feel due to a panoramic sunroof, lots of storage solutions including aircraft style overhead lockers and removable seats. The Multi­space XTR will be on sale across Europe in the summer.