French manufacturers in particular have an odd yet in many respects eminently sensible habit of launching a new model but keeping the old one going as a cheap and cheerful alternative. That’s what Citroën has done with Berlingo; introduced the latest version but kept its predecessor in production under the Berlingo First banner in a bid to appeal to the budget-conscious.

These days only one version of Berlingo First is available. With a 2.7m³ cargo bay and a 600kg payload capacity, it’s powered by a 75hp-at-4,000rpm 1.6-litre HDi diesel married to a five-speed manual gearbox. Top torque of 170Nm kicks in at 1,755rpm.

You won’t suffer too badly from a lack of equipment. Citroën now markets the old workhorse with a Plus Pack as standard, including electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric front windows and high-frequency remote central locking. A sliding nearside cargo door is included in the deal too.

What you don’t get alas is ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, although it is listed as an option.

Performance is a lot better than one might expect given the age of Berlingo First’s design, and the handling is impressive too. The ride is rather less competent, however, and does not compare well with what’s on offer from younger models.

Good to see such a roomy cab, with plenty of headroom and a driver’s seat positioned at just the right high for somebody who has to leap in and out all day making deliveries.

Berlingo First is covered by a three-year/100,000-mile warranty with service intervals set at 12,500 miles.

Citroën withdrew the Berlingo First from the UK market in February 2012 after a remarkable 16-year run.