THE third-generation Citroen Berlingo Multispace, an icon in the leisure activity sector which the French company created 22 years, is to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new model is said to offer an optimum combination of design, comfort and ease of use.

As well as three independent and easily folding rear seats in the second row, the latest Berlingo model features a flat floor through to the folding front passenger seat, 19 driving assistance technologies, four connectivity technologies and latest-generation engines such as the new BlueHDi 130 1.5 diesel unit, and the new EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox.

It will be available in two sizes, M and XL, measuring 4.40m and 4.75m in length respectively, with five and seven seats.

The Berlingo Multispace comes with two wide sliding side doors with electric windows and the model is styled in similar vein to Citroen's latest C3 and C3 Aircross models with an Airbump protective panel on the sides.

The Multispace's class-leading boot volume has been increased by 100 litres to 775 litres for the M version.

The boot is easily accessible thanks to an opening rear window in the tailgate and two different height positions for the luggage cover.

It comes packed with driving assistance technologies, including colour head-up display, adaptive cruise control with stop function, electric parking brake, reversing camera with top rear vision, grip control with hill descent assist and trailer stability control.

Citroen says it will be offering the new Berlingo Mutlispace with a variety of petrol and diesel engines including the award-winning PureTech 110 and 130 turbo petrol units - the latter coming on stream next year.

Prices are still to be announced.