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Citroen C3 Picasso road test report

Citroen C3 Picasso

For a high-sided MPV with a relatively short wheelbase, the C3 Picasso is remarkably composed on all types of roads and in all conditions. There’s decent grip and poise, and the steering is light yet accurate enough, while town parking is a piece of gateau.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Citroen C3 Picasso

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ALISDAIR SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The entry-level 1.4-litre petrol engine with 95bhp is the cheapest way into the chic Citroen C3 Picasso and works well around town. If you intend to spread your wings further, the 1.6-litre petrol engine in 120bhp form is a good all-rounder and provides plenty of punch for overtaking and motorway use. However, it’s the two 1.6-litre turbodiesels that make the most compelling cases. They come in 90- and 110bhp forms and have all the flexibility you could want. They’re also smooth, free revving and very refined. All C3s come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, which has an easy shift action, and there is currently no automatic gearbox on offer.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

For a high-sided MPV with a relatively short wheelbase, the C3 Picasso is remarkably composed on all types of roads and in all conditions. The suspension has been set to the softer end of the comfort scale, so it does a superb job of mopping up broken British roads. It also makes an impressive effort at keeping road noise at bay, with wind and engine noise also ably suppressed. There is a small pay-off for this comfort with some body lean in corners, but this is a minimal price to pay and we’d take the comfort every day of the week. It’s not to say the C3 Picasso is a drudge in corners because it’s not. There’s decent grip and poise, and the steering is light yet accurate enough, while town parking is a piece of gateau.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

Citroen has not enjoyed the best of relationships with reliability and satisfaction surveys over the years in the UK. However, the early indicators for the C3 Picasso are very good. Its cabin is built to a far higher standard than earlier Citroen MPVs and the quality of the materials is much improved too. All of the buttons work with a satisfying click and parts such as the seat adjusters feel more than up to years of family use. On the mechanical front, the engines are all tried and tested, as is the five-speed manual gearbox, along with the rest of the running gear.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 3 stars

It’s a shame Citroen has cut a small corner with the entry level C3 Picasso by not including side and curtain airbags as standard. It helps bring the starting price of the range down, but we feel a family oriented car should have these vital safety features included in the price. Citroen also loses a mark for not including ESP traction control as even an option for the entry-level VT models. It’s a £350 option for the VTR+ versions and standard for the Exclusive variants. However, security is good and marked parts will see most thieves pass the Citroen by in favour of easier prey.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

Citroen has blessed the C3 Picasso with funky styling that disguises the boxy shape of the car, yet it’s this shape that makes it so practical. A high roof allows the passengers to sit upright with plenty of headroom, which in turn means lots of legroom is available front and rear. The driver’s seat has height adjustment and the steering wheel moves for reach and rake, so the ideal driving position is never far away for any shape of user. The simple dash places the digital instrument pod high in the centre console, while the rest of the controls are easy to find and fathom without the driver taking his or her eyes off the road. Remote controls on the steering wheel also help here. In the back seats, there’s space for three growing children, while the boot is generous and can be augmented by the sliding rear bench seat that can also be folded completely flat very quickly.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

A Citroen C3 Picasso in mid-spec VTR+ trim with the more powerful 110bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine tips the price scales at £13,695. That’s similar money to a basic small hatch, which the C3 Picasso can more than rival for space, practicality and pleasure of ownership. It also looks likely that the C3 Picasso will hold its value better than many Citroen models due to its desirability, funky looks and a broad spread of optional extras to zizz up the looks. A CD stereo, electric front windows and central locking come with every model, while the VTR+ gains air conditioning, alloy wheels and side and curtain airbags. Go for the Exclusive and there’s climate and cruise controls, electric rear windows and parking sensors.

Submitted: 07/09/2009 09:58:18

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