Citroën C3 Picasso (09 on) - Review

Review by Chris Ebbs on
Last Updated: 01 June 2011
The C3 Picasso sets out to create something that offers practicality on the inside with an individual image and funky styling on the outside. The styling certainly sets it apart from anything else this size while its clever use of space and excellent visibility give it an edge over alternatives like the Nissan Note and Vauxhall Meriva. Drive wise it is rather dull and some engines are sluggish, but what it lacks in power and excitement it makes up for in its functional use of space and size. Plenty of rear passenger space and a large boot make it ideal as a family car.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

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£5,879 - £12,402

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Easy to drive, good visibility, practical storage space, quiet at high speeds, frugal engines

Sluggish petrol engines, bouncy ride, cheap feeling interior

The C3 Picasso sets out to create something that offers practicality on the inside with an individual image and funky styling on the outside. The styling certainly sets it apart from anything else this size while its clever use of space and excellent visibility give it an edge over alternatives like the Nissan Note and Vauxhall Meriva. Drive wise it is rather dull and some engines are sluggish, but what it lacks in power and excitement it makes up for in its functional use of space and size. Plenty of rear passenger space and a large boot make it ideal as a family car.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "There's a choice of four engines available in the C3 Picasso, two petrol and two diesels. The..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "The light power steering, along with excellent all round visibility means the C3 Picasso is well..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "There is plenty of room for the driver and front passenger with good legroom and a tall cabin that..."

  • Practicality

    4.5 out of 5

    "The amount of space on offer in the C3 Picasso is impressive with boot space that can store a load..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "The C3 Picasso is available in three trim levels of VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. All cars come with..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "The visibility in the C3 Picasso is excellent thanks to a high seating position. It's helped further..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "The diesel manages 20mpg more than the petrol, so makes a better choice for long distance drivers."

  • Green credentials

    3 out of 5

    "CO2 emissions are quite high for a car of this size especially on the petrol models with the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "The C3 Picasso was one of the first models to undergo Euro NCAPs more stringent crash tests in 2009."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Citroen’s reputation hasn’t always been good but things seem to be improving. The C3 Picasso feels..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

    "Citroen is often one of the better manufacturers for offers and discounts, even on brand new models,..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "Try to avoid the entry level petrol and go for the 1.6-litre petrol for that extra bit of power. The..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "Owing to the limited equipment on the VT trim, the VTR+ and Exclusive models will be more appealing..."

Gallery

  • Interior Citroën C3 Picasso (09 on)
  • Exterior Citroën C3 Picasso (09 on)
  • Exterior Citroën C3 Picasso (09 on)
  • Exterior Citroën C3 Picasso (09 on)

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Owners' reviews