Auto Trader has been given a sneak peak at the cheeky Citroen C3 Picasso – due to go on sale next summer.

With bold looks and a clever design Citroen claims the C3 Picasso represents a bold new look and image for the French manufacturer.

Citroen has reason to be daring, it’s the number one MPV manufacturer in Europe and people carriers account for half its sales.

The pre-production C3 Picasso we got to prod, poke and sit in, looked ready to be driven out of the room – but the design has stayed close to the style of the concept we saw at the Paris Motor Show.

It looks like nothing else on UK roads, with a square shape designed purely for maximum interior space.

With rear seats folded flat the load volume is an impressive 1,506-litres and there are many cubby holes, pen holders and non-slip surfaces which have been well thought out.

Citroen is renowned for design innovation and the Citroen C3 Picasso is no exception. Neat touches include a boot light which can be popped out and used as a rechargeable torch.

Safety has played a big role in its looks too – there is a wrap-around windscreen with thin A-pillars to provide maximum visibility at junctions and roundabouts.

Up to six airbags and electronic devices like electronic stability control should help the C3 Picasso score well in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Two petrol engines developed with BMW will be available - with 95bhp and 120bhp - and Citroen diesel motors with 90bhp and 110bhp and less than 130g/km.

• Citroen Cars
• Citroen C2
• Citroen Xsara
• Citroen C4
• Citroen C6
• Citroen C5
• Citroen C3
• Citroen C1
• Citroen Berlingo