Citroen C3 Picasso hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

Citroen has built a reputation around its uniqueness, and the Citroen C3 Picasso is certainly an original mini-MPV. But it’s not alone in its striking style; the Kia Soul and Skoda Roomster are both interesting lookers too, making it likely each will appeal to customers with specific tastes. Our favourite features of the C3 Picasso are its bold Citroen front badge, jewel-like headlights and bright range of paint colours.

The C3 Picasso has an upmarket feel inside, particularly in Exclusive trim. The dashboard is made from attractively textured black plastic, and the general feel of airiness afforded by tall windows makes for a pleasant cabin ambience. The C3 Picasso’s built-in air freshener gave a pleasant fragrance too. There are heaps of useful touches including numerous cubby holes, hidden compartments for valuables and even a magnetic flap to cover the gap between folded seats and the boot floor. Problems are not entirely absent: the tall driving position makes the floor-mounted handbrake and cup holders a long stretch to reach.

The C3 Picasso’s body-shape is called ‘Space-box’ by Citroen, and aims to be as roomy as possible for its size. With the rear bench seats slid back in its rearmost position, boot space is a decent 385 litres. Slide the rear seats forward and you sacrifice some legroom but extend the luggage area to an impressive 500 litres. Fold them down (it’s possible with one hand and minimal effort) and a cavernous 1,506 litres is on offer – impressive for an MPV based on a supermini. In Exclusive trim the front passenger seat folds flat allowing longer objects to be transported.

In this class ride comfort is important, and in this respect the C3 Picasso is very good. It soaks up bumps well and road and engine noise is well suppressed. In a corner the steering is accurate and the Picasso feels lighter and more nimble than its height suggests. A tiny bonnet, vertical boot and excellent visibility – helped by two thin pillars at either side of the windscreen – make it easy to place the car in tight spots.

Four engines are available; two petrols and two diesels. We drove the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol with 95bhp. A 1.6 with 120bhp cuts two seconds from the smaller engine’s leisurely 12.2 second 0-62mph dash. Both diesels are 1.6-litre motors with 90 or 110bhp, which accelerate more slowly than the petrols but offer more economy and feel better suited to motorway driving.

The 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol models emit between 154 and 159g/km (when equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox) while returning 44.8 and 44.1mpg on the combined cycle. The diesels are better for long-distance drivers, emitting between 119 and 125g/km while achieving 58.8 to 61.4mpg. Servicing is cheaper for the petrol engines, with inspections every 20,000 miles in contrast with 12,500 miles for the diesel cars.

Citroen claims it’s working hard to improve its reliability and customer satisfaction ranking, and the C3 Picasso appears to be a step in the right direction. Out test car was trouble free, but its interior did have a surprising number of scratches and blemishes for a nearly new car, which could suggest its cabin is less hard wearing than some competitors.

The Citroen C3 Picasso scored four stars in the tougher new Euro NCAP crash test programme. It scored poorly in the ‘safety assist’ category because an electric stability programme (ESP) to help prevent skids is only standard on the 1.6-litre HDi 110bhp Exclusive model, an option on other Exclusive versions and VTR+ and unavailable on VT. The Picasso scored highly for adult and child occupant protection.

Trim levels VT, VTR+ and Exclusive are available, and all come with central locking, CD player with steering wheel controls, trip computer, electric front windows, front seat storage and an adjustable boot floor. The VTR+ is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, adjustable speed limiter, climate control, child surveillance mirror and additional airbags. Exclusive trim adds dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, auto wipers, flat-fold front passenger seat, ski loading flap, tinted rear windows and leather and chrome interior trim.

Fun looks, ingenious space and storage solutions and a comfortable ride make the Citroen C3 Picasso the Swiss Army Knife of small cars.