Used Citroën C3 Picasso Review (2008-2017) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Large cabin
- Smooth to drive
- Easy to park in tight spaces
- Slow acceleration
- Most commonly found with diesel engines
- Diesel engines are noisy
What's the Citroën C3 Picasso like?
Citroën's smaller people carrier, the C3 Picasso, is well-designed and practical as a family car for four or five.
But with the higher output engines, it's also good to drive.
It’s a brilliant small MPV that's actually not small at all when you look inside, with plenty of room to put your luggage for a weekend away.
Engines
The diesel engines seem to make up the vast majority of these C3s on the used market, but there are a few good petrol engines too.
The diesels are all 1.6-litre in various levels of turbocharging. First comes a 90bhp version that takes just over 13 seconds to reach 60mph from rest and is capable of 68mpg.
Next there's a 100bhp BlueHDi model. This has a number of economy details built in and has 100bhp, which is enough for 0 to 62mph in 12.0 seconds and an excellent rating of no less than 78mpg.
Finally, there are 110bhp and 115bhp versions in upper models, and these have identical 62mph times of 10.8 seconds and are rated at 58mpg.
Petrol models may well be cheaper year for year, and usually come with lower mileage too.
These start with a 1.2-litre Puretech turbo with 110bhp that gets to the benchmark in 10.3 seconds and is capable of a decent 67mpg.
Then there's a 1.4-litre VTi non-turbo with 95bhp. It takes 11.8 seconds to get to 62mph and is capable of 44mpg.
And finally, there's a 1.6-litre VTi that covers the sprint in 10.6 seconds and is also capable of 44mpg.
All the engines should be smooth and quiet on the move, although the diesels can be noisier when started from cold if they have a lot of miles under their wheels.
Driving Experience
The pugnacious looks might not be to everyone’s taste, but its the practicality and driving experience that make it appealing to many.
It's enjoyable to drive, even on some poorly surfaces Irish country roads, where the suspension smooths everything out beautifully.
Peter Hayward
The roadholding is safe and sure, with less roll than you might expect from a tall car, and excellent grip even when pressed very hard.
The electric power steering has plenty of feel on the move and a tight turning circle, together with the vertical rear, make it very easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Equipment
The entry model Edition came very well-equipped, with audio remote control, air conditioning, very good seat adjustment, traction control, alloy wheels, cruise control and parking sensors.
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Find your Citroën C3 Picasso your way with CarStore
The C3 Picasso is the perfect small MPV for big families. The spacious interior and equipped with air conditioning, traction control and great seat adjustment, provide comfort to everyone onboard.
