Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi Exclusive

Costs

A range of compact and fuel efficient engines ought to help achieve very reasonable fuel consumption and although the C3 Picasso is priced slightly higher than some of its competitors, it still represents strong value for money. Insurance costs ought to prove reasonable, too.

Space and practicality

Incredibly spacious, folding the rear seats flat means the Citroen C3 Picasso can happily be used as a small van. Rear seats can be slid forward and back or folded individually to accommodate combinations of luggage and passengers and storage is well catered for with under-floor compartments in the front and the boot. The glovebox is very small, however. On the Exclusive model, practicality even extends to a self-charging torch included in the boot.

Controls and display

The C3 Picasso features standard Citroen controls, which are sensibly laid out and functional. A steering wheel adjustable for height and reach makes it easy to get comfortable for the driver, however, the handbrake is placed awkwardly close to the floor and, although the gear lever is conveniently positioned, its surround impacts on the driver's knee space. A digital instrument binnacle is centrally mounted and works well, although it might benefit from being angled towards the driver. The large speedometer readout is great.

Comfort

A roomy interior is the C3 Picasso's main asset when it comes to comfort. Seats are shapely and their individually adjustable nature makes it easy for all to get comfortable. The Citroen staple of an extremely smooth ride is also a benefit in this area. Equipment levels for the Exclusive model include dual zone climate control, rear sun blinds and cruise control plus electric rear windows. VT and VTR+ are still well adorned, however, with a scented air-freshener and electric front windows. Air-con is not standard for the base model, however.

Car security

Remote central locking is standard, complete with deadlocks. Child locks are present on the rear doors, and all can be locked simultaneously at the flick of a switch.

Car safety

ABS with brake assist is standard equipment across the range and driver and passenger front airbags are standard. Side and curtain airbags are present on the upper trim levels. ESP is available as an option. Isofix points are present on the outer rear seats, but perhaps the biggest safety feature is the wraparound windscreen that improves visibility.

Driver appeal

The C3 Picasso is a surprisingly enjoyable car to drive. Despite its tall body, the suspension copes admirably in reducing body roll and the chassis feels taught and surefooted. Responsive steering with plenty of feedback, a precise gear change and progressive brakes mean the model could give sportier hatchbacks a run for their money. It doesn't need to be driven fast to be appreciated either. The wrap around screen design means visibility is excellent - useful around town. Gear ratios are short and best suited to town driving, which means smaller engined model can be buzzy on the motorway. The 1.6 in diesel in petrol forms is better capable out of town.

Family car appeal

High on family appeal, the C3 Picasso makes for an adaptable, practical, economical and smart family car. Capable of serving as a sole vehicle, particularly for those who don't venture onto the motorway often, or as a second car to compliment something more capable at long distance cruising, it's a very versatile model. A child friendly interior, including a fold down mirror for watching the back seats, should prove more than capable of dealing with family life.

First car appeal

The C3 Picasso would not make a bad choice as a first car and, with its individual styling, may well be popular with younger drivers. That said, Citroen is not short of more traditional small hatchbacks, which may meet young drivers needs without the additional expenditure.

Quality and image

Noted for its innovative and often quirky styling, Citroen has pulled off another coup with the C3 Picasso model. Bold and assertive styling brings some excitement to an otherwise flagging segment. Citroen has gone a long way towards addressing reliability and quality issues that have plagued it in the past. The C3 Picasso feels well put together and material quality is acceptable.

Accessibility

The C3 Picasso scores highly for accessibility. A tall body with well proportioned passenger doors and a decent floor height makes it very easy to exit and enter. The boot door is huge, aiding access to the copious rear.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

A MP3 compatible CD player and radio set up is standard across the range. Sound quality is acceptable and standard steering wheel mounted controls make it easier to operate than when using the buttons on the centre console, which are a little on the small and fiddly side. An auxiliary socket allows an external device to be plugged in and a multi-function trip computer is useful.

Colours and trim

Citroen has broken up the larger areas of plastic with light-coloured, textured inserts that make the C3 Picasso's interior easier on the eye. The uppermost Exclusive trim level benefits from additional leather for the steering wheel as well as chrome inside and out. 16-inch alloy wheels are also present, as are body-coloured bumpers. Lesser specification models are far from spartan however, with a decent level of equipment and interior detailing across the range.

Parking

Excellent visibility combined with huge mirrors and the C3 Picasso's boxy shape means parking is a breeze with or without the parking sensors that are standard on the Exclusive trim level.

Spare wheel

Space saver fitted as standard.