Used Citroen C3 Picasso MPV 2009 - 2017 review

Despite its relatively diminutive size – it’s only a smidgen over four metres long – the Citroen C3 Picasso is proof that you can almost squeeze a quart into a pint pot, because inside it’s remarkably roomy. Combine this with distinctive styling and easy-going road manners and you get a real winner that has proven very popular with owners.

True, the C3 Picasso is not the most exciting car in its class through the corners, but it counters this by being easy to drive, with a comfortable ride and very good visibility.

The engine line up starts with a 1.4-litre petrol, but its performance isn’t great. Instead we advise looking at the 1.6 petrol or one of the diesels, all of which have enough pulling power for when the car is fully loaded. The diesels can also exceed 50mpg. It’s also worth noting that the automatic gearbox is actually a rather jerky automated manual that is an acquired taste, so be sure to try before you buy.

Clever use of interior space makes the C3 Picasso one of the most versatile machines in its class. For example, in its standard configuration the boot is a similar size to a Volkswagen Golf’s, despite the C3 Picasso being a smaller car on the outside. In addition, you can slide the rear seats backwards if you don't need so much room in the boot, in order to increase leg room for rear passengers.

A facelift in 2013 resulted in improved interior fixtures and fittings along with updated looks and a revised diesel that offered improved economy and emissions.

It is possible to buy a Citroen C3 Picasso for less than £2000, but it will either have high mileage or be a previous insurance write-off that’s been put back on the road. Increase your budget to £2500, however, and you will have your choice of lower-powered petrol or diesel models with about 70,000 miles under their belts.

The 1.6-litre petrol is a much better bet than the 1.4-litre, however, and for £4000 there will be a choice of 2010/2011 models in the more desirable VTR+ and Exclusive trim levels, which will have covered 40,000 miles or so.

The 110bhp diesel is also a much better prospect than the 90bhp version, and for £6000 a 2012 Exclusive model with 30,000 miles is within budget.

Facelifted C3 Picassos with either petrol or diesel engines start at £7000, for which you’ll get a car that’s covered 20,000 miles or so.

Citroen offers a fixed price servicing scheme for cars over three years old which represents good value for money, with an interim service costing £140 and a full service on offer at £250. It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that the diesel has 12,500-mile service intervals versus 20,000 miles for the petrol, so if you want to keep up the service history, your maintenance costs will almost double.

Road tax varies between £135 and £190 for petrol C3 Picassos, whereas tax costs for the majority of the diesels start at £30 per year, rising to £115 depending on model.

In terms of economy none of the petrol models are particularly parsimonious with both the lower and higher powered manual models struggling to beat 40mpg in everyday driving, and the automatic returning around 35mpg. The diesels are far superior in this respect, and all of these models should achieve more than 50mpg.

The main question to answer will be whether to buy a petrol or diesel. The 1.4-litre petrol really does feel underpowered, especially on the motorway and when laden. The 1.6-litre petrol is better, though, and would be the model to choose if you cover low-to-medium mileages. If you’ll be doing a high mileage, however, then the diesels offer a better driving experience thanks to having more torque, and should be cheaper to run.

Citroen C3 Picasso trim levels are the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive with the VT offering two airbags, central locking, electric front windows and split folding rear seats. Its lack of air conditioning lead most first owners to opt for the VTR+ which, in addition, got side airbags, cruise control, 16in alloy wheels and front fog lights.

Exclusive models upgraded to climate control, rear parking sensors, rear electric windows, auto wipers and lights and a passenger seat that folds flat to make carrying long loads easier. Late in 2010 VTR+ and Exclusive models were upgraded to include a USB and Bluetooth system.

Facelifted models from 2013 have better quality interiors on the VTR+ and Exclusive models and a modicum of increased equipment. There were a number of special editions – Airdream+, Code, Blackcherry to name but a few – and these generally offered additional colours and slightly improved equipment levels such as alloy wheels and upgraded audio equipment.

Our favourite Citroen C3 Picasso: 2014 1.6 VTi VTR+

The Ford B-Max is great to drive and its sliding rear doors make it very practical for passengers, although it lacks the Citroen C3 Picasso’s boot capacity.

The Vauxhall Meriva is another car that uses its rear doors as a USP and while they’re rear-hinged on this model, like the B-Max they do make entry and exit easier. While it’s a little larger than the Picasso it has a versatile interior and is easy to drive and comfortable on the move.

You should also consider the Honda Jazz for its spacious interior and excellent reliability record, although like the Citroen it doesn’t offer the world’s most dynamic driving experience.

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