Citroen C3 Picasso Road Test

Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 Picasso test car had the 1.6HDI diesel unit under the bonnet, with the lower output of 90PS as opposed to the 110PS unit. The power is produced at 4,000rpm and there is 215Nm of torque on tap from 1,750rpm. The available petrol units are a 1.4 and 1.6VTi engines producing 95- and 120PS, respectively.

For sure, with a 0-62mph time of 13.4 seconds, the Citroen C3 Picasso test car could not be described as blisteringly fast, nor is the top speed of 107mph excessive (where legal) but it is no slouch. Rounding the 'box' edges helps with the aerodynamics on motorways and results in surprisingly little effect from side-winds. Motorway overtakes can be accomplished in 5th gear but dropping to 4th makes it quicker, easier and therefore safer.

On the other hand, twisting, country lanes show that there is little body roll and the Citroen C3 Picasso holds the corners very well, remaining relatively flat, considering its shape. The positive steering aids confidence in these situations, as does the high seating position and excellent all-round visibility.

Happily, the fuel economy is equally as easy but on the pocket. Official figures show that around town, 47.1mpg is achievable, while motorway driving returns 70.6mpg and the combined is 60.1mpg - all this and just 125g/km of CO2 emissions.

As a family car, we can expect safety to be high on the agenda and as such the Citroen C3 Picasso is fitted with ISOFIX anchor points to the outer rear seats, a button on the dashboard to activate the child-locks and except for the VT trim, there is a child surveillance mirror, so you can see who 'started it'.

The Citroen C3 Picasso VT is also short of a few airbags with only front cushioning for the driver and passenger. The VTR+ and Exclusive have side and curtain airbags as standard. However, there is a Safety pack available for the base model that includes curtain airbags, cruise control and a speed-limiter, priced at £550.

On the subject of prices, those for the Citroen C3 Picasso start at £11,495 for the 1.4 VT and rise to £15,595 for the top-of-the-range, 1.6 HDI 110PS in Exclusive trim. Deals and Scrappage Schemes will make a difference and according to its website, Citroen is currently offering a minimum of £2,000 Scrappage allowance across all new cars and even more on some other models.

Citroen C3 Picasso