BUYER’S GUIDE:
Citroen C3 Picasso FROM £3,000 Supermini-mpv scores on style and usability, and looks good value used
CITROEN was once known for its cars’ distinctive styling and quirky features, but this strategy simply didn’t pay. As sales dwindled, the brand became increasingly conservative with its design in a bid to retain buyers – and for a while, this worked.
When those same customers decided they wanted style and quality with a healthy dose of usability, however, Citroen changed direction once again – and the result was its C3 Picasso. This funky-looking small family car led a design renaissance at the company, which continues with its new models. Sharper lines and a much higher level of build quality were the supermini-mpv’s cornerstones, and now you can buy one from a mere £3,000.
History
THE C3 Picasso arrived in April 2009, with 95bhp 1.4 or 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 1.6 diesel – the latter with 90bhp or 110bhp. Buyers could choose from VT, VTR+ and Exclusive trims. A cleaner (Euro 5) 1.6 HDI 110 came in November 2010; VTR+ and Exclusive editions also got USB connectivity and Bluetooth. The unloved EGS auto box joined the range in 2012, and was offered only with the 1.6-litre VTI petrol engine.
A revised C3 Picasso arrived early in 2013, with fresh colours, a redesigned nose and a new multimedia option. From summer 2015 the only engines offered were Citroen’s brilliant three-cylinder 1.2-litre Puretech petrol or the 1.6 HDI, now in ultra-frugal Bluehdi 100 form.
Which one?
ALL of the engines are fine, although the 1.4 VTI feels weak if the car is loaded up. The Puretech is fun but prices start at £10,000 as the oldest cars are on a 15-plate. We’d avoid the less-than-slick EGS transmission, although some owners reckon it can be mastered. The entry-level VT comes with a Cd/tuner, remote central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors and powered windows, along with a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Move up to the VTR+ to get air-con, along with curtain airbags and cruise control, while Exclusive brings dual-zone climate control plus automatic lights and wipers. All trims were available with a special Look Pack to spruce up the exterior detailing.
Alternatives
PERHAPS the C3 Picasso’s most talented rival is the Honda Jazz, which offers classleading practicality, space and reliability. However, prices are high and there’s no diesel, although the recently replaced second generation did come as a hybrid.
The Kia Soul looks distinctive and is generally very reliable, plus it’s well equipped. A seven-year warranty means you get peace of mind, too. With its rearhinged back doors the Vauxhall Meriva is neat, and now used values have dropped it can be good value, too. The Hyundai ix20 is a leftfield buy that’s well equipped and surprisingly practical, while the Nissan Note and its Renault Modus (and Grand Modus) cousin are excellent value, if rather bland.
Verdict
TIME will soon be called on the current C3 Picasso, as it’s already seven years since the car was introduced. Despite its age the smart Citroen still cuts a dash, and it offers practical motoring on a budget.
Unsurprisingly, reliability and quality issues are becoming more common, but the C3 Picasso is proving to be more dependable than some of its forebears.
When the boxy Citroen arrived in 2009, we crowned it Supermini-mpv of the Year at our New Car Awards, and we loved the car just as much when we ran one on our test fleet. The C3 Picasso’s star may be fading, but it’s far from burned out.
Buyingcars “Funky small family car led a design renaissance at Citroen, which continues with its new models”
THE C3 Picasso dropped out of the Driver Power rankings this year, having finished in 108th position last year. Top category score was 50th for practicality, followed by 67th for running costs and 78th for reliability. Lowest rankings were 168th for handling and 167th for build quality; ride quality came in at 139th.
YOUR VIEW
ALAN Waterman from Maidstone, Kent, owns a 2011 C3 Picasso 1.6 HDI. He told us: “My car was excellent value as a pre-registered model and it’s now done 64,000 miles. In that time I’ve averaged 61mpg, and it’s transported me around the country in comfort – and cheaply, too. Reliability has been good rather than spectacular, however.”
Economy
A COMMON gripe is the C3 Picasso’s fuel economy. Most 1.6 HDI diesel owners average 48-50mpg, although the official figure is around 60mpg.
Bluetooth
EARLY cars – even range-toppers – didn’t have Bluetooth fitted as standard. As a result, on many models you still can’t relay calls through the stereo.