Citroen C3 Picasso review (2009-2017)

Driving position

While the C3 Picasso’s primary focus is to carry passengers, you won’t feel left out in the driver’s seat.

The Edition trim level comes with rake and reach adjustment on the steering column, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat to help you find the perfect position.  

Thanks to an ideal combination of big windows, narrow pillars and standard fit parking sensors, the Picasso is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in and out of tight spots.  

Tech and features

You might want to dig out your CD collection for this used Citroen, though you can still connect via Bluetooth and USB of course.

The Picasso’s instruments are mounted high up in the middle of the dashboard, the idea being that you barely have to take your eyes off the road when you glance at them.

Some models were fitted with a sat-nav system when new, while the top-spec version has a reversing camera.  

There’s plenty of space up front with good leg- and head-room. In the back there are acres of room for a couple of adults and a third can sit comfortably enough in the middle seat as well.

To get even more comfortable, the outer rear seats recline and slide backwards and forwards.

Cabin stowage is not as good as it could be, with small glovebox and door bins.

However, there is space to store kids’ belongings under the back seats.  

Engines and power

You won’t need to ponder long over which engine you want - the Picasso only came with the choice of a 1.2-litre petrol and a diesel.  

The petrol engine is fine, but the diesel has more punch if you regularly roll with a full crew and kit on board.

The diesel engine is also more economical and so worth considering if you cover a lot of miles.  

Handling and ride comfort

If you like a nice comfortable ride that soaks up lumps and bumps in the road with ease, the Picasso fits the bill.

Thanks to its light steering, you’ll find it easy to manoeuvre around town.

Once you get up to speed on country roads, the steering weighs up nicely to help you steer through bends with confidence.  

Boot space

If you are worried that all this passenger space comes at the expense of a small boot, don’t be.

The Picasso’s boot is excellent, as big as some estate cars, and with a huge square opening and a flat load lip, it’s easy to slide boxes, large suitcases and even lightweight furniture in and out with ease.  

Storage solutions

If you need more space, you can fold the 60/40 split seats forward in a few seconds to give an even longer, but equally flat floor.

There’s a hidden boot floor as well – ideal if you need to stow the kids’ items somewhere fully out of sight.  

Fuel economy

Its petrol engine has a claimed 56.5mpg, which is likely to translate as around 45 mpg in the real world.

The diesel has a claimed 72.4 mpg, so should give you 60 mpg– it’s a wholesome investment car that is not often considered expensive to run.