Citroën Xsara Picasso MPV full 9 point review
-
Performance
Two engines are available: a 109bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre HDi diesel with 91bhp. Both can feel sluggish with a full complement of passengers and luggage aboard, but are fine for most everyday chores.
-
Ride & Handling
The Picasso’s ride is soft and supple but never mushy, coping well with rutted city streets and undulating motorways. However, body roll is pronounced during cornering - a trait accentuated when the car is fully loaded.
-
Refinement
The 1.6-litre petrol makes itself heard if you rev it hard. The turbodiesel is extremely smooth, with little clatter on start-up. Some wind noise filters into the cabin, particularly if you have the full-length sunroof fitted. A dash-mounted gearchange lacks the precise action of some rivals’.
-
Buying & Owning
The Picasso offers a decent level of equipment for the cash, and you can get a good discount with little or no effort. Servicing and insurance costs are reasonable and all the engines return good fuel economy – the HDi diesel betters 50mpg on the combined cycle. Both models hold their value fairly well considering the huge discounts on offer to buyers.
-
Quality & Reliability
The Picasso uses proven mechanicals. However, the gearchange can get slightly notchy and petrol engines are prone to coolant leaks. Problems will be covered by Citroën’s three-year warranty. Owners rated mechanical reliability as above average in the 2007 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
-
Safety & Security
Safety features include twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a trio of three-point seatbelts in the rear and child-seat mounting points; VTX models have electronic brakeforce distribution. There are no deadlocks or alarm, and in our attack tests we gained access in just 15 seconds.
-
Behind The Wheel
The Xsara Picasso’s cabin has a few avant-garde features. The dash just ahead of the driver is featureless, information being provided on two LED displays in the centre console. The steering wheel adjusts for height only, resulting in a van-like driving position, while the seats could use more support.
-
Space & Practicality
The egg-shaped midi-MPV is very roomy inside, with excellent head and leg space for adult passengers front and back. Three separate seats, all with headrests, are provided in the rear. The chairs can be folded and tipped, and are light enough to be removed simply. There are 30 different storage areas around the cabin. The boot is a good size, while a folding ‘Modubox’ can be unclipped from the side of the boot and used for shopping.
-
Equipment
Just two one level is now offered to Xsara Picasso buyers: Desire. This provides air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD player, electric door mirrors and a leather steering wheel. However, you'll need to start ticking boxes on the options' list to get metallic paint, alloy wheels and parking sensors.
Xsara Picasso rivals
Xsara Picasso used car reviews
Citroën Xsara Picasso MPV 1.6 HDi 92 Desire 5dr
Desire spec with HDi diesel is a good balance of price, running costs and kit, though the 108bhp HDi is noticeably better and only slightly less efficient.
Read review
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2010
