CITROËN XSARA PICASSO MPV REVIEW

My car

Owned the 2.0 HDi diesel for 7 years and 90k miles. Still can't believe this but not a single fault in that whole time. Never failed to start first time, never broke down, everything still original (exhaust, battery etc). Fantastic space and practicality, like the TARDIS. Not great to drive: seats, handling, performance. Dirt cheap to run: averaged 49.8 mpg, servicing dead cheap, front tyres last 36k miles). Avoid Citroen main dealers; I was ripped off for an unnecessary MOT failure/repair (front suspension at 36K miles). An obvious rip-off which I took to Citroen UK but they're just not interested.

My car

Have run this car for seven years/60,000 miles from new. Had no major problems in all that time, although in the last year the costs have begun to rise and it seemed like time to trade it in... We also ran a 1.6HDi diesel for a while and although that engine was more powerful, the 2.0HDi felt more relaxed - but it's certainly not quick! Good points: there was nothing else around when we bought it to rival the space you get for the amount of money Citroen wanted. The 2.0 HDi is economical (50+mpg on the motorway, 40+ in normal driving). The driving position is good. The front seats are comfortable. You get three proper seats in the back, which can be either folded or removed to give a huge load area. The equipment levels are pretty good. Dash layout is clear. Insurance is cheap. Bad points: rear seats are uncomfortable for adults. The A pillars do create a blindspot. Not much else, although the trim started to feel a little tired after six years... With three growing kids, we were planning to upgrade to a nearly new C4 Grand Picasso but went for a Ford S-Max instead.......

My car

I Have a 2.0 LITRE HDI SX 2002 It I Gastly And The Plastics Are Terribly Cheap And Nasty But My EX WIFE Bought It And Knowing Her Taste No Wonder She Bought It. If You Want A Nice Car Buy A Mazda 5 2.0 GSI TURBO

My car

Many of the negatives elsewhere are just about right, but there's something lovable about his car.

The seats aren't the best, but less cramped than the Renault Scenic. My wife thinks it's 'very comfortable' - not bad after Jaguars, Audis and Ford Focuses.

The 2.0 HDI takes a while to warm up and the big screen takes some demisting. Also, the chunky front pillars take some getting used to.

A Scenic or S-Max will feel better built inside and out. But few cars match the price - similar age Focuses were £1000-£1500 more expensive. The Picasso is very French with comfort above sportiness, but bowls along nicely.

The 2.0 HDI engine moves along nicely and cruises beautifully in 5th on the motorway, with plenty of overtaking power when needed. Not as good as my fabuolous Jaguar Turbo Diesel, but isn't frustrating either, which speaks volumes. Think of it as a good 'ordinary' diesel (boy racers needn't apply).

The higher seating position is relaxing on long journeys but as expected, wind noise isn't the best.

Where the Picasso wins hands down is on practicality. Hardly any bigger on the road than a Focus it's cavernous. Bigger than a Scenic with more cubby-hole capacity too.

Fuel economy is great on the motorway and good in town. Add low road tax and insurance and it's highly affordable tranport.

Lots of standard equipment in a Desire too.

Small car costs, big car versatility and surprisingly nice to be in. I'm very happy with it.