USED Citroën Xsara Picasso MPV (00 - 10)

My car

After test driving the VW Touran, Corolla Verso, and the Peugeout 307SW, the Picasso won because it had the best driving position for me and my wife, who occasionally drives it.

The space practicality informed our choice too, with the large versatile cabin. The jewel in the Crown was the HDi engine, which has what I understand to be a low-end turbo, very quick and economical. It's quiet too.

So how does the reality match the anticipation after the test drive? Drive quaility is OK, it sticks fairly well around bends but can wander a bit. However, it does feel safe, but can yaw on the motorway under sidewinds, but this can't be avoided given it's height.

The cabin is the jewel in the Picasso's crown. Three removable rear seats, all independently removeable or tilting forward. The front passenger seat also goes forward. The aircraft-style tables in the rear of the front seats are great for kids as are the rear floor stowage spaces and the middle rear seat which turns into a table.

My boy loves it, especially the middle seat which slides forward allowing him to be close to the parents up front. Trim and extras are good.

Now for the 'iffy' bits. A notchy gear box, the slight roll in the handling and the lack of quality compared to the Peugeot and VW appear to take the shine off this popular family vehicle. But for overall value for money, you get what you pay for. I lease mine but I am aware that discounting is heavy right now.