Citroen C3 Picasso Review and Prices

The are just two engines on offer with one being immensely better suited to the character of the car than the other.

It isn’t the petrol that is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder making 110hp which is far from powerful considering the size of the car. The 0-62mph acceleration is predictably pedestrian at 11.8 seconds but few buyers will actually care about that. What everyone will care about is the poor fuel economy, especially when the C3 Picasso is loaded to the brim, or in other words, used as intended. With five up and their luggage, the quoted fuel economy figure of 56mpg will just be a wishful dream. Expect high 30s.

Still pretty underpowered with 100hp, the diesel alternative is much better suited for its strong pick-up at low speeds and the more bearable fuel consumption. It’s a 1.6-litre and the extra capacity over the 1.2-litre petrol translates into more confident overtakes and it’s easier to get close to the official fuel consumption figure of 72, but still pretty optimistic.

In town, the steering is light, which makes parking and going round mini-roundabouts a piece of cake. Once you’re at higher speeds it weights up to give you more confidence.

While it’s comfy over rough areas, it means the nose dives down and rises up every time you’re aggressive with the throttle. It also means a lot of body roll in the corners.

Tyre and wind noise are also nice and quiet which makes the little Citroen good on motorway journeys.

Anyone can get comfy behind the wheel thanks to a wide range of adjustments in the seat and steering wheel. Once in place, you have great visibility out of the front since the cleverly designed A-pillars are very thin and you have a pair of big quarter lights on each side.