Citroen C4 Picasso

The Citroen C4 Picasso is a fabulous small MPV in either five- or seven-seat versions. The only car in this sector that offers style and substance.

• Comfort

  Adding air-suspension to the back of the C4's chassis means that kids in the back won't turn green and the airy and spacious-feeling cabin makes taking trips really good fun. Huge panoramic windscreen makes it feel like a convertible.

  

• Performance

  Two engine variants, a diesel and a petrol. Petrol spits out 103kW and chews 8.9L/100km. The oil burner, 100kW and uses slightly less combustive states for forward motion - 7.4L/100km.

  

• Cool

  The coolest small MPV you can buy. Which sounds bad, but isn't.

  

• Quality

  Citroen has tried hard here, so the Picasso feels more than able to stand up to the rigours of a three-toddler family, but tough-feeling plastics aren't necessarily the most tactile.

  

• Handling

  Grips surprisingly well and more like the C4 hatch than you might credit. Not the thing for power sliding around the Nurburgring, but a competent and well-judged suspension, although it crashes into big potholes with a bang.

  

• Practicality

  So much thought has been poured in to the masses of storage in the Picasso that it's a delight. Pockets, storage bins, torches in the boot, umbrellas, flip, slide and fold seating, big sunroofs, rear air-con; this car has it all and it makes it all but irresistible.

  

• Running costs

  The Picasso makes a lot of sense as the 2.0-litre Hdi. Low insurance, 7.4L/100km. The best residuals make it the one to go for. It's worth remembering that Citroen's incessant discounting is good for purchase, but softens residuals.