Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Our verdict

The Citroen C4 Picasso is a fabulous small MPV. 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 petrols and two diesels motivate the Picasso and thankfully none are unwilling to do the job. The 127bhp 1.8 and 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol units are both gutsy enough, but it's the 110bhp 1.6 and 136bhp 2.0-litre diesels that make the most sense. They've all got the paddle gearbox though.

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 Group 9 insurance, 46.3mpg and the best residuals and tax (19 percent) make it the one to go for. It's worth remembering that Citroen's incessant discounting is good for purchase, but softens residuals.