Citroen C3 Picasso

Our verdict

It’s very un-Top Gear this, but the C3 Picasso is a fantastic MPV. Proves that real-world can be really fun.

Comfort

Citroen is renowned for its comfort levels and the C3 Picasso is little different. There isn't any clever hydroactive suspension, but that doesn't matter. On the standard 16-inch wheels the C3 Picasso rides well; on the 17s it's a little stiffer, but still fine. For a car the size of a Ford Fiesta, there's loads of room inside as well.

Performance

Well, it is an MPV. The petrol engines are a bit sluggish and could do with a sixth gear to make them more refined, but then you'd be constantly changing down on any sort of hill. The diesels are better - both are refined and have got just about enough torque.

Cool

Seriously, this is a cool MPV. Citroen is in danger of making family life seem sexy. Sort of.

Quality

Time will tell, obviously, but for the moment the C3 Picasso feels pretty solid. The doors shut with a reassuring 'thunk' and the switchgear feels more robust than on previous Citroens. There's even some silver trim inside which doesn't feel like it's about to fall off. All the seat folding mechanisms feel like they could stand regular trips to the supermarket as well.

Handling

The steering is very light around town, but it does tighten up at speed. Oddly enough, you can drive this car faster than you'd expect, but then the kids would be sick in the back and you'll just strain the living daylights out of the engine. Best to think of the comfortable seats and leave it at that.

Practicality

As good as anything out there. All the rear seats fold flat with just a single lever, and the front one folds as well. As such, you can get some seriously long loads in this. There's also a two-height boot floor, and you'll get 500 litres of boot space below the parcel shelf. As much as in a BMW 5-Series, would you believe? There are also some floor bins in the rear for the kids.

Running costs

Citroen is hopeful for residual values on the C3 Picasso, partly because it doesn't envisage selling huge numbers in the UK. Running costs will be low because of the economical diesels, and CO2 figures get as low as 125g/km.