Citroen C4 Picasso

Breadcrumbs

The only small MPV that doesn’t look like you’ve given up on style and plucked out your eyes with a blunt fork
Our buying tip

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

A pair of 1.6-litre petrols offer 120bhp and 155bhp, while the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre HDI diesels offer 110bhp and 150bhp but, crucially, more torques. 2.0-litre HDI offers 50mpg and takes less than 10 seconds to hit 62mph.
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. It's worth remembering that Citroen's incessant discounting is good for purchase, but softens residuals.