Road test report --- March 2010 --- by Kevin Fenix.

Citroen C3 Picasso

It was a case of love at first sight ! That first sight was the Paris Motor Show in 2008. I, like a vast crowd of other people, queued up to sit in the C3 Picasso, get a feel of the seats and controls and generally examine, in as great a detail as possible, this exciting new model from Citroen. I certainly liked what I saw and I then had to keep my impatience at bay, waiting for it to arrive on the Irish market. Now it is here at last !
I stepped out of a luxurious executive saloon into the C3 Picasso, yet I never once felt uncomfortable. The first thing I noticed was the huge windscreen, then as I drove off, having set the mirrors, seat and steering, to my requirements, I gazed in wonder and admiration at that utterly superb instrument panel. It gives you everything you need to know clearly, simply, unambiguously and without clutter. Oh why can every vehicle’s instrument panel be as simple as this !! Positioned in the top centre of the facia, it is directly in your normal line of sight when driving, so you do not have to take your eyes off the road to see it. One section has a white background and shows the speed in large dark digital figures, so you have absolutely no doubt as to your actual speed. On the left of this face is a vertical digital stack, showing the fuel level, while in the lower right is a circular digital display showing the engine speed. Along the lower edge, digital figures show the trip and total distance and other information. Settings for the cruise control are shown as a clock face at the top.

The elongated instrument binnacle is divided into three sections. The left and centre segments have black backgrounds and show the relative information in red figures or pictures. In front of the instrument binnacle there is a covered storage box for smaller items. Three round knobs in the centre console look after all the operations of the dual zone air-conditioning. Controls for the audio system are below that. Then there is a useful open storage space at the base of the console and ahead of the gearlever. Switches for the electric front windows and adjustments for the exterior rear view mirrors are in the driver’s door armrest.
The steering wheel has a good feel and adjusts for both reach and height. It is geared to give three turns from lock to lock. The gearlever falls conveniently to hand and has a smooth precise operation. The 1.6 HDi diesel engine has a good torque output, so if you are interested in fuel economy, it is easy to change up early, without causing any unnecessary strain to the engine. In fact, during the test I was amazed that it was possible to drive for most of the time with between 1,400 rpm and 1,800 rpm on the tachometer, without any signs of engine strain. Admittedly most of my driving was done in city and suburban conditions. Out on the open road and on the motorway, it probably rose above those limits, but I was more occupied watching the other traffic, than studying the tachometer. Anyway the subdued hum of the engine was enough to tell me that everything was under control and within acceptable limits.

The C3 makes a very attractive family car. Its fuel consumption, with the 1.6 HDi diesel engine, is excellent. On the urban cycle it returns 50 mpg (5.6 lt/100 km), while on the extra urban cycle this rises to an outstanding 69 mpg (4.0 lt/100 km). These give a combined cycle average of 62 mpg (4.5 lt/100 km). A fuel consumption of that order results in exhaust emissions of 119 gm/km, allowing the C3 Picasso to slip into Irish road tax band A, with a current liability, at present rates, of 104 euro per year. Bearing in mind that this is a highly practical and useful family car, overall performance, velocity wise, is satisfactory. Top speed is said to be 174 kph (108 mph), which is faster than you can legally travel on a public road in most parts of the European Union. Acceleration from 0-100 kph may look a bit lack lustre at 13.5 seconds, but during this test it never caused me any inconvenience or embarrassment in the stop lights grand prix. Indeed on most occasions I was well away before the other traffic started to move. If you have a determined rival, you may need to let the engine revolutions rise to a higher speed, before changing up into second, but most of the time I changed up at 2,000 rpm without any loss of position.
EU inspired law requires children below a certain age, weight and height, to be carried in child safety seats, or on booster cushions.

Unfortunately for many Irish parents, the C3 Picasso only has ISOfix fittings for child safety seats in the two outer rear seating positions. Depending on the age of your children, this could be a problem. While lap and shoulder seat belts are provided for all five possible seats, the centre section of the rear seat is very uncomfortable, mainly due to the fact that the seat belt fittings are level with the seat cushion and you thus tend to sit on them, which is most uncomfortable.

Both front seats have sliding storage trays under them. The 60/40 split rear seat is also on runners and can be slid forwards, if necessary, to increase luggage space. A lift-up catch at the top outer corner of the rear seat backrests, when activated slides the cushion forwards and lowers the backrest into a horizontal position on the seat cushion, to increase luggage space. A lever under the seat cushion allows the whole seat to slide forwards, without lowering the backrest.

There is a further interesting aspect to the luggage space. The normal luggage floor may be removed and there is additional open space below it. Thus the C3 Picasso offers a normal luggage space of 0.385 cubic metres, which quickly expands to 0.500 cubic metres if you remove the upper floor. Then if you fold both rear seats, it expands to 1.506 cubic metres. This is adaptable versatility at its best.

Above left : Normal luggage space 0.385 cubic metres
Above right : Normal luggage space 0.500 cubic metres

Above left : Maximum luggage space, with removable upper floor in position
Above right : Maximum luggage space, upper floor removed

Below the lower luggage floor, there was a round black polystyrene tray, with a number of open compartments, where smaller items could be stored. The jack and wheel changing tools are located here. A Spacesaver spare wheel is located under this polystyrene tray. It can be a little difficult to remove and replace this tray.
Citroen say that if the luggage space is insufficient, you can carry up to 60 kg in a suitable container on the roof. When it comes to towing trailers, the C3 Picasso will manage trailers with brakes of up to 1200 kg, or unbraked trailers of 675 kg.
The Citroen C3 Picasso comes with a good level of standard equipment that includes things like, front fog lamps, reach and height adjustable steering, electric front windows, dual zone climate control, sliding rear seats, with a 60/40 divide. There are two front and two side airbags for front seat occupants, side air curtains, cruise control with a speed limiter, an internal 12v socket, plus a stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility.
The two front seats are superbly comfortable and supportive, with an ample range of adjustments. The car rides well even over poor road surfaces and handles well. The fact that you are sitting up that little bit higher, makes it easy to enter and exit, besides giving a better view of the road and surroundings all around.
MacPherson struts are used at the front with a 23 mm anti-roll bar, while at the back there is an A-shaped torsion beam on trailing arms, with coil springs and telescopic dampers. The servo assisted braking system includes anti-lock with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. It operates ventilated discs at the front and plain discs at the back.
Citroen give a two years unlimited mileage warranty, with two years roadside assistance, three years paint cover and twelve years anti-perforation guarantee.
Normal servicing is needed at intervals of 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or two years, whichever comes first. Currently the price is Euro 19,900 plus delivery and associated charges.

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