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Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) Apr 2009 Class: People carriers/MPVs New price: £13,085 - £18,170 Used price: From £3,995 On sale:

Performance:

Ride comfort:

handling:

★★★★

★★★

★★★

Boot & Storage:

Safety:

★★★★★

★★★

Reliability:

★★★★

Total score:

67%

Comfortable and adaptable with a big boot. Plenty of space inside, and good visibility. Comprehensively equipped. Petrol engines have poor fuel economy and emissions. Pricey to run. Stability control missing on early models.

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10.9 secs

0-62mph:

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Overview Citroën’s mastery of the MPV genre is legendary, and its C3 Picasso is a compact MPV that’s more stylish but less practical than the company’s similarly priced Berlingo. The C3 Picasso was launched in 2009 as a smaller MPV sister to the C4 Picasso. You may think that Citroen has already got one of those - the Berlingo - but the C3 Picasso is more compact and plusher.  In 2013, Citroen gave the C3 Picasso a facelift, with a revised front bumper that incorporates a strip of LED daytime running lights. It also gets the latest interpretation of Citroen’s double-chevron logo. More importantly, though, the C3 Picasso now comes with stability control as standard, which it didn’t previously. Compact MPV rivals include the likes of the Kia Venga, Toyota Verso-S and Vauxhall Meriva. Other alternatives include the Hyundai ix20, Kia Soul, Nissan Note, Renault Modus and Skoda Roomster.  Read our MPV reviews Despite its compact overall dimensions, the Citroën C3 Picasso offers decent space for passengers and luggage. Large doors make for comfortable entry and exit.  In short, safety: pre-facelift models didn’t have stability control as standard, so if you’re buying used make sure the car you’re looking at has this essential safety feature fitted. Even after the facelift buyers have to pay extra to get the full quota of safety kit - curtain airbags come as part of a safety option pack. 

£13,085

Cheapest Model to buy used 1.4 VTi 16V VT 5dr Used price:

£3,995

Cheapest Model to Run (new) 1.2 PureTech VT 5dr New price: £13,525 Running costs: £9,783 (3 years/36,000 miles)

Owner’s View Comfortable for a 6’4” driver, easy to park, very economical and sporty performance. Extremely practical for load carrying.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

On the road

How we test

Mostly it’s a good story on the road in the C3 Picasso. While it’s not huge fun to drive, the suspension is absorbent and cornering behaviour relatively safe. Visibility is good and the airy-feeling cabin is much better built than Citroëns of old. However, the lack of stability control, even as an option, on older models in the range is a serious omission. 

Performance

Performance

★★★★

We tested the pre and post-facelift 1.6 VTi 118bhp petrol engine, which has enough power for use on all roads. The engine is smooth at low revs but becomes quite loud above 4,000rpm and doesn’t accelerate well in fourth and fifth gear. If you’re looking for a petrol engine, the 1.6 is a better option than the 1.4-litre petrol, which feels a little more sluggish because of the small engine capacity. As for the 1.6 HDi diesel, in 89bhp form it’s perfectly adequate, with plenty of low-down pulling power.  Gear changes on the five-speed manual are smoother than on previous small Citroens, but still not perfect. We’d like to see wider gear ratios, which would mean you’d need to change gear less often, or indeed a sixth gear to make motorway driving more relaxed.

Ride comfort

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of thousands of miles in a myriad of different models.

Ride comfort

Acceleration (37-62mph) 8.5 secs 8.3 secs 7.4 secs 6.8 secs

Rating

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

★★★

In a typically French way, the suspension set-up is rather soft. The body bounces over large bumps, although small imperfections are well absorbed, and pitch and roll are well damped for an MPV. Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Rating

★★★★ ★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

We use the sophisticated electronic timing equipment to record standing-start and in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test several times.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

On the road continued...

How we test Handling

★★★

Handling

The soft suspension and high centre of gravity limit the speed at which you can take corners, while the rather insensitive steering does little to inspire confidence. Considering this, it’s especially disappointing that stability control wasn’t fitted to all models from the get-go, though ESC (electronic stability control) is standard fit on all models post 2013. With stability control fitted, the C3 Picasso drove safely in our hazard avoidance test.  Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Rating

★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★★

Standard ABS and brake assist help bring the C3 Picasso to a standstill from 62mph in between 36m and 39m. There’s almost no fade and a good pedal feel. Braking distance (62-0mph) 39.3m 37.5m 37.0m 36.4m

Rating

★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

The Which? Car braking test measures stopping distance from 62-0mph and is repeated ten times in quick succession to highlight any brake fade issues. Refinement and noise

★★★★

Refinement and noise

Cabin noise levels are generally low, although wind noise is clearly audible at higher speeds. The diesel engine is audible at any speed and petrol engines become buzzy when revs peak over 4,000rpm.  Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Brakes

★★★★

Brakes

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

On-the-limit handling is explored well away from public roads to ensure a fair test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of the harshest tests in the industry..

Cruising noise 70dB 70dB 69dB 68dB

Rating

★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

The Which? Car experts use a decibel meter to record interior sound levels at common UK motorway speeds, and combine this with subjective assessments to arrive at an overall score.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

On the road continued...

How we test Cabin and controls

★★★★

Cabin and controls

Most of the controls are intuitive and, although the centre console feels a little dated now, it is at least easy to use. The steering wheel is length- and height-adjustable, the gear lever falls easily to hand and the audio and heater controls sit in easy view of the driver. We’re less keen on the siting of the speedometer and rev counter (offset to the left of the driver), while the lowcontrast gauges are difficult to read in daylight. Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Rating

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

Visibility and parking

★★★

Visibility and parking

Seeing out of the C3 Picasso is easy thanks to the elevated seating position. We have some minor quibbles though: the glass around the split A-pillars distorts your view, and thick pillars at the back of the car obstruct your view to the rear. As for parking, the steering is easy when manoeuvring, but the rather wide turning circle is a bit of a hassle. Rear parking sensors come only on higher-spec models, and even on the highest spec you will have to pay extra for a reversing camera. Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

We penalise cars with difficult controls, and we look for things like backlit light switches and easy-to-use heating and ventilation adjustments.

Turning circle 11.0m 11.0m 11.0m 11.0m

Rating

★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★

Visibility is a major issue for motorists today, so each car gets a 360-degree swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s eye view and any obscured areas.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Comfort and practicality

How we test

Easy access, lots of space both front and rear, and a big, adaptable boot - these are the hallmarks of any good MPV. The fact that the C3 Picasso has them all in such a compact package speaks volumes for its practicality. It’s also a comfortable and airy car to travel in. 

Getting in and out

★★★★

An overall height of 1.6 metres helps entry and exit no end. In addition, large doors and low sills ease access to both the front and rear. Even the rear middle seat is easy to get to. Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

Seat space and comfort

Rating

★★★★

Space is what you buy an MPV for and the C3 Picasso has lots of it. The driver’s seat adjusts for people up to 1.9m tall and there’s tons of head room. Together with the ample interior width, there’s a very airy ambience. In the back, people up to 1.85m tall will have enough leg and head room, although shoulder width is a little tight with three adults abreast. The seat padding is neither too soft nor too hard – a pleasant compromise. The front passenger seat is not height-adjustable. Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Getting in and out

Rating

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

We take measurements all around the driver and passenger’s door apertures and note the height of the seat, door sills and step down onto the car floor. The best cars don’t require too much bending or stretching to get in and out. Seat space and comfort

We assess seat comfort subjectively, using our road testers’ expert knowledge and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to see how well the car caters for people of all shapes and sizes.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Comfort and practicality continued...

How we test Boot and storage

★★★★★

Boot and storage

The seats slide forwards and backwards – slide them back and you have more passenger leg room, but slide them forward for more boot space. With the seats in the position to give the most boot space, the capacity is 345 litres (295 litres if you have the rear bench in the furthestback position) when measuring up to the underside of the parcel shelf, or 585 litres up to the ceiling. Maximum loading capacity (to the ceiling) is 1,300 litres. A very practical, upright shape allows loading right up to the roof. The tailgate opens up high and reveals a huge boot opening. The boot floor is conveniently low and completely even, while smooth surfaces make it very usable. There’s an additional storage compartment under the boot floor and lots of small storage compartments inside the car.  Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Heating and ventilation

Boot space (seats up/down) 295 litres / 665 litres 295 litres / 665 litres 295 litres / 665 litres 345 litres / 715 litres

Rating

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★

Heating and ventilation

★★★★

Three trim grades, three different systems. The entry-level model has no air conditioning; the mid-spec gets manual air conditioning; and the range topper has automatic dual-zone climate control. We tested the latter system, which works well up front but less effectively in the rear passenger area.  Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Carmakers give official stats for boot space, but our tests are more realistic. We load the boot up with measuring blocks only as far as the rear window line, so that luggage is well secured and won’t obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test with the rear seats up, and folded down (where possible).

Rating

★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in our climate chamber. Starting with a cold engine, we measure how long it takes to warm up the front and rear of the cabin. Diesel cars usually take longer. We also check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Running costs and depreciation

How we test

Running costs are higher than you might think because of disappointing depreciation figures and higher-than-expected CO2 emissions, especially with petrol models. If you want to save money in the long run, go for a diesel engine rather than one of the thirsty petrols. 

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption You’ll do well to achieve 40mpg plus from any of the petrol variants - the 1.6-litre version we tested in 2014 is the most fuel-efficient petrol, with 41.5mpg, not falling too far short of the 44.1mpg claim. A diesel will be better for fuel economy - a tested 54.3mpg from the 1.6-litre diesel easily outperforms the petrol variants.

Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)

40.9 mpg - 47.1 mpg

Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)

57.6 mpg - 67.2 mpg

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Urban (claimed/measured) 51.4 mpg/52.3 mpg 33.2 mpg/33.2 mpg 30.1 mpg/31.0 mpg 31.4 mpg/32.9 mpg

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Extra urban (claimed/measured) 70.6 mpg/67.3 mpg 54.3 mpg/51.4 mpg 51.4 mpg/50.4 mpg 57.6 mpg/48.7 mpg

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Motorway (measured) 43.5 mpg 36.2 mpg 34.9 mpg 36.2 mpg

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Combined (claimed/measured) 61.4 mpg/54.3 mpg 44.1 mpg/40.4 mpg 40.9 mpg/38.7 mpg 44.1 mpg/41.5 mpg

We test fuel economy under strict lab conditions – using realistic test cycles – to reveal the facts behind the figures. Our figures rarely match manufacturer claims as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold engine, and on the motorway.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Running costs and depreciation continued...

How we test Emissions

Emissions If you opt for the lower-powered diesel, you benefit from VED band B car tax costs - the slightly more powerful version of the same motor moves up a VED band to C. Petrols can’t match the low emissions of diesels - the 1.4-litre model has CO2 emissions of 145g/km, while the 1.6 emits 137g/km CO2 with the automatic gearbox or 149g/km CO2 with a manual.

Petrol (CO2, claimed)

115g per km - 159g per km

Diesel (CO2, claimed)

101g per km - 130g per km

Model tested diesel 1.6 (89bhp) manual 5-dr (2011) petrol 1.4 (94bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2009) petrol 1.6 (118bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)

Emissions (claimed/measured) 119g per km/137g per km 149g per km/163g per km 159g per km/170g per km 149g per km/186g per km

Safety and security While brake assist is standard on all C3 Picasso models, it’s a real omission that stability control was only standard on top models in the range, and wasn’t even optional on some, before the car was refreshed in 2013. Curtain airbags are an optional extra of lower-spec levels as part of a safety pack.  The front headrests are sufficient for people up to 1.9m tall but the rather narrow rear headrests are only good enough for those up to 1.7m tall. The rear seats are well suited for attaching child restraint systems: the outer rear seats and front passenger seat have Isofix attachments and the front passenger airbag can be deactivated.

Euro NCAP score

While testing fuel economy, we also collect exhaust gases to enable us to measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted. We also check whether particulate filters are effective at removing sooty emissions from diesel engines. Safety

We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP crash test scores (where available), alongside our own comprehensive safety checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results from our accident avoidance test – after all, it’s far better to steer around a crash than rely on the airbags... Security

★★★★

Most new cars these days score five stars in the EuroNCAP test. So why did the C3 Picasso manage only four stars? Its passenger protection is quite good, but it falls down on pedestrian safety - notably the lack of stability control for much of the range when the car was tested in 2009.  (Year tested: 2009) Adult occupant Child protection Pedestrian protection Safety assist

81% 76% 43% 40%

★★★

Which? safety rating Active (crash avoidance) Passive (crash safety) Child Pedestrian

58% 62% 77% 59%

Security Theft of car:

Theft from car:

★★★★

★★★

Security scores come from the security experts at Thatcham, who break into hundreds of cars each year. Most modern cars are very difficult to drive away, but are still too easy to steal from.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Which? Car Survey results

About our survey

The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In 2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous 12 months (that’s equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars. Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages shown under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem in the past 12 months.

Brand

Sample size: 1,668 people

Citroën ratings Overall owner satisfaction for this brand Brand reliability Dealer Servicing & repair

Sample size: 183 people

Ownership ratings Overall owner satisfaction for this range Driving enjoyment Ease of driving Comfort Dash layout and controls Practicality Value for money Running costs In-car technology -

Everyone who takes part in the Which? Car survey tells us about their car and the dealers who sell and service it. We analyse this feedback across all cars to give top-level satisfaction ratings for each brand, including the brand’s reliability record over the last eight years. All star ratings are out of five. Model ownership ratings

★★★ ★★★

Dealer Sales Service

Model: Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-)

78%

Brand ratings

These show how owners score this car in 12 different areas, from performance to heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective – so may differ from Which? Car test scores – but they give a good idea of what the car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars are scored against other cars in the same class (e.g. for space).

83%

★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ -

Owner’s View It’s the easiest car I’ve had to see out of - fantastic view.

Owner’s View Fits a lot into an apparently little space, affordable.

Which? Car review

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-) People carriers/MPVs

Which? Car Survey results continued...

About our survey Reliability ratings

Reliability ratings Overall Reliability Petrol cars

Reliability

Breakdowns Average annual repair cost Diesel cars

Reliability

Breakdowns Average annual repair cost All cars

Reliability

Breakdowns Average annual repair cost

★★★★

Up to 3 years old

4-8 years old

- - - - - - ★★★★ 2% £75

★★★★ 2% £148

We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where the car has been on sale for some time, and we have numerous survey responses from owners, we also split scores by the age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car. Most common faults

Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12 months

Most common faults 

Up to 3 years old

Battery Washer / wipers Exterior Handles Lights Other Minor

 Electric windows Suspension components Exhaust System Lights Other Minor

Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year

4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 4-8 years old

5% 5% 4% 4% 4%

Want to know what’s most likely to go wrong as the car gets older? These are the five most common faults reported by owners, grouped by age into new, recent and older cars. A score of 40% means four out of 10 owners reported problems with that part of the car over the previous 12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause more headaches than mechanical parts in most modern cars.