In the world of the MPV one car is the clear champion. The Citroen Picasso, top seller in its class for the past two years, since its launch just 3 years ago has sold nearly 120,000 units in the UK alone.

 

Citroen are King of the deal makers offering cash back, VAT refunds and low rate finance on new cars. But despite big discounts on the new cars values of second hand Picasso’s are strong, proving just what a fine car it really is.

 

Available with a choice of three engines the 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol’s’ produce 95bhp and 117bhp respectively. The smaller engine offers group 5 insurance and will average close to 40mpg; it’s a fine buy if your journeys are short and light. But spend another £400 and you’ll get into the 1.8litre with an extra 22bhp.

 

With more power available the engine has to work less hard so expect similar fuel economy. Insurance is up but at group 8 insurance your premium should only be a few pounds a month.

 

The 2.0 litre diesel may only have 90bp but with 25% more torque than the 1.8 petrol the engine is perfectly suited to the car. Load the car up and it remains unruffled. Fuel economy is a genuine 50mpg, but you pay a price for all that economy. Diesels cost up to £1,000 more than the petrol equivalents, a lot of money on a car that you can pick up for £7,000.

 

As well as the choice of three engines the Picasso comes in three trim levels. The base model LX offers no frills motoring. No air con, no alloys, no CD but you still get all the space and comfort. Stepping up to the SX will cost you an extra £350 but gets you the all important air conditioning, almost essential on a car with such a large glass area. You’ll also find alloy wheels, front fogs and CD player added to the equipment list.

 

In December 2001 Citroen completed the range with the Exclusive model, available only with the larger 1.8 petrol or 2.0 diesel engines it comes with an electric glass sunroof, on board computer, electric rear windows and leather steering wheel.

 

On the road a Picasso is a very nice place to be, the dash mounted gear stick may feel slightly odd if you’re trying it for the first time but within a few miles your hand will fall naturally to it. Visibility from the height adjustable drivers’ seat is excellent and the unique front quarter light windows remove the blind spot often found in MPV’s.

 

Accommodation in the rear is also good; all three of the separate back seats are full width providing plenty of space even for adults. Folding the center rear seat creates a useful table top with cup holders and under floor bins provides useful additional storage space.

 

Important in an MPV is its safety credentials, And all Picasso’s come with ABS brakes, front seat belt pre-tensioners and twin front air bags, although only the Exclusive comes with side air bags as standard. In the Euro NCAP crash tests the Picasso scored an impressive 4 stars

 

Servicing on both petrol and diesel models is every 12,500miles or once a year no elaborate suspension systems or quirky engineering means it’s a task that can be accomplished by a non franchised specialist or one of 250 Citroen franchised dealers.

 

Since the December 2000 all Citroen’s have benefited from a 3 year 60,000 mile warranty, so it’s worth having the car checked over before the warranty expires.

 

 

Check the following

 

Air conditioning – standard on SX and Exclusive but a £650 option on the LX model

Gear box – No automatic option but 5 speed manual easy to use

Wheels – Alloy on SX and Exclusive

Sunroof – standard on Exclusive model only

Brakes – ABS standard, discs front, drum rear

Colours – best in metallic

Security - Engine immobiliser and remote central locking standard

Storage – Under floor storage in front of rear seats ideal for kid’s toys

Body work – 12 year corrosion warranty on all cars

Tables – fitted on seat backs will be welcomed by youngsters who like colouring

Length – 286mm shorter than a Ford Focus estate but plenty of space

Rear Seats – 3 individual seats, comfortable on long journeys

Insurance – 1.6 and 1.8 petrol group 5 and 8 respectively. Diesel group 6

Centre rear belt – not just a lap belt proper 3 point belt

 

The one to buy 

Citroen Picasso 2.0 HDi SX

2000 ‘W’ with 40K miles

Pay £8,000 at a dealer £7,250 from a private seller

 

 

© Jason Dawe Productions Limited June 2003