Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.8i 16v

...who are amazed at how good and comfortable the Picasso is inside. So hey you Citroen Guys out there! Lets see you design something even better and with looks that will definitely turn heads and knock em dead in the future for this is what the Picasso breed really deserves.  ... more

Okay, it doesn't necessarily turn heads like a sports or convertible but, I have had all that, and this has to be the best car I have ever had for its a sheer pleasure to drive, especially on motorways with the armrest down when it feels like I'm at home in my comfortable executive office chair. The wide front shelf is also like having a plush executive desk in front of you. I have the Picasso 1.8 Exclusive and use the cruise control regularly but especially on motorway travelling where it is a boon.

My wife and I are keen mountain bikers and we used to have to strap the bikes to other cars we've had in the past but now we simply take out the rear 3 seats and the bikes fit comfortably in the back along with our rucksacks, etc;

I lease my Picasso (and this is now my 3rd Picasso) as I have done a feasibility on buying and leasing new and second hand cars and have found it much more financially viable to lease new, so I never have to worry about MOT's, the car breaking down (never have a Picasso that failed me), I don't have to worry about depreciation and I get a new car every 2 - 3 years.

Another wonderful feature of the Picasso that really does help me (as I have a bad back having had 3 major operations on my back) - and people like me should take note - the height of the car and seating makes it very, very easy to slip in and out of it without the back pains normally associated with saloons, convertables and sports cars. I am not just talking about older people - as I have had back problems since being a rep on the road at the age of 21.

What else is good about my Picasso? Well the radio/cd player is great with surround sound speakers, there are plenty of storage spaces, I can fit my daughter, son-in-law, grandson and baby granddaughter in the car without a problem. The car runs smoothly, no problems with steering and my wife who doesn't like driving big cars has also fallen in love with our Picasso,

I tried my mate's Landrover Discovery the other day and it just didn't do anything for me - the exterior was like a brick , the interior was less plush than my picasso and it hurt my back to climb up to the seat. I also tried a Saab 9-2 convertable and the windscreen nearly took my head of as I squeezed into the driver's seat - so no points scored against my Picasso there then.

So what's not so good about my Picasso? Well, even with air con I enjoy the all glass roof open on a sunny day and like to turn the air con off (apparently best in order to conserve fuel I'm told) but the constant whistling noise does not encourage doing so. Then although, after several weeks you do get used to parking without a visual of the front end of the car it still bugs my wife and I that parking sensors front and rear are not included free with the Picasso as we beleive they should be. There are a few other minor niggling problems such as not being able to easily open the drawer under the driver's seat whilst still sitting in the car, the offside wing mirrors retract but the mechanism has frozen on this recent car and had to be replaced and is now doing the same again occassionally. Its not the best looking car on the road - though I think the front is beautiful !

Will I continue to lease a Picasso? This depends on what they do to the new model coming out October 2006 and what other better looking MPV's are available. If the new Picasso is as good looking at the front (Yes I know from the rear it looks like an egg on wheels but I love the sheer slope and look of the front) then I would still like to also see a more sporty looking version and a fully convertable version if that was at all possible? In practicle terms you just cannot beat the Picasso and my back couldn't take any lower vehicle. I do like the BMW, Mercedes and Volvo off roaders X5 and the likes, but, just look at the price of them ! - though maybe not as good looking the Picasso still knocks spots off them for value for money and I have many friends who have these luxourious cars who are amazed at how good and comfortable the Picasso is inside. So hey you Citroen Guys out there! Lets see you design something even better and with looks that will definitely turn heads and knock em dead in the future for this is what the Picasso breed really deserves. 

...less