I got my Citroen Xsara Picasso SX 2.0HDi three years ago (51 Reg) and I’ve driven over 40,000 miles in it. If anyone told me they were thinking of buying one, it would depend on what type of person they were before I’d say it would be a very good choice. The equipment spec on the SX is very high, diesel economy is very good for a tall car, practicality is superb and it feels so spacious you have remind yourself you are in a small car. But all-round practicality means some compromise has to be made.
True to the Citroen form, the Picasso's looks are very striking and it’s quite tall too, but somehow it manages to disguise that - until you try reaching the roof when your washing it! However, once you step inside you find out what this car’s all about as a disorientating sense
of spaciousness hits you.
The interior is well laid out and there are acres of glass to give everyone great views – even small children. The dash mounted gear-stick frees up floor space so that you can quite easily get into the back without getting out of the car. (This feature is actually quite handy and my wife has done it a few times on rainy days or at traffic lights when the kids are playing up.)
Talking of the back, it has three individual seats which means that all three rear passengers travel in equal comfort. Aircraft style seat-back trays are handy for eating pack lunches on long journeys. In fact, we’ve eaten pack lunches in the back of the Picasso many times and find it one of the most comfortable cars you could eat in.
The centrally mounted digital instrument display is exceptionally clear. The fuel gauge is accurate and the trip computer gives a running display on fuel consumption as well as how far you can go before your next fill up. Steering wheel mounted audio controls are really handy and easy to use. The controls for the wash/wipe, lights, indicators, etc. have a pleasingly firm and positive feel.
The load space is adequate for most journeys and the flexibility of the three individually folding rear seats ensures that awkward loads can be swallowed without fuss. The flat van-like boot sill makes it really easy to load and unload heavy and bulky items. I found this feature invaluable when transporting 40Kg bags of hardcore for a landscaping project.
Safety is well catered for with plenty of airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution. Disarming the front passenger airbag is done with a turn of the key, so little ones can travel up front if necessary.
Performance is not sparkling with 90bhp taking the Picasso from 0 to 62mph in 12.4 seconds (mid-range acceleration is this car’s forte). However, the car holds its own on the motorway and devours country roads with ease. I normally get around 44mpg on a combination of urban and motorway driving, but I can easily achieve over 55mpg when I go easy on the accelerator. Touring the Scottish highlands saw the mpg figure soar with over 650 miles on one tank of diesel.
The overall ride is smooth and comfortable and the high-up seating position (somewhere between a Land Rover and a saloon) gives great views on country drives. Unfortunately, cornering is not one of the Picasso's strengths and although it holds its line competently, it doesn't feel like it is. The suspension feels quite floaty, and while this is otherwise welcome for a comfortable ride, it is a bit unnerving on fast sweeping bends or large roundabouts. That’s not to say you can’t get around corners briskly because you can.
The seats are a little uncompromising and while this is no problem on local or medium journeys, it can make a long journey a bit of a pain. The driver seat height adjustment works well, but because it pivots from the front you find yourself being tipped forward if you raise it too high. The driver and front passenger seat-back adjustment takes a bit of getting used to because it springs forward pinning you to the steering wheel if you release the lever too quickly so watch out for that one.
On balance though, I have found the Picasso a very rewarding car to drive, and it does feel particularly fine when cruising on motorways and A-roads. So, what type of person would I recommend it to? Well, it’s not for boy racers, that’s for sure. I’d say it would be ideal for families, people who use the load space a lot, and anyone who likes touring in the countryside. On these terms it’s hard to beat.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: A spacious comfortable car easy to get in and out of. Disadvantages: Being of average height I cannot reach the aerial to remove it to go through car wash!
juliebrombley 08.02.2007 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of CitroenXsaraPicasso
Advantages: Seat flexibility & movement, nice high driving position, cheap tax Disadvantages: Side visibility, driving in windy conditions, back seatbelts
Aug 29th, 2004
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