Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi 110 CV, test drive (Part III)

We have already told you about the Citroën C3 Picasso and how its 110 CV HDi engine performs, an engine that stands out for its performance and above all for moving the C3 Picasso with ease while still achieving fairly frugal consumption. We have also discussed one of the C3 Picasso’s strong points, its interior space, which, despite its dimensions, offers a spacious cabin and a good boot.

But we still need to talk about this model’s equipment, which safety features it includes, as well as the prices of the different C3 Picasso versions and, finally, our overall verdict on the model. As for prices, the Citroën C3 Picasso is available from €12,890 for the 95 CV VTi petrol engine.

Equipment

The first thing we always look at in this section is the safety equipment the car comes with. In this case, the C3 Picasso comes as standard with features such as dual front airbags and ABS with electronic brake force distribution. Stability control, however, is an extra we have to pay for separately (€850), and it is highly recommended for this car and for any vehicle in general. In terms of safety equipment, the base version lacks front side airbags. Even so, the Citroën C3 Picasso is a safe car that earned four stars in the EuroNCAP tests.

Some points about the tests need clarifying, as they cost it the fifth star, something that could have been perfectly improved. One of them is protection against whiplash, where the C3 Picasso did not score very well. It should also be taken into account that ESP is not standard across the whole range, and therefore, since EuroNCAP tightened its tests, no car without standard ESP across 85% of its range has received the coveted five stars.

In fact, stability control is not standard on any of the three trim levels of the C3 Picasso. Returning to the equipment of the base level, called LX, the C3 Picasso comes with central locking with remote control, power steering, front electric windows and an on-board computer, among other items. In terms of equipment-to-price ratio, the most balanced level is the SX, which already includes front fog lights, air conditioning, light and rain sensors, a CD radio with USB and aux input, Bluetooth, side and curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, or the handy extra rear-view mirror for monitoring children, among other details.

An extra available on the Exclusive versions , which surprised us, is the My Way navigation system (a familiar face from other models of the brand), and the screen can be fitted in the central glovebox recess, something we found curious. Its Clarion sound system with MP3 is quite good and, despite its simplicity, worked very well.

Overall Verdict

The Citroën C3 Picasso competes directly in the segment of the recently renewed Opel Meriva, Nissan Note and Renault Modus. Unlike them (except the new Meriva), it has a more eye-catching design as its strong point and good interior roominess. What we liked most is the combination of the C3 Picasso with this 110 CV HDi diesel engine, as it is a smooth engine with enough power to move the C3 Picasso and consumption figures that encourage long journeys. It is a pity that the dynamic side, and above all the suspension, spoils an otherwise smooth, comfort-focused behaviour, as does the interior soundproofing, a small detail that is easy to fix.

But beyond those drawbacks in its handling, you get a car with an interior suited to travelling with the family (where the sense of interior spaciousness will please you) or for picking up a piece of furniture, which fits perfectly if you fold down the seats, leaving a good loading area and the ability to carry items up to 2 metres long. In other words, it is a very versatile and practical vehicle.

In a way, it reminds me of a Berlingo with the solutions and character of an MPV (with good design appeal), since we must not forget that it has individually sliding rear seats, plenty of storage spaces for our things, and so on. Finally, the relationship between price and equipment places it in a good position against the rest of the compact MPVs, offering a car with ample space and complete equipment (SX level, for example) for €15,100, which is the starting price of the 95 CV petrol engine.

Versions and prices (data from the Citroën website)

• C3 Picasso VTi 95 LX €12,890
• C3 Picasso HDi 90 Airdream LX €14,340
• C3 Picasso VTi 120 SX €15,850
• C3 Picasso VTi 95 SX €15,100
• C3 Picasso HDi 90 Airdream SX €17,750
• C3 Picasso HDi 110 FAP Airdream SX €17,750
• C3 Picasso VTi 120 Exclusive €17,300
• C3 Picasso HDi 90 Airdream Exclusive €19,200
• C3 Picasso HDi 110 FAP Airdream Exclusive €19,400

These prices are taken from the Citroën Spain website, we recommend checking with a dealership for an exact price, as there may be current promotions that lower the final price.

Photos | David Taboada