CITROEN'S latest Picasso is the oddest of shapes and I don’t find it very pretty, but as practical, reasonable family transport it’s hard to fault.
Citroens have always been at the top of the class for ride and this one is no exception but road holding and handling are also excellent.
Digital instruments work well, and the driver has plenty of seat and column adjustment for a comfortable driving position.
Engines are 1.7 and two-litre petrol with 127 or 143bhp and the excellent diesels are 1.6 110bhp or two-litre with 138.
As well as a six-speed manual there is a four speed automatic gearbox which can also be used as a clutchless manual.
The Picasso, in manual or automatic forms, is easy to drive and my pick of the bunch would be the 1.6 diesel manual which is quick, responsive and frugal.
It’s willing and has plenty of power giving good acceleration.
Interior
The wide, tall body is hugely practical, with three individual sliding rear seats, which can also be folded or with difficulty, taken out.
There is lots of storage and a huge boot with all the seats in place. Equipment is excellent across the range.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 diesel
Price: Pay about £10,800 for an ’07 07-reg LX, or £13,300 for an ‘08 08-reg SX.
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 12.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 51
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 145g/km
Marks: 9/10
Rivals: Ford S-Max, VW Touran