Used Citroën C3 Picasso cars

A spacious family car with a stylish exterior, the Citroën C3 Picasso was launched in 2009. The French brand’s answer to the Honda Jazz, Kia Soul and Nissan Note. This eye-catching model was first offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, as well as trims including the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. Shortly after its launch, the C3 Picasso was named Supermini-MPV of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards.

The Citroën C3 Picasso is a car that’s suited to those who prioritise practicality. Available only with a five-door, five-seat body style, it’s ideal for taking the kids out at the weekend, heading out for the daily dog walk or having a camping adventure with friends. It also offers a head-turning design, characterised by a three-part wraparound windscreen and large headlamps.

In late 2010, a cleaner, Euro-5 compliant diesel engine became available with the model and the VTR+ and Exclusive trims were given USB and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. This made them more competitive with their contemporaries. After further updates in 2013 and 2015, Citroën retired the C3 Picasso in 2017.

Citroën C3 Picasso updates and facelifts

The Citroën C3 Picasso was revised in 2013, boasting brand new paint colour options and a redesigned front end. In 2015, the engine lineup was streamlined. Models from this production year onwards come only in 1.2-litre PureTech petrol or 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel form. The trim lineup was also revised, with just two grades on offer: the entry-level Edition and the top-spec Platinum.

Practicality and style of the car

Practicality is what the Citroën C3 Picasso does best. Despite its supermini size, it offers plenty of interior space thanks to its large, boxy shape. The boot is also significantly larger than those of rivals, offering 385 litres, (compared to 281 litres for the Kia Soul and 325 litres for the Nissan Note). The 60/40 split rear seats can also be slid forward to create an impressive 500 litres when necessary.

To take advantage of the maximum 1,506-litre luggage capacity, the seats can be folded down. There’s also a panel that drops in to create a completely flat cargo space, making it easy to load suitcases, furniture and other bulky items.

For a supermini-MPV, the C3 Picasso has surprising towing capability. It can comfortably accommodate an unbraked weight of up to 600kg, enabling you to tow a fully laden trailer tent. It can also haul 900-1,100kg of braked weight, depending on the engine you choose.

Running costs

The Citroën C3 Picasso boasts low running costs, occupying groups 10–16 out of 50 for insurance. That makes it slightly more affordable than the Honda Jazz from the same era, which falls into groups 13–19.

When it comes to road tax, costs vary depending on the emissions levels of your chosen variant. Some are taxed at £20–35 per year, while others incur an annual fee of £200–240. If you select a model produced after April 2017, you’ll pay a flat rate of £180 per year.

How a used Citroën C3 Picasso drives

Early in its lifecycle, the Citroën C3 Picasso came with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. The entry-level petrol was a 1.4-litre VTi with 94bhp, a 0-62mph time of 12.2 seconds and a combined fuel economy of 44.8mpg. The more powerful petrol option was a 1.6-litre VTi with 118bhp, a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds, and an efficiency of 44.1mpg on the combined cycle. Both were offered with manual transmission, and the 118bhp could be specified with an automated manual gearbox.

Those preferring diesel could opt for the 1.6-litre HDi engine with either 89bhp or 113bhp. The latter was the quickest, getting from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds (compared to 13.5 seconds for the former). Fuel economy was excellent on both, however, reaching 68.9mpg for the 89bhp variant and 61.4mpg for the 113bhp option.

Most of today’s C3 Picasso buyers will choose a model from 2015 onwards, equipped with the revised engine lineup. This offers just two units: a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol and a 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel. The petrol produces 109bhp and can take you from 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds. Fuel economy is impressive too, reaching 56.5mpg on the combined cycle. For even greater efficiency, select the diesel with its 100bhp output and combined fuel economy of 72.4mpg. This option gets you from 0-62mph in 13.3 seconds.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2009 - 2017

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.2 Puretech	56.5 mpg
1.4 VTi	44.1–44.8 mpg
1.6 BlueHDi	72.4 mpg
1.6 HDi	61.4–68.9 mpg
1.6 HDi 110	57.6–58.8 mpg
1.6 HDi 115	61.4 mpg
1.6 VTi	40.9–44.1 mpg
1.6 VTi EGS6	47.1 mpg

Features you can expect in a Citroën C3 Picasso

Interior

The first thing you notice about the Citroën C3 Picasso is its spacious interior. The model’s boxy shape and high roofline mean there’s ample headroom for tall adults to sit comfortably in the front and rear. There’s also generous legroom, with rear passengers able to slide their seats back for maximum space. ISOFIX mounting points are fitted in the outer back seats too, enabling you to secure two child seats.

Storage is plentiful, with a well-sized glovebox and deep door bins to accommodate drinks, snacks, tablets and more. There’s also a cubby on the central console, which is ideally sized for smartphones, keys, loose change and other small items.

The C3 Picasso is well built, with high-quality yet durable materials throughout. Soft-touch surfaces and metallic accents elevate the cabin, while lower down, the plastics are easy to clean after contact with muddy boots or spills. In later models, the traditional instrument cluster is replaced with a digital display mounted high on the dashboard.

Technology

Whichever variant of the Citroën C3 Picasso you choose, entertainment is delivered by an RDS radio/MP3 and CD player with four speakers and a USB port. This can be controlled using the multi-function steering wheel. You’ll also get Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream music and make calls on the go. Sat nav was optional on new cars, meaning some used editions will have it.

Cruise control is a standard feature on the later Edition and Platinum trims but is a mid-spec feature on the earlier lineup. Providing a less tiring motorway experience, cruise control maintains a set speed, reducing any unnecessary acceleration or deceleration. When it comes to manoeuvres, things are made simpler thanks to rear parking sensors, which also come as standard.

Air conditioning is available on both Edition and Platinum trims, helping to keep you at the perfect temperature throughout your drive. Choose the top-spec Platinum trim (or Exclusive from the earlier lineup) for convenience features such as automatic headlights and wipers.

Safety

The Citroën C3 Picasso was tested by industry experts Euro NCAP in 2009. At the time, it received a four-star safety rating, with a score of 81% for adult occupant protection – higher than that of the Kia Soul. Child occupant protection scored 76%.

Choose a model from 2015 onwards and electronic stability control comes as standard, alongside front and side airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. All editions of the C3 Picasso come with anti-lock brakes and emergency braking assistance, which helps you apply optimum braking pressure for a reduced stopping distance.

Trims available on the Citroën C3 Picasso

Citroën C3 Picasso Edition

The entry-level Edition trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and electrically adjustable mirrors, as well as manual air conditioning inside. There’s an RDS radio and MP3/CD player with USB port and Bluetooth connectivity too. Driver assistance and safety technology includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Citroën C3 Picasso Platinum

Choose the top-spec Platinum trim for enhanced exterior features such as 17-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and dark tinted rear glass. You’ll also get automatic lights and wipers for your convenience. Inside is a leather steering wheel. Some vehicles may also include sat nav and a reversing camera if these options were specified.

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