Citroen Picasso
Ratings
2 stars
Summary
Not recommended. Cheap but desperately outdated compact MPV. Only seats five and can't match more modern rivals for quality or driving experience.
Review
Despite the arrival of the newer C4 Picasso, the older Xsara Picasso soldiers on as bargain basement family transport.
Citroen's willingness to offer spectacular bargains on the Picasso means that it's long enjoyed a reputation as Britain's best-value compact MPV, and was the best-seller for several years running.
Not that there are any reasons other than value-for-money to put one at the top of your shopping list. It feels cheap and old compared to more modern rivals, especially its newer C4 Picasso sister. It also only comes with five seats, meaning less practicality than key rivals.
The slightly melted-looking exterior styling hasn't dated particularly well, and inside the Xsara feels like a 1990s timewarp with some very rough-feeling plastics and cheap fabric trim. At least it's reasonably comfortable over longer journeys thanks to good insulation and a nice, pliant ride.
The basic 1.6 litre petrol engine isn't up to much in terms of overall performance, with most sensible buyers opting instead for one of the excellent 1.6 HDI diesel powerplants.
Optimistic list pricing is designed to allow Citroen dealers to offer the spectacular discounts that punters expect from them, so don't pay anything close to the official price.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
Sluggy design hasn't aged well and the Xsara Picasso's front end still looks slightly molten.
Handling
3 star
Completely unexciting, completely inoffensive. The Xsara gets the job done - good at motorway journeys but roll-prone on twisty roads.
Comfort
4 star
The compliant suspension works well at isolating the cabin from rougher road surfaces and four or five occupants enjoy plenty of space to stretch out in.
Quality & Reliability
2 star
Cheap-feeling construction uses some very downmarket materials in the cabin.
Performance
2 star
Only two engines are left to choose between. The 1.6 litre petrol motor is completely gutless, the 1.6 litre HDI diesel adequately fast.
Roominess
3 star
Roomy for four or five occupants, but lacks the ultimate utility of seven-seat rivals. Boot is decently sized, though.
Running Costs
4 star
Good fuel economy (in the HDI diesel), cheap servicing and low-price insurance mean the Xsara Picasso is the best way to make your compact MPV budget go further.
Value for money
4 star
Citroen's official list price for the Xsara Picasso bears almost no relationship with reality: only consider buying one with a stonking discount applied.
