![]()
MPV
You get five individual seats, plenty of space for everybody and a roomy boot. But, you don't get all the clever details of more modern rivals, such as the Vauxhall Zafira, Mazda 5 or Toyota Verso.
expand / collapse
It's still a practical, versatile family wagon, though. The seats fold and are light enough to remove altogether without sweat. There's even a 'Modubox' trolley that you can unclip from the boot and use for shopping, too. The kids will like the view out, but the driver's vision is obstructed by the windscreen pillars, and it isn't great out the back, either. The driving position is van-like, some will find the instruments confusing and the seats are short of support - something you'll notice on longer journeys. However, the ride is supple, all engines are decent (the turbodiesels are excellent) and it goes round corners tidily if you don't mind a bit of body lean. Overall, it's more than the sum of its parts.
Running Costs
Nothing about the Picasso will prove costly, provided you get a sound one and don't buy too new an example. They depreciate fast from new - and because Citroen dealers dished out huge discounts on new ones, don't pay too much for a nearly new Picasso. Value loss starts to level out in the second year and by the time it's three years old, the Picasso hangs on its value as well as most rivals. So if you're on a tight budget, bag a cared-for three- or four-year-old. The diesels are economical - you can get over 50mpg with the 2.0 HDI and even nudge 60mpg with careful driving in the 1.6 HDIs. The petrols should return mid-30s. Insurance is very fair - group five for the 1.6 petrol up to group nine for the lacklustre 2.0 auto petrol. Service costs are average, but no better than that.