Citroen C3 Picasso
Specs, engines and history
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By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor
- Built
- 2008–2017
- Top power
- 89 kW (121 PS)
Which C3 Picasso to buy
Our verdict · Felix Hartmann
- For low running costs: the 1.6 BlueHDi 100 from 2015, at 101 g/km the cleanest version.
- For mostly town use: the 1.2 PureTech 110 from 2015, with more torque (205 Nm) than the older 1.4 and 1.6 VTi.
- For a smooth two-pedal drive: treat the EGS versions with care; it is an automated manual, not a torque-converter automatic, so try one before you buy.
- For a cheap family car: a facelifted 1.6 HDi with its recall work done and ESC fitted.
The Citroën C3 Picasso is a five-seat mini MPV that Citroën built from 2008 to 2017 at the PSA plant in Trnava, Slovakia. At 4,078 mm it is only a little longer than a supermini, yet its boot holds 385 litres, or 500 litres including the hidden underfloor compartment. There was one generation, facelifted in 2012, and the C3 Aircross crossover replaced it in late 2017.
In short
- Boxy five-seat MPV on the PSA PF1 platform, shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show; 657,807 built in Trnava.
- Petrol engines from 1.4 VTi to 1.6 VTi and 1.2 PureTech, 70-89 kW (95-122 PS); diesels from 1.6 HDi to 1.6 BlueHDi, 67-86 kW (91-117 PS).
- Boot: 385 l, 500 l with the underfloor compartment, up to 1,506 l with the rear seats folded.
- Euro NCAP 2009: four stars.
Citroën C3 Picasso at a glance
| Item | Citroën C3 Picasso |
|---|---|
| Segment | mini MPV |
| Production | 2008-2017 |
| Body | 5-door MPV, five seats |
| Platform | PSA PF1, front engine, front-wheel drive |
| Plant | Trnava, Slovakia (sole production site) |
| Design | exterior Frédéric Duvernier and Miles Nurnberger; interior Andreas Stump and Pascal Grappey |
| Launch prices | from EUR 14,950 in France (February 2009); from EUR 15,150 in Germany (2009) |
| Successor | Citroën C3 Aircross (from late 2017) |
The C3 Picasso was based on the same underpinnings as the Peugeot 207 SW. More of the brand's models are in our Citroën catalogue.
Generations and versions
There was only one generation. Sales started in France in February 2009, in other European markets in March 2009 and in the UK on 9 April 2009. The facelift was shown at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September 2012 and reached European showrooms in November 2012, bringing eMyWay satellite navigation, LED daytime running lights, cornering fog lamps and a new chevron badge in the grille.
| Generation | Code | Years | Body styles | Engines | Power (kW / hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 Picasso | SH | 2008-2012 | 5-door MPV | 1.4 VTi, 1.6 VTi petrol; 1.6 HDi diesel | 67-89 kW (91-122 PS) |
| C3 Picasso facelift | SH | 2012-2017 | 5-door MPV | 1.4 VTi, 1.6 VTi, 1.2 PureTech petrol; 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi diesel | 70-89 kW (95-122 PS) |
The C3 Picasso name was also used in Brazil from 2011 to 2015 for a different, more urban car that was closer to the C3 Aircross built there than to the European model.
Engines, transmissions and performance
| Engine | Years | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 VTi 16V | 2009-2013 | 70 kW (95 PS) | 136 Nm | 13.9 s | 5-speed manual |
| 1.6 VTi 16V | 2009- | 89 kW (122 PS) | 160 Nm | 10.9 s | 5-speed manual or 6-speed EGS6 automated manual |
| 1.2 PureTech | 2015- | 81 kW (110 PS) | 205 Nm | 11.8 s | 5-speed manual |
| 1.6 HDi 8V | 2009- | 67 kW (91 PS) | 312 Nm | 13.5 s | 5-speed manual; e-HDi with 6-speed EGS6 |
| 1.6 HDi 16V | to 2012 | 82 kW (112 PS) | 366 Nm | 11.2 s | 6-speed manual |
| 1.6 HDi 16V | 2012- | 86 kW (117 PS) | - | - | - |
| 1.6 BlueHDi | 2015- | 73 kW (99 PS) | 254 Nm | 13.3 s | 5-speed manual |
Figures come from Wikipedia, except the 1.4 VTi, which uses the ADAC data for Germany (Wikipedia lists 71 kW). In Germany Citroën also sold a VTi 95 with LPG equipment from 2012. All versions drive the front wheels. The EGS6 gearbox, used on the 1.6 VTi and the e-HDi diesels with stop-start, is an automated manual rather than a conventional automatic. The 1.6 VTi tops out at 188 km/h, the 1.4 at 178 km/h.
Dimensions, space and boot
| Parameter | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,078 mm | 160.6 in |
| Width | 1,730-1,766 mm | 68.1-69.5 in |
| Height | 1,624-1,669 mm | 63.9-65.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,540 mm | 100.0 in |
| Kerb weight | 1,176-1,408 kg | 2,593-3,104 lb |
| Boot (minimum) | 385 l | 13.6 cu ft |
| Boot with underfloor compartment | 500 l | 17.7 cu ft |
| Boot, rear seats folded | 1,506 l | 53.2 cu ft |
| Fuel tank | 50 l | 11.0 imp gal |
The suspension uses MacPherson-type struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Our size comparison tool puts the 4,078 mm body next to other cars.
Fuel economy and running costs
| Version | Consumption (NEDC) | CO2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 VTi 95 (ADAC) | 6.9 l/100 km | 159 g/km |
| 1.6 VTi 120 EGS | - | 137 g/km |
| 1.2 PureTech 110 | - | 115 g/km |
| 1.6 HDi 90 | - | 112 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi 90 EGS | - | 109 g/km |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 100 | - | 101 g/km |
The diesels are clearly the economy choice, with the 2015 BlueHDi at 101 g/km. In Germany the 2009-2013 car cost from EUR 15,150 (VTi 95 Advance) to EUR 23,000 (e-HDi 90 Exclusive EGS6), according to ADAC. In Spain the facelift started at EUR 12,250 in 2012.
Trims and equipment
German trims were Advance, Attraction, Tendance, Selection and Exclusive. ABS, EBD, two front airbags and remote central locking were standard. Electronic stability control was first optional and later became standard across the range. Special editions included the 90th Anniversary (UK, 150 cars, 2009), Blackcherry, Code Red and Code White in the UK, Rossignol, and the French Music Touch of January 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Safety
Euro NCAP tested a C3 Picasso in February 2009 and gave it four stars. It scored 86 points (81%) for adult occupants, 37 (76%) for children, 16 (43%) for pedestrians and 3 (40%) for safety assist. Weak points were whiplash protection on the driver's seat and the bonnet's protection for pedestrians. ADAC notes that the car missed the fifth star because ESC was not standard in every European country. For newer small MPVs and crossovers, see our safety section.
Reliability and known issues
Recalls in the UK give the best sourced picture. In June 2010, 611 cars built from January to March 2010 were recalled for fuel pipe routing; in August 2010 all 13,234 UK cars for windscreen trim; in May 2011 all 24,091 UK cars for a brake modification on right-hand-drive models; and in September 2011, 8,815 cars built from January to May 2011 for a battery cable. Check that this work has been done. In the J.D. Power survey of 2011 the C3 Picasso was the best-rated MPV, with 83.1% owner satisfaction, although its exterior quality scored only three stars.
Rivals
The C3 Picasso competed with other compact MPVs such as the Renault Modus and Grand Modus, Ford B-Max and Fusion, Opel Meriva, Kia Venga, Hyundai ix20 and Fiat 500L, and later with small crossovers.
| Model | Engines | Power (hp) | Boot (l) | Price from (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën C3 Picasso | 1.2-1.6 petrol, 1.6 diesel | 67-89 kW (91-122 PS) | 385-1,506 | 15,150 (Germany, 2009) |
| Opel Meriva B | petrol, diesel | - | - | - |
| Ford B-Max | petrol, diesel | - | - | - |
| Kia Venga | petrol, diesel | - | - | - |
Our comparison tool lines up current figures for these models.
Photo gallery
Citroen C3 Picasso in our rankings
- No. 491 of 1082 · Longest-running car nameplates (9 years · top 49%)
- No. 52 of 70 · Most powerful French cars (89 kW · top 76%)
- No. 884 of 1011 · Most powerful cars (89 kW · top 88%)
- No. 24 of 26 · Most powerful minivans and MPVs (89 kW · top 93%)
In production longer than 51% of ranked nameplates in the 1CARS catalog (No. 491 of 1082).
FAQ
When was the Citroën C3 Picasso made?
From 2008 to 2017 in Trnava, Slovakia. Sales started in February 2009, and the C3 Aircross replaced it in late 2017.
How big is the C3 Picasso boot?
385 litres, or 500 litres including the hidden underfloor compartment, and up to 1,506 litres with the rear seats folded.
Is the C3 Picasso a seven-seater?
No. It has five seats only. The larger Grand C4 Picasso was Citroën's seven-seat MPV at the time.
How safe is the C3 Picasso?
Euro NCAP gave it four stars in 2009, with 81% for adult occupant protection.
What replaced the C3 Picasso?
The Citroën C3 Aircross, launched in late 2017 and previewed by the C-Aircross concept at the Geneva Motor Show.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
