Citroen XSARA PICASSO 2.0 AUTO
You Couldnt Have Seriously Considered Citroens Xsara Picasso As An Alternative To Larger MPVs Until The Arrival Of This 2.0-litre Version. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out
Citroens Xsara Picasso may be the UKs best selling
mini-MPV, but until the arrival of the 2.0-litre 137bhp version featured here, it didnt have the kind of powerful petrol engine likely to appeal to up-market customers downsizing from something larger. Now things are different, the last remaining impediment to continuing sales success seems to have been removed.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
|
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
 |
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
True, Renaults Scenic 2.0 has 136bhp at its disposal, while Vauxhalls Zafira 2.2 has 145bhp on which to call. Having said that, most likely users will probably find that the on the road differences arent that great.
This Xsara Picasso can, after all, make sixty from rest in 10.9s on the way to 119mph. And thats with the sprint-sapping drawback of an automatic gearbox (theres no manual option). Compare auto with auto and youll find
Citroen,
Renault and
Vauxhall all much of a muchness in the performance stakes.
Not that performance is a particularly important issue for
mini-MPV buyers of cars like these. Top of the line 2.0-litre petrol variants of the kind were looking at here will account for a tiny proportion of sales but, having said that, in terms of overall importance, they punch well above their weight. For a start, theres the halo effect: a dealer will typically run a top-of-the-line version to make the test drive customer feel better about choosing the humbler variant he or she will probably end up driving away. Then theres the push for downsizers, customers more used to running a larger People Carrier who no longer need all that space but still want the performance theyd got used to, particularly over longer journeys. For these people, Citroens failure, in the original Xsara Picasso range, to offer anything with more than 117bhp (the output of the most powerful petrol 1.8) was a major problem.
"Citroens failure in the original Xsara Picasso to offer anything with more than 117bhp was a major problem. This car puts things right"
The 2.0-litre 137bhp variant featured here belatedly filled this hole in the product line-up. Prices start at £16,495 for the Desire model and £17,295 for the plusher Exclusive variant. Which looks good value in comparison to a 2.
2-litre Zafira and a 2.0 16V Scenic. Whats more, Citroen cashbacks and discounts of as much as £2,000 should make all the difference when it comes to hammering out a bottom line figure. Downsizers from more sophisticated large people carriers will be looking for more sophisticated electronics, so Citroen has fitted these 2.
0-litre flagship models with the ESP Electronic Stability Programme and the EBA brake assistance feature. These people will also appreciate the standard inclusion of cruise control, operated via more ergonomic steering wheel controls that are these days fitted throughout the range. As is the trend with automatic gearboxes these days, the automatic transmission is one of those with a manual option, enabling users to flip up and down the gearbox by hand if theyre feeling sporty. In reality, youll probably try this feature once or twice then dismiss it as rather pointless.
Go, as many Picasso 2.0-litre customers will, for the top Exclusive model and youll find plenty of kit included as standard. Over and above the Desire tally, you can expect alloy wheels, automatic digital air conditioning, automatic headlamps and an electric glass full-sized sunroof. This last-named feature relieves the feeling of claustrophobia familiar to rear
seat passengers in many mini-MPVs, plus it also helps that all three rear seats can slide independently solving at a stroke the all too familiar big brother/little sister elbow to head scenario.
Electrically retractable door mirrors and a refrigerated glove box make the team sheet as do a black leather-trimmed steering wheel and illuminated courtesy mirrors. Beige velour upholstery is fitted as standard, but those who really want to give their Exclusive the luxury touch can fork out an additional £1,250 and, for the first time in a Picasso, trim it in leather. Satellite navigation is another option available to Exclusive customers, ensuring that "Lost In France" will forever remain just another bad Bonnie Tyler song. In addition, all Xsara Picassos now feature front and rear reading lights as well as lumbar adjustment on the drivers seat to take the pain out of crushing continents. The Picasso has always been a supremely pragmatic vehicle. As well as sliding, the rear seats fold, collapse forward or can be removed completely (as long as you can find somewhere to leave them).
Collapse the centre seat and you create a multi-function work or play area that includes a clipboard-style paper holder. There are rear picnic tables, under-floor storage compartments, a drawer under the front passenger seat, a huge glovebox and clever door pockets moulded to take cans, cups or even huge 1.5-litre bottles. What you'll really remember from your first showroom visit however is that 'modubox' trolley which normally sits flat-packed, attached to the boot wall. When required, you simply unclip it, extract the telescopic handle and wheels and wheel it off with as much as 18kg inside. The whole thing feels a little flimsy but that aside, you have to hand it to the design team for lateral thought. In summary, Citroen may have dragged their heels in providing mini-MPV buyers with a powerful petrol flagship but they have done a thorough job.
And a thorough job sums up the Xsara Picasso. A best seller on merit, its line-up now looks much more complete.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 137bhp
PRICES: £16,495 -£17,295 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 9
CO2 EMISSIONS: 205g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 119mph / 0-60mph 10.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [combined] 33mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4276/1970/1637mm
<< Back to Citroen car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Citroen Cars For Sale UK
