Citroen: On the art trail

The Citroen C3 Picasso is a compact family car with bags of boot space. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Tax disincentives, pricey fuel and congested roads mean small, fuel-frugal cars are de rigeur in Europe. A Mondeo looks large on English roads, SUVs are infrequent and utes are seen as poser-cars. After all, you can't put stuff in the tray that you don't want nicked. I can't see utes losing favour in NZ, but small and fuel frugal is the way of the future. And it's even available in family-friendly cars like this Citroen C3 Picasso.

What's new
Yes, that's Picasso as in the Corolla-sized compAct MPV - but this one's a step down in size.

Despite its boxy, sensible outline it's not boring, for the quirky concept-car lines impart an outsize persona. I liked it; not everyone did.

Other than the skin not much is new. The platform is shared with its ageing C3 sibling, and the basic five-speed manual, Mac strut front and independent torsion rear suspension are all conventional enough as is this 66kW/215Nm, 1.6-litre direct injection common-rail turbo diesel engine.

What is new is the model - New Zealand doesn't take it, yet.

The company line
C3 Picasso will only arrive when it receives an auto transmission. That's likely with the new C3 next year, which should get the robotised manual. If it does, the self-shifter will also be available in the Picasso, which will then become viable in this country's auto-loving market.

We'd be likely to see the mid-spec 1.6 diesel, the car I've sampled.

What we say
Even with a five-speed manual this isn't the briskest car on the block, though the reasonable 215Nm torque pulls well from rest. However, it's easy to drive and live with.

My older passengers liked the seat's high hip point, and that higher driving position was handy when negotiating tricky traffic conditions.

There's a generous features list for this spec, and it's all useful - from the cruise control and speed limiter, to the child surveillance mirror and iPod port.

This car has been well thought out and is extraordinarily practical. That boot, for example. There's a flat load floor and 385 litres of space. The floor tilts and slots lower, the loading lip offset by an additional 115 litres. Fold the seats flat to fit the 1506-litre maximum.

The cabin feels roomier than expected, in part due to the large glass area, while the driver benefits from good ergonomics, enough cubbies and drawers for all the guff, and a few Citroen quirks.

Safety bits include ABS brakes, six airbags and hazard flashes that trigger in an emergency stop; shame that stability control is merely optional.

On the road
This isn't the most dynamic package. Those seeking a higher seat height may feel the trade-off is worth it. A relaxed approach to driving feels more natural - and improves economy. I averaged 5.7l/100km over mainly semi-urban roads; Citroen claims 4.7 combined.

Why you'll buy one
You need a compact family car and want something that's practical but doesn't look it. You're an older person wanting good visibility, easy-to-read instruments and high-mounted seats but want to retain that funk factor.

Why you won't
Annoying cupholders too shallow for decent coffee; no ESP yet; not on sale in New Zealand.