2009 Citroen C3 Picasso VTR+ turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Unreliable

Faults:

Driver's door seal corroded.

Anti pollution fault, DPF filter.

Water ingress in fusebox.

General Comments:

Please, please, please do not buy a C3 Picasso. I fell in love with it when it came out and hoped it would be a perfect replacement for my old Xsara Picasso.

The good:

It's very roomy, visibility is fantastic, it's reasonably economical and it looks good too.

The bad:

The ride is not that great, a bit on the firm side. The gearing doesn't seem to be that great, the change is a bit notchy and vague, and at usual speeds (30, 50, 70 mph) it never quite feels like the right gear. Change up and it feels a bit bogged down, or don't and it feels a bit noisy and over revved.

The ugly:

This has been by some distance the most unreliable car I have ever owned. Repeated anti pollution display fault caused by DPF filter clogging, and then the lights failing due to water getting in the fusebox, needing a replacement and a replacement wiring loom with a £1000 bill. Apparently a common fault.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th September, 2015

2009 Citroen C3 Picasso HDI Exclusive 1.6 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A very disappointing replacement for the Xsara Picasso

Faults:

Screen wash fuse blew when the screen wash was frozen.

After having driven the Xsara Picasso 1.6 HDI for almost 40,000 miles through France, Spain, and Portugal, I found the C3 Picasso a disappointing car. After 20,000 miles I can give the following comparison:

The Xsara's suspension is more forgiving. The C3's suspension is hard, finds all the bumps.

Performance: the Xsara is adequate. The C3 lacks the urge of the Xsara.

Comfort: The Xsara's front seats are OK, rears are a bit hard on long journeys. The C3's front seats are a bit hard, and the rear seats similar. The C3's seats fold easier.

The Xsara has a decent, air conditioned glove box that's great for drinks and food. The C3's glove box is an insult to the name.

Underseat tray: Xsara, where it should be, under the driver's seat. C3 is under the passenger seat!

Tailgate: Xsara is OK. C3 is a ridiculous shape, good for scalping the unwary 6 footer.

After rain, when opening the C3 doors, the water runs down the INSIDE of the doors !

General Comments:

A car full of promise, but as far as I am concerned, bring back the Xsara Picasso.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th May, 2011

24th Oct 2013, 03:10

The C3 Picasso was not a replacement for the Xsara Picasso, the C4 Picasso was.

Still, it's disappointing to see that you weren't keen on it.

I drive/have driven a number of older and new Citroens (work at a franchise) and have had 2 Xsara Picassos as company cars... and for me, the C3 Picasso is vastly superior to drive. A little smaller yes, a little less roomy, but much more of an enjoyable car to drive. I also find the 90bhp 1.6 HDI is much more willing than the 2.0 90 unit in the previous model, as well as more economical.

The C4 Picasso is the real replacement for the Xsara; much closer in terms of space and size.

24th Oct 2013, 03:13

Extra comment - I have to agree with you on the glovebox though, it is stupidly small and there are fewer oddments spaces in the cabin. In that regard it is not as good as the Xsara Picasso.

2009 Citroen C3 Picasso Comfort 1.6 turbo diesel from Sweden

Summary:

Great fun and very roomy

Faults:

A linkage to the front wheel drive was replaced under warranty. Other than this, no problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

I like this car. Nice styling with a combination of hard and soft edges on a boxy cube. It stands out from the crowd. This cube is cute!

It is a nice drive, it feels steady and secure on the road. Not sporty, but friendly and relaxed with light steering.

Suspension is a bit too stiff for a french car, but seats are comfortable and sound levels are low. It feels good to sit a bit high up and looking down on other vehicles. :) The 3-part panorama view really helps visibility.

Nice equipment with digital speedo, very easy to read. Dual zone climate control, parking assistant, cruise control. It has more than you need.

The diesel engine is fast and responsive, it is the 110 hp version so the car almost feels overmotorised. Revs a bit high on the motorway, I would welcome a 6th gear.

It is economic in the city and on on slower roads. If driving fast on the motorway, the fuel tank gets empty soon. The boxiness isn't the most aerodynamic design.

It's easy to fold down the back seats, and this car is made for shopping at IKEA. I'm amazed at how much things fit in there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2011