Citroen s latest work of art - C3 Picasso

Sep 11 2008 Steve Hughes

Citroen s latest work of art - C3 Picasso

CITROEN has unveiled another work of art in the guise of a Picasso version of its C3 hatchback which will enter the MPV frame next year.

Due to be seen for the first time at next month?s Paris Motor Show, the C3 Picasso joins a gallery of similar Citroens in the form of the Xsara Picasso and C4 Picasso, which bring MPV virtues to the standard models upon which they are based.

Citroen describes this latest offering as a baby MPV and refers to its design as being both quirky and retro, just like the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Measuring 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall, the car?s unusual cube-like body shape has a short front end and vertical rear to create maximum space in the cabin regardless of its outside appearance.

To increase either boot volume or rear legroom the split-folding rear seats slide back and forth independently and can also be folded away in a single hand movement. This provides a flat load surface that extends to the front seatbacks and can be further extended to 2.41m by folding the back of the front passenger seat down.

The cabin length measures 1.66m, which is said to be one of the longest in its class and a rival for a number of MPVs in the segment above.

Elbow room in the front and rear is 1.43m and 1.40m respectively, which is claimed to be another best.

Rear storage space is 500-litres under the parcel shelf, rising to 1,506 litres with the rear bench down.

There is also a removable boot floor, which can be positioned at two different levels. In its high position the floor sits level with the boot sill for making loading easier and in the low position more storage height is available.

The glove box is ventilated on air-conditioned models and aircraft-style trays can be installed in the rear with reading lights and cup holders and a panoramic glass roof is also available.

Engines comprise two petrol units of 95bhp and 120bhp, developed in partnership with BMW, plus two diesel units of 90bhp and 110bhp with CO2 emissions of 125g/km and 130g/km respectively.