Citroen Xsara Picasso Review (2000 to date)

Quick Summary

After making "Every Loser Wins" by Nick Berry the best selling record of 1986 and returning Mrs Thatcher to power time and again, it might be prudent to question the judgement of the UK population, but in the case of the Citroen Xsara Picasso it earned its No 1 sales slot by right. As a used proposition it makes sound sense, the aggressive pricing from new helping to offset the high demand and consequentially high residual values these models command. Your best bet is to try to find a well looked after 2.0-litre HDi model, preferably in the more desirable SX trim. The Xsara Picasso proved that a Citroen for the common man didn't have to be bland. Here's to adventure.

Overall:

Models Covered:June 2000- to date:5 door Mini-MPV 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 petrol, 1.6HDI, 2.0HDI diesel [LX, SX, Desire, Exclusive]

I AM THE EGG MAN

What was the best selling mini MPV in the UK in 2001? Get the dunce's hat on if you plumped for the Fiat Multipla or the Nissan Almera Tino. If you opted for the Vauxhall Zafira or the Renault Scenic you were close, but no cigar. The car that topped the chart was the Citroen Xsara Picasso. Why? A combination of keen pricing and an attractive all-round blend of qualities proved irresistible to UK buyers. This equals plenty of choice for the used buyer although genuine bargains may be somewhat thin on the ground.
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale

History of the Xsara Picasso

Just when Citroen looked like slipping into mainstream respectability the company unveiled the Xsara Picasso. The ovoid 'push-me-pull-you' styling was something of a surprise as was the avant-garde interior and clever seating system, Citroen draped this package over tried and tested mechanicals from the mainstream Xsara range, thus cutting overheads. The range has remained largely unchanged since the launch in June 2000, with a 95bhp 1.6, a 117bhp 1.8-litre engine and a 90bhp HDi diesel to choose from in either LX or upscale SX guise, although the 1.8 was only ever offered in SX trim. At the start of 2002, the Exclusive trim level started arriving in dealers with body-coloured mouldings, Estoril alloy wheels and digital air conditioning among a host of other extras. The 1.6-litre HDI engine came along in early 2004 with more power and better economy than the 2.0-litre HDI diesel alternative.
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale

Citroen Xsara Picasso Road Test

All of the engine choices perform reasonably, especially (in the case of the HDi) at the pumps (expect over 50mpg in normal use). The diesel has accounted for a decent share of Picasso sales, mainly due to the fact that neither of the thirstier petrol engines offers anything much better in terms of performance or even refinement. In fact, this hi-tech common rail diesel is the finest unit of its kind. It loses out to rivals in terms of sheer horsepower but still betters them both at the pumps and in terms of torque (pulling power from low speeds). On the road, the ride is intentionally biased towards comfort but cornering is well controlled. Despite the lack of a rev counter, you could conceivably enjoy driving this car – not a comment applicable to many MPVs.
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale

Buying a Citroen Xsara Picasso

If you're used to Citroens of the past, the fit and finish of the Xsara Picasso may come as something of a shock. Whilst it's not really up there with the better German cars it's still plenty tough enough for it's designed purpose and few owners have cause fro complaint. The running gear is all tough stuff that has seen service in the regular Xsara range without any noteworthy problems.
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale

Citroen Xsara Picasso Typical Pricing

If we use 2000 X-plated cars as a benchmark, you'd expect to budget £3,200 for a 1.6 LX and an additional £200 for an SX version. The 1.8-litre SX retails at around £3,500 whilst a 2.0-litre HDi can be yours for just under £3,700 in LX guise or £3,900 in SX format. Insurance is reasonable, the 1.8 LX being rated at Group 5, the 1.8 SX and 2.0 HDi LX at Group 6, the 2.0 HDi SX at Group 7 and the 1.8 SX at Group 8.
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale

Citroen Xsara Picasso Parts

(approx. based on 2000 1.8 Xsara Picasso excl VAT) A clutch assembly is around £90 and an exhaust system about £385 including a catalytic converter. Front and rear brake pads will be in the vicinity of £40-45 each. A radiator is about £150, an alternator about £250 and a starter motor £220
Used Citroen Xsara Picasso for sale