Citroen Xsara Picasso (2000-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The roominess and airiness help the cabin's pleasant ambience, but the Picasso does tend to pitch and wallow a little on sharp corners when pushed hard, and can feel unsettled over broken surfaces. However, it's smooth and refined to cruise on the motorway, and the diesel is incredibly quiet - its extra NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) insulation actually makes it quieter than the petrol versions. Air conditioning and climate control are available - necessary in vehicles with so much glass - and the seats are firm but supportive, though there's very little adjustment available for the steering column. The cabin is filled with helpful accessories: cup holders, fold-down aeroplane-style tables in the back (the rear centre seat also folds to provide a table-top), huge door pockets and map trays, 12-volt socket in the back so the kids should be kept happy on long journeys. Headroom is plentiful almost to the point of excess - only a carload of basketball players would feel claustrophobic; the 'monospace' cabin means maximum light and airiness. Legroom is rather less lavish; front seat occupants are very well served, but adults will be cramped in the rear when the front seats are pushed back. The dash-mounted gearstick gives plenty of room for access to the rear and moving around inside the cabin. The boot is generous - bigger than the Scenic's - and the seats fold or come out to increase load capacity and versatility. The boot floor is low for easy loading, and there are loads of stowage facilities and cubby holes, including huge door pockets and under-floor storage boxes. There's even a fold-out plastic shopping basket with wheels that clips into the boot. There's a standard radio/cassette with RDS traffic information system, which is of perfectly acceptable quality, and a CD player is available as an option.