CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £4,330

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good looking for a mini-MPV	Reliability can be an issue, especially with the diesels
Spacious and versatile interior	You'll be lucky to get near the official economy figures
Comfortable to travel in, easy to drive	The EGS gearbox is jerky

Quick Summary

The Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) is a distinctive mini-MPV that maximises interior volume through its tall, van-like body whilst maintaining a supermini-sized footprint. It offers class-leading cabin and boot space, with the boot larger than a Volkswagen Golf and up to 500 litres of storage with the sliding rear seat pushed forward. The high-mounted seats provide excellent headroom and legroom, whilst the flexible seating arrangement—with a 60/40 split bench that slides fore and aft and rear seats that fold flat—makes it exceptionally versatile for both passengers and cargo.

Citroën prioritised comfort and ease of driving over dynamic handling, resulting in a soft ride and light steering that make urban driving and parking effortless. Engine options include a range of petrol and diesel units, with the 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol and 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech offering the best performance. Running costs are reasonable, with diesel versions achieving up to 74mpg officially, though real-world figures typically fall short. However, reliability issues—particularly with diesel models—and fuel economy shortfalls are concerns to consider. Despite these drawbacks, the C3 Picasso remains a masterpiece of packaging, offering space, practicality, and individuality for families and those seeking a characterful alternative to conventional family cars.

Best for: Families seeking maximum space and versatility in a compact footprint, those prioritising comfort and ease of driving, and buyers wanting a stylish alternative to conventional family cars.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising dynamic handling, those expecting official fuel economy figures to be achievable, or buyers concerned about diesel reliability.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C3 Picasso if: You're seeking maximum space and versatility in a compact footprint, prioritise comfort and ease of driving, or want a stylish alternative to conventional family cars.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise dynamic handling, expect to achieve official fuel economy figures, or are concerned about diesel reliability issues.

Competitive Position: The Citroën C3 Picasso is a strong contender in the mini-MPV segment, offering exceptional space, practicality, and distinctive styling at an affordable price point. Whilst the Ford B-Max edges ahead on expert rating and overall appeal, the C3 Picasso remains a masterpiece of packaging with superior versatility. It outperforms the Nissan Note in user satisfaction and overall rating, making it an excellent choice for families prioritising space and comfort over dynamic driving. Its affordability and unique character make it a compelling proposition for those seeking practicality with panache.

Read our full Citroën C3 Picasso Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.