CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 44.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 150
Average Price: Around £4,500

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. The boot is exceptionally spacious, offering more capacity than a Volkswagen Golf, with up to 500 litres available when the sliding rear seat is pushed forward. The cabin is equally impressive, with high-mounted seats providing excellent headroom and legroom, whilst the 60/40 split bench seat can slide fore and aft to prioritise either boot space or passenger comfort. The front passenger seat backrest also folds flat on some models, allowing items up to 2.41 metres long to be carried.

Citroën has prioritised comfort and ease of driving over dynamic handling, resulting in a soft ride and light steering that makes urban driving and parking effortless. The petrol engine range includes a 95bhp 1.4-litre (insipid), a 120bhp 1.6-litre (recommended), and a later 110bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech. Diesel options comprise 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesels with 90bhp or 110bhp. Whilst official fuel economy claims suggest 44-47mpg for petrol and 58-74mpg for diesel, real-world figures often disappoint. Servicing intervals are reasonable, and main dealer costs are generally competitive. However, reliability concerns exist, particularly with diesel models, and clutch and alternator issues may arise on higher-mileage examples.

Best for: Families seeking spacious, practical, and stylish transport; those prioritising comfort and ease of driving; buyers wanting a characterful alternative to conventional family cars.

Not ideal for: Those requiring assured reliability, particularly with diesel engines; drivers expecting fuel economy to match official claims; buyers seeking engaging driving dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C3 Picasso if: You're seeking a spacious, practical, and stylish family car; you prioritise comfort and ease of driving; you want a characterful alternative to conventional family vehicles.

Consider alternatives if: You require assured reliability, particularly with diesel engines; you expect fuel economy to match official claims; you seek engaging driving dynamics or premium badge appeal.

Competitive Position: The Citroën C3 Picasso is a masterpiece of packaging, offering supermini dimensions with family-car practicality and distinctive style. Whilst the Ford B-Max scores higher on expert ratings and the Peugeot 3008 boasts superior user ratings, the C3 Picasso delivers exceptional value with its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It represents an excellent choice for budget-conscious families seeking versatility and character, though potential buyers should be aware of reliability concerns, particularly with diesel variants, and the likelihood of real-world fuel economy falling short of official figures.

Read our full Citroën C3 Picasso Review

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

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