Model tested: Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6HDi 110hp Exclusive
Price: £17,715
Date tested: March 2007
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Overall rating: 76%
The Xsara Picasso has been on sale longer than any other model in Citroen's range yet it's the most popular MPV on the UK's roads, thanks to its practicality and affordability. Can it still cut it against better equipped, but more expensive opposition?

1. Looks
The Xsara Picasso has begun to show its age. It's a slightly bulbous looking car, but it is built to do a job – maximise interior space, and be as easy as possible to live with.
7/10

2. Looks inside
The bulbous theme continues inside, where it works far better. The dashboard is dominated by a clear cluster of digital instruments; the centre console is an oasis of silver in a sea of two-tone greys.
7/10

3. Practicality
There are 30 separate storage spaces around the cabin, the three rear seats slide back and forth independently, while a removable, collapsible and wheeled trolley is standard on all models.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
Even on broken roads, the soft suspension soaks up the majority of imperfections, and road noise is minimal, too. The trade-off is lots of body roll, which makes fast cornering a leap of faith.
7/10

5. Performance
Our 1.6HDi test car felt remarkably swift; it could despatch the 0-62mph dash in just 10.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 114mph. Less impressive is the five-speed manual gearbox, which has too much play.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Our test car returned an average of 43.5mpg; the official figure is 55mpg. Insurance is low at group 7E, and emissions of 136g/km place it in tax Band C; service intervals are every 12,500 miles.
9/10

7. Reliability
The cabin feels well put together, but electronic foibles have long been a criticism of some French cars; faulty cruise control bore this out. Our test car also screeched in damp weather and the clutch juddered.
6/10

8. Safety
The Xsara Picasso has a four-star EuroNCAP rating. Our test car featured electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and ESP. Front and side airbags are provided for driver and passenger, plus curtain airbags too.
7/10

9. Equipment
Our test car came with climate control, a six-CD autochanger, cruise control and front electric windows; the full-length electric sunroof is a worthwhile extra.
8/10

10. X-Factor
Cheap, cheerful and practical are some of the words to describe the Xsara Picasso. It might face opposition from the budget brands from Korea, but for all round ability, it's difficult to fault.
8/10