Citroen takes wraps off new C3 Picasso

Citroen's latest masterpiece looks set to turn rivals green with envy. Auto Express brought you exclusive spy shots of its new supermini MPV last month. Now, official pictures of the C3 Picasso have arrived – and
it’s every inch the artistic creation its name suggests.

The French firm is keen to tempt buyers away from rivals such as the Renault Modus and Ford’s forthcoming B-Max with its new car, which is the third to wear the Picasso badge. It shares such family features as a wraparound windscreen, but as an all-new design, it will also be distinct from the rest of the C3 line-up. A boldly styled front with tapered lights is complemented by a range of sporty features. There’s a deep front bumper, chunky alloys, front foglights and a double grille. Flared wheelarches and SUV-style roof rails complete the look.

At the back, high-mounted lights frame a split tailgate with an independently opening glass section for versatile boot access. The curved A-pillars are similar to those on the larger C4 Picasso.

According to Citroen, at 1.63 metres tall and 1.73 metres wide, the C3  will provide an incredible amount of cabin space. And the panoramic glass sunroof – which is the largest in the class – increases the airy feel. In addition to the essential practical features, Citroen has also focused on passenger comfort. So the seating position is high, and legroom is maximised – in the back, the bench adjusts by more than 150mm. It can also be folded flat to provide 500 litres of storage.

The body will be underpinned by a platform which also forms the basis of the Peugeot 207 and next-generation C3.

Engine choices comprise 1.4-litre VTi 95 and 1.6 VTi 120 petrols, as well as the existing 1.6-litre HDi 90 and HDi 110 diesels, as offered with the 207. Specifications for UK cars have yet to be finalised, but a production-ready version of the C3 Picasso will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, alongside the rest
of the model range. Prices are set to start at around the £9,500 mark when it goes on sale next year.