Citroen C3 Picasso

There’s more than a hint of cubism about the latest Picasso!

This is the new Citroen C3 Picasso, a mini-MPV due to make its debut at the Paris Motor show next month before it hits showrooms in Summer 2009.

The newcomer is certainly an eye-catcher, thanks to its funky detailing and boxy shape – a trait Citroen claims endows the Picasso with class-leading space and flexibility.

Set to take on rivals like the Nissan Note, Honda Jazz and Renault Modus, the flexible French MPV boasts split-folding rear seats that can slide fore and aft, or be easily folded away, offering a completely flat loading surface. Boot space is 500 litres, or 1,506 litres with the rear bench folded. By comparison, the Renault Modus offers 217 and 1195 litres respectively.

A number of cubby holes and non slip surfaces ensure the C3 Picasso will make a capable long journey companion, despite its relatively small footprint – at a shade over four metres long, it’s slightly bigger than a Honda Jazz.

In addition, Citroen promises the new car’s interior quality will be top notch, with ‘ultra-soft’ dashboard plastics and high-grade interior trim, as well as a raft of options designed to give the car a genuine premium feel. Colour NaviDrive satellite navigation system and speed limiting cruise control are two such options.

Four engines will be available at launch, with VTi 95 and VTi 120 units providing petrol power and diesel thrust coming from HDi 90 and HDi 110 engines. The oil burners are likely to take the majority of sales thanks to their fuel economy and CO2 advantages – both fall into road tax band D thanks to 125g/km and 130g/km carbon emissions.

Citroen hasn’t confirmed prices for the C3 Picasso yet, though sources suggest base models will start at around £11,000. For more details, see issue 1,030 of Auto Express, on shelves Wednesday 17th September.