2000s MPVs review: Car-based Citroën Xsara Picasso compared to Van-based Fiat Dobló. Which is best?

The MPV (MultiPurpose Vehicle) was the mainstay of early 2000s family motoring. Now 20 years on, how have they aged and are they still viable means of reliable cheap transport? I take a look at two versions: a van-based Fiat Doblo, and a car-based Citroen Xsara Picasso and see how they compare in terms of practicality and driving characteristics.
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[@jameswarden9136]

I'm so glad I've found this channel! I love 00s and 90s car videos, and its nice that there's no swearing on this channel too :D

[@timelwell7002]

I can't imagine many 'petrol heads' would see this video as 'clickbait' but it is interesting to certain nerds such as myself. The 'normal' Doblo (without the raised roof) is one thing, and I could live with the styling. But the raised roof version has all the sex appeal of an artifical limb. And heaven help you if you were to have an accident in one of these. A better option was/is the Citroen Berlingo Multispace in facelifted Mark 1 form, a similar vehicle, but more attractive and more reliable. HubNut recently did a comparison between the Multispace and the Xsara Picasso, which is also worth a look. For me, the Xsara Picasso is by far the better option than the Fiat. For starters, the 2.0 litre diesel of the Picasso will return 50 mpg - a lot better than the Doblo. It's safer in a crash, it's more reliable, parts are easier to come by, and whilst the styling seems not to appeal to a lot of people, I for one love the way it looks. As an older used vehicle, the 1.6 litre diesel of the Picasso is best avoided. EIther opt for a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol, or if you can find a good one, the 2.0 litre diesel. Even now, Xsara Picassos represent a realistic choice for people motoring on a budget.

[@darwenrover8910]

Enough headroom for Marge Simpson in the Doblo with that roofline.

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Yes!!

[@maxeluy]

I prefer a Doblo, Berlingo, Kangoo, etc. If i want practicality, i want maximum practicality.

[@carlmichael5592]

Either car 200% more useful than any ridiculous SUV.

[@pizzalover3]

The Ford (Focus) Cmax is much more competent than the Xsara Picasso, doesn't rust as badly, much better stereo and spec and still individual removable seats. Nice review though, you deserve more subscribers. Presumably Up and Down has now finished with the Xsara Picasso?

[@andy14landy]

The amount of headroom in the Doblo is crazy!

[@MrBrownEscort]

I owned a brand new Doblo sx 1.3 Multijet. I really enjoyed owning it, being totally reliable, nice to drive and so so practical. Unfortunately, it was white so it did suffer from white van man image...not that I cared. After all, I drive a 70's brown Escort so image obviously doesn't matter 😂 Thanks for the video Siôn, it was a great comparison and brought back some happy Doblo memories 😊

[@casheycodercasheycoder4823]

What was it like with the 1.3 mulitjet in it?

[@MrBrownEscort]

@casheycodercasheycoder4823 It was quite a refined engine that provided enough power for normal use, although torque wasn't a patch on the 1.9. Fuel economy wasn't brilliant, especially at motorway speeds.

[@paulrenowden8617]

I'd have the Doblo every single time.

[@MemskiBobSki]

500000 miles. Stunned.

[@oliverstemp9132]

That drive through comment was brutal 😂

[@Tinovodanovic]

That Doblo is very nice.

[@Blackmamba12345]

Love the doblo. Thinking of getting one as a wheelchair car. Has yours still got the ramp?

[@MorselsAndMotors]

No, this one was never a wheelchair conversion

[@Nino500]

Worth pointing out that the Doblo also came as a 7 seater in exactly the same footprint and low or high top.

[@KylieBeattie-h7r]

The doblo is practical for wheelchair users I remember one of my ex boyfriends dad's girl had a Picasso then downsized it to the doblo cos he got quite heavy the doblo in my opinion is ugly but comfy enough but I would have the Citroen

[@volt8684]

Prefer the Berlingo to both but both superb and very underrated and fulfill family needs far better than so called family SUV. As rear seat passenger in my Berlingois lovely, spacious and so light, slightly raised so you can see everywhere

[@terryatkinson899]

Id have the fiat.... surprise surprise 😎

[@eddyarmandosojomonge6553]

Nada como el Picasso

[@khurmankhanainagul3388]

Hay may neymiz huanbek Mangoli doblo fiat

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice comparison, but I can't watch that interior of the Picasso, especially that worn steering wheel. Imaging all the germs that live in there 😜😅

[@terryatkinson899]

Driving gloves 🤗 I'd want to paint the bumper trim, it's awful 😏

[@villarule06]

Having had that picasso for a 6 month period, I can definitely say cleanliness of that interior is not an issue!