Should you buy a Citroen C3 Picasso? | 2 Months of Ownership

The Citroen C3 Picasso had big boots to fill living under the name of Picasso. The Xsara Picasso came into production in 1999 and you can still see a fluttering of them on English roads in 1999. I'm not yet sure if thats because of build quality of because customers just loved their Picasso, but either way, Citroen clearly known the formula for making a cheap, spacious loveable MPV.
I'd be lying if I thought I would go from £50,000 Audi S5 Sportback to Citroen C3 Picasso but I'm wasn't disappointed. The old man in me loves the space, the MPG and the practicality of the Picasso.
I've now owned the C3 for about 2 months and have done 3,000 miles in it so this was a real review in the sense that I have actually lived with the car.
Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 HDi VTR+ MPV 5dr Diesel Manua with around 90 BHP and no, it isn't fast. But that gos without saying. The boot space is impressive. The MPG is impressive. The visibility is impressive. The controls are basic and so easy and the cabin is light and airy.
I didn't expect to like the Citroen C3 Picasso...but I do.
Let me know your thoughts if you are thinking of buying one!
00:00 Intro
00:53 My New Car
01:09 Engine and MPG
01:44 Running Costs
02:00 Interior Design
03:44 Rear Seats and Boot Space
04:13 Should you buy one?
05:08 Prices
05:42 Would I Recommend?
MY GEAR:
🎥 Sony A6600 -
🔍 Sony 16-70mm F.4 Carl Zeiss Lens
🦅 DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2
💡 Aputure 120d Mark ii
🔦 Aputure Light Dome Mark ii
🎤 - Rode Video Mic Pro
🦵 - Neewer C Stand
YOU CAN JOIN MY LITTLE COMMUNITY:
🚗 / macswhips
🙍‍♂️ / joshmccallion
WHO AM I:
I'm Josh, I work with cars in Derby, UK. I make videos on this channel solely about cars and I have about 4 years worth of footage to get through (mainly with my Audi S5 Sportback) as well as the reviews I'm filming weekly!
I also have a personal channel which I upload on twice a week!
kzbin.info/door/ZLv...
GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, I’d love to hear from you. DM'ing on Instagram will be the quickest way to get a response, but feel free to email at [e-mail] if your question is very detailed! I'll try my best to respond quickly! See you next time!
I should also add that some of the links to my gear are affiliate links and if you buy through them, you'll be helping me out!

[@timelwell7002]

I also like the C3 Picasso - good review. However, you failed to mention the great ride comfort, or whether the seats were supportive. One thing I like very much about the C3 Picasso is that it has a good old-fashioned *manual handbrake.* I happen to hate automatic handbrakes with a passion. You also didn't say how many revs you would do when driving at, say, 70 mph, and you didn't mention the turning circle. *Why didn't you mention these things?* They're important...

[@macswhips]

Hi Tim, firstly thank you for the comment. I appreciate you taking the time. To be completely honest with you I was en route to sell the car and I happened to have my go pro on me so I thought 'why not do a quick review?'. Hence the audio / picture quality isn't up to standard. I also didn't have time to script it so, like you said, I did miss a few things. I will pin your comment so people know about the ride comfort and I agree on the old fashioned hand brakes. Quick and easy. Although, electronic ones with hill start assist and auto hold are becoming very slick these days. Revs at 70, from memory, around the 3,000 mark and turning circle is good as the C3 Picasso is actually (in wheelbase terms) the size of a supermini. Between us, I think we have covered everything people need to know. I will script the next one I promise!

[@dumitrascuclaudiu7097]

The old fashion Manual Brake is the reason that I Don't wat to buy next model C4.... I have a Prius and I had egnot whit the electronics on the cars!🤬

[@timelwell7002]

@@macswhips Thanks for your reply. The only thing you've not mentioned was the seat comfort and driving position comfort.

[@dumitrascuclaudiu7097]

@Peter Hicks You could say that again!! I have a Prius and I gate it:- 👉once battery gone dead and I was left strin in the middle of a road. .( luky it was a back road, not main one...)😔😞

[@timelwell7002]

@Peter Hicks Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the C3 Picasso have a mechanical handbreak? But I must admit I'd personally go for the 1.6 litre petrol engine.

[@johnthelwell3244]

Had one for 4 years. 2016 platinum model. Done nearly 100,000 miles with it. Multiple trips to France. Been a cheap car to own. Would recommend it to anyone.

[@macswhips]

Sounds fantastic. I bet its a perfect car for a trip to France with all the space...also I imagine the French give you some kudos for driving one of their own 😂

[@johnthelwell3244]

Yes it is a good car for trips to France plus l occasionally tow a trailer over there. Good towing vehicle. Not had any repairs done over there yet but any local garage would be able to repair it.

[@christopher9727]

... Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@paddrivers]

I bought a 12 plate one of these for a grand with a 39k 1.6hdi . It hadn't run for 3 years I spent £800 putting it right brakes tyres egr cooler ,oil cooler, thermostat housing, diagnosing multiple srs module faults seat belt pretensioner issues. But ive ended up with a car I now would take to the moon and back! Its just like a van but miles better.

[@macswhips]

Wow you've got yourself a bargain there. 1k is nothing for, like you said, a car that will go and go. It really did give me the impression that if looked after it would go forever. Van but better is the best single line description I've seen so far!

[@christopher9727]

... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@gekalskip]

very useful review, much better than many of the other talking-head channels out there. thanks

[@lillywilliams_]

Love this review, very informative!!

[@macswhips]

Thanks Lilly. I’m glad you found it useful. I actually really enjoyed owning this car

[@allthebennetts]

Great review. I'm hoping to buy one very soon. The small glovebox is because of the fuse box. When the car is left hand drive the glovebox is bigger and obviously on the right, But when they make the vehicles right hand drive they don't move the fuse box and therefore all associated wiring looms. Thanks again for the video, very comprehensive.

[@macswhips]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it. Ah interesting about the fuse box. You do get those little quirks living in a right hand drive country don't you!

[@carltonyoung8103]

I bought a 15 plated exclusive model in May - it’s great! Plenty of space, 60 to the gallon, dead comfy and good seating position. Ride is typical French - soft, like driving Mr Softy !! Great car .

[@macswhips]

Mr Softly haha. I have to say, I am a fan of these things. I guess the exclusive is the fully spec'd model?

[@awas5949]

Super thanx for sharing this , Sir. Have a lovely day 👍🙋

[@macswhips]

Ah thank you for the comment. You too

[@christopher9727]

. Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@BsmaXBmcbRf]

I got one and you right what a cracking little car is 😉

[@macswhips]

Brilliant aren't they. I think they'll end up like the Xsara Picasso in a few years. You'll just see loads still on the roads with nobody wanting to ever get rid!

[@sjmclean0]

Just bought one of these I pick it up in the morning. Ideal for what I need and looking forward to getting used to it. Only thing that's annoyed me is the position of the radio means it won't really be good to have it replaced with a modern screen system.

[@macswhips]

Sorry for the slow reply Steve. How have been getting on with it? Yeah shame about the radio, have you managed to find anything that will retro fit?

[@Layla-mt9pc]

I have C3 nice car I had a Octavia 2.2 diesel nice car😁sweet on diesel C3 200 miles just over £35🤟

[@garyvarty8154]

I want one great video I noticed Duffield in the background

[@macswhips]

Thanks for the comment Gary. Yes you did, pretty much where I grew up so Derbyshire is where I do most of my reviews!

[@Eriuqsrednef]

I found your review of this car. I have one and now had for 10 years, with 185k miles on the clock. Still getting 68mpg too. Dam good car. I would like to see more reviews of this kind of car, only because I do not change my cars willy nilly. But what I would like to see stated, whether the cars have a Handbrake or its a switch handbrake. How long the Adblue , lasts in the car. Does it have a gauge to tell you if it runs out. Is it Euro 6 or not. But thanks for a great review.

[@kenmeade9924]

Had the Xsara picasso 1.6hdi for years now own a 1.6hdi C3 picasso. Other than nicer dash display and a nicer mirror, electric wing mirrors,better radio (but not as easy to upgrade) and cornering headlights I found the Xsara picasso a vastly superior car. It had much more storage space, much much more room inside, far better drive and better fuel economy. I do like the gadgets on the c3 even simple things like auto lights, and dog mirror, as well as cheap road tax but really miss my old picasso which really was much more spacious and better designed all round. If citroen re-did the old picasso with the modern features of the c3 I would buy one in a heartbeat.

[@accelerator5524]

it has more space cause it is almost 30cm longer

[@macswhips]

Thats a really interesting comment Ken. I had a Xsara after the C3 and I have to say, I can understand your comments. They are without doubt roomier inside and on reflection, the drive is probably better too. Although, for me the Xsara just felt and looked so old compared to the C3. I'm with you on the remake, lets petition Citroen!

[@opinionatedoliver3680]

I‘m still looking for a good one for myself, as it’s one of my favorites. I was confused by the fact that my insurance said this car with the 95HP engine is 200€ less every year than my 73PS Citroën C3

[@macswhips]

Yeah they really are nice aren’t they. That is a strange one on insurance, it seems like they factor in so many random things when calculating the premium

[@vs6300]

Am looking forward to owning the C4 Grand Picasso but with the more desirable 2.0hdi.

[@macswhips]

My friend has one of those. Massive inside aren't they!

[@acciid]

I've inherited one of these from my late father-in-law who lived in rural France. I'd been in it before with him driving and to be honest I didn't expect much. My main car is a mk7 Golf R so it's never going to come close from a driving point of view, but it sits comfortably at cruising speeds. Just takes a while to get there (it's a petrol engine - not sure what capacity but I expect it's a base model). What you didn't mention is the stalks are behind the steering wheel, which is not unusual, but they are so tucked in that you can't actually see what they are for while driving. I expect you will get used to that but driving it for the first time was quite tricky. The steering wheel can't be adjusted either which is annoying. My own impression is it's a decent little runaround but a lot of the cubby holes etc. make little sense. It's like different people designed different parts but they only talked to each other when trying to fit it all together. Space is decent but if you enjoy driving, look elsewhere.

[@macswhips]

Hi there, apologies for the slow reply, thank you for taking the time to comment. I can imagine that it's not even close to your Golf! But yes, they are comfortable enough aren't they. Agree on the stalks, they are a bit awkward to use initially. I have since owned a Xsara Picasso and that was exactly the same so I imagine for Citroen owners it will feel 2nd nature. I really enjoyed the cubby holes, but I think, that's because I've never really had a 'practical car'.

[@mambo12345]

You can adjust steering wheel up down and pulls out I pulled it right out for my long legs

[@acciid]

@@mambo12345 Oh cool. I'll see if I can find that. I've got a base model though so it might not be available.

[@bonter1983]

Just wondering what the wind and tyre noise is inside the car during motorway trips?

[@macswhips]

It's not the most quiet car but equally, its not the worst. I don't remember thinking the road noise was unbearable!

[@luckytyler2860]

Had mine 4 about 6 years, Great Car, looking 2 upgrade now...anyone know a similar style of car, one that's still quite high?

[@macswhips]

I know the Fiat 500L’s are quite similar in size and height. That could be an option.

[@christopher9727]

Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@zaneclone]

Tell me- what on earth is the orange light behind the dash for (shines through the windscreen) ?? As the owner/driver, I've never noticed it- but others have drawn my attention to it !!

[@paddrivers]

Je ne sais pas

[@macswhips]

Je ne sais pas is right! It's a really strange feature, especially when looking at the car from the front at night. I don't think it serves any purpose. Just a quirky French design I think. Do you have a C3 Simon?

[@zaneclone]

@@macswhips I do own a C3 Picasso HDi... very happy with it also :)

[@timtube1663]

It's the speedo. During the day it uses natural daylight to illuminate it. At night the orange light shines through as it's a transparent screen

[@zaneclone]

@@timtube1663 Bizarre idea... Surely a couple of led's- day or night would suffice !? After all- no-one else does it ! You can even see the wipers casting a shadow on the display in the day lol !!

[@johngriffith5231]

Good review ,try driving with two hands on the wheel or at least one .

[@macswhips]

Noted. Sensible advice I have to admit! 😅

[@musicman9724]

I think all french cars have a loose gear stick. I have a xsara and I've driven a couple of Peugeot's and they all felt like that

[@macswhips]

Ah that is good to know. To be fair, I still have my first ever car which is a Peugeot 106 and that has a pretty loose one as well thinking about it!

[@shujjomukhi3654]

Do you have auto car ?

[@macswhips]

Not anymore, I sold it after making this video

[@pencilme1n]

100bhp but what on earth have they done to this 1.6hdi engine in the C3 picasso. It's raspy, slow and has no torque. I had the same engine in 92bhp version in the bigger xsara picasso. It was more powerful smooth, quiet, torque-y and quick.

[@macswhips]

I wonder if the newer ones are heavier?

[@christopher9727]

... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@Oldsmobile69]

Ok yeah but how's the handling?

[@macswhips]

It’s not so bad. It is what you would expect from a Citroen MPV 😅

[@Oldsmobile69]

@@macswhips 😬

[@paulrowe8131]

I have one with 84k on thr clock. It handles superbly. Prior to this I had a series of sports cars, but I am 66 now so went for the citroen for comfort. They really do handle well.

[@kenmeade9924]

80mpg??????????? I get 55 to 60 only on really really long motorway runs on average.

[@macswhips]

I can neither confirm or deny that I was talking out of my arse. I think it just felt like 80MPG compared to my S5! 😂

[@gordancridlan5797]

Be good if you kept at least one hand on the wheel instead of waving them about like your baking a cake.

[@macswhips]

😬not the first comment that’s suggested that! But I have to say, baking a cake tickled me 😂 I will endeavour to maintain contact with the wheel in future!

[@christopher9727]

... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@jacketrussell]

Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road for goodness sake! Youve posted enough evidence in this video to get you done for driving without due care and attention.

[@macswhips]

😂😂 My apologies. I'm a bit Italian with my hand movements!

[@jacketrussell]

@@macswhips No excuse

[@macswhips]

@@jacketrussell 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼