Test Drive Citroen C3 Picasso since 2008 Hatchback

ORIGINAL

In the history of Citroen, the most famous and successful models became the most unusual - Traction Avant, 2CV and DS. The new Mikrovan also claims the title of the most extravagant in its segment.
Like the work of the artist, whose name fell into the model name, C3 Picasso may not please everything and not everyone will be understood. But it will be a reason to talk that it's good that it is bad, why he is here that is here and won there.
All the time I want to ask why the headlights or the shape of the glass is this, and not otherwise? The answer is simple: they should be somehow, why not so? But about the proportions of such a question does not arise. As it should be minivan, it is a rather high car, due to which it turns out to be very roomy.
And there is no need for the equipment of the trunk and the salon. The rear seats are folded and shifted. You can add only backs, you can - the entire chairs. If you compare with analogues, then C3 Picasso even in the basic configuration offers all the possibility of transformation of the cabin, which only can be. Competitors are not enough for one, then another in the options, and here - all at once. The only thing that Citroen neglected is the ability to move the rear armchairs to the center, as on Opel Meriva. As people say from Citroen, there is no need for this, the interior is so spacious.
You can add that the absence of such a function simplifies and heshes it, which today it is quite possible and boast. But do not you know that Citroen tries to become a premium brand? In the prestigious segment about savings do not speak.
When Citroen tried to be like everything, and the image of the brand, and sales were not at the height. Therefore, when creating the latest models, it seems, designers put the task simply: something like. At the moment, from the kind, except for headlights (and who has the headlights usually look?), - dashboard and steering wheel. A digital combination of devices is located in the center, and the steering wheel ... Eh, extend a number of branded parts does not work. The fixed hub remained C4, C5 and C6. From the elder C3 Picasso got the materials, quite solid and in appearance, and to the touch. Pretty generously cost and chrome. The interior talks about the quality so weighty, straight and rude, as appropriate in this class.
C3 Picasso is unlikely to become a competitor mini, although the idea is similar: a small, but noticeable car. Only Citroen did not become so frankly exploited the topic of the past. Yes, and with the dynamics here comes more more. If you want to achieve maximum stability, then you will not make a minivan, because the laws of physics are not canceled by the decision of the marketing department and even the main designer. But if you need a minivan, then a completely acceptable level of manageability is not so difficult. No wonder the test tracks included mountainous sites. In Spain, they are not as impressive as in Tuscany, but sufficiently winding, so that you can be afraid. On C3 is not very scary. Real automotive journalists, of course, will not be able to pass by no too distinct feedback on the steering wheel. But the real consumers of the model in typical conditions for it will not be too noticeable. And everyone will appreciate the good visibility - the glasses of glasses are separated by very thin racks that almost do not interfere.
Although it can be discussed - you need to leave the owners of C3 Picasso and other reasons to talk about it with friends, except for design.
   
Citroen C3 Picasso VTI 95 / VTI 120
Engine 1.4 l / 1.6 l
Power 95/120 hp
Acceleration up to 100 km / h 12.2 / 10.9 s
Fuel consumption in a mixed cycle by 100 km 6.8 / 6.9 liters
5-speed mechanical transmission
Dimensions 4078/1730/1624 mm
Price in France 14 950/17 550 euros

Text: Valery Chusov
Photo: Citroen.
 

A source: "Autopilot"