Citroën C3 Picasso
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Trnava , Slovakia |
Area served | Europe, South America (Brazil) |
| Parent | Citroën |
The Citroën C3 Picasso is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by the French carmaker Citroën between 2008 and 2017. Initially revealed as the "Drooneel" concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, it replaced the Citroën Xsara Picasso and competed against models like the Opel Meriva, Nissan Note, Renault Modus, and the Ford Fusion.
Production commenced in December 2007 at PSA's Trnava facility in Slovakia, which served as the exclusive manufacturing location. The vehicle was introduced to the French market in February 2009, starting at €14,950, and subsequently rolled out across other European countries by March. At the Trnava plant, output reached an estimated rate of 28 units per hour.
A South American SUV version named the Citroën C3 Aircross was built in Brazil from 2010 until 2020, leading to a Brazilian-market C3 Picasso (2011–2015) derived from the local first-generation Citroën C3 platform. This differed from the European variant, which utilized the Peugeot 207 SW architecture.
In Spain, the 2009 launch featured three trim levels: LX as the base model priced at €12,590, SX as mid-range, and Exclusive as the top-tier with a 110 bhp HDi engine costing €18,650. The UK introduction took place in April 2009 with prices beginning at £11,495 for the entry-level 1.4-litre VTi version; meanwhile, the Exclusive trim equipped with a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine was set at £15,595.
An updated version was unveiled during the 2012 Paris Motor Show and became available throughout Europe by November that year.
Models
- The Exclusive trim represents the highest specification available in all markets, featuring the broadest selection of engines and equipment. This version uniquely includes roof rails and a fold-flat front passenger seat that extends cargo capacity throughout the cabin except for the driver's area. Additional amenities encompass tinted glass, rear parking sensors, automatic windshield wipers, interior finishes in leather and chrome, a pollen filtration system, plus dual-zone automatic climate control allowing separate temperature adjustments.
Limited and Special Edition
- The 90th Anniversary edition launched in August 2009 within the UK to commemorate Citroën’s 90th year. Priced identically to the Exclusive trim, it incorporated MyWay satellite navigation, leather seats, and a special dashboard badge marking the occasion. Valued at an extra £1,000 in features, this limited run of only 150 units was part of a wider anniversary promotion that also included the Millennium trim in France.
- The Blackcherry edition appeared in November 2010 in the UK market based on the VTR+ trim with a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine. It ceased production in January 2012 and was replaced by Code Red and Code White editions retaining the same powertrain.
- The Rossignol collections were released in November of both 2010 and 2011 targeting niche audiences with distinctive branding elements.
- The Millennium edition was available in France across several Citroën models such as C1, C4, C4 Picasso, C5, and C5 Tourer. Features included 16-inch alloy wheels, MyWay navigation system, Bluetooth-enabled radio, and dual-zone climate control. Offered with metallic or pearlescent paint finishes.
- The Code Red/Code White editions debuted in January 2012 to succeed Blackcherry within the UK lineup. These versions featured an optimized engine variant designed for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. They were distinguished by obsidian black bumpers paired with 17-inch alloy wheels finished either in Polar White or Cherry Red. Exclusive body colors included Belle Ile Blue, Shark Grey, and Cherry Red. Optional extras comprised roof bars, curtain airbags, cruise control systems, and speed limiters.
- The Passion Bleus edition was introduced in France to coincide with UEFA Euro 2012 celebrations honoring Citroën’s collaboration with the French Football Federation. The campaign spotlighted French football players alongside rally driver Sébastien Loeb and incorporated an interactive online game. Several other Citroën models also received Passion Bleus-themed trims.
- The Music Touch special edition launched in January 2013 through partnerships with Samsung and Universal Music Group. This package offered a complimentary white Samsung Galaxy Tab (16 GB), chrome accents on trim pieces and mirror caps, as well as white pearlescent paintwork. The Music Touch series was subsequently extended to include models like C4 Picasso, C4 Aircross, and Berlingo Multispace.
Design and Features
Every C3 Picasso variant is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), child safety locks, remote central locking, and dual front airbags. While Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was originally offered as an option, it has since become a standard feature throughout the entire lineup. The car is exclusively available as a five-seater, with all three rear seats folding down flat to increase the boot volume from (or including the concealed storage space) to . The Exclusive trim enhances storage flexibility by incorporating a foldable front passenger seat. Interiors across all trims showcase the "Mistral Maxi Taylor" woven fabric, crafted by leading European designers such as Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué.
Additional options encompass an aluminium roof rack capable of supporting , illuminated kerbside door mirrors, and alloy wheels with two distinct designs, chrome accents on bumpers and door trims, front fog lights, cruise control, rear parking assist sensors, automatic headlights (standard on select versions), and a speed limiting device—frequently utilized to promote safety or optimize fuel consumption. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver's seat and can be optionally extended to front passenger and rear seats.
The C3 Picasso utilizes a modified chassis platform shared with the Citroën C3 and Peugeot 207, offering a similar wheelbase dimension. This platform sharing aligns with PSA Peugeot Citroën's approach to consolidate engineering efforts and manufacturing processes, with both the Peugeot 207 and C3 Picasso produced at the Trnava facility. Citroën incorporates environmentally conscious materials constituting at least 11% of the total polymer components, including parts such as mudguards, parcel shelves, and boot carpeting. Maintenance intervals are recommended every two years or every for petrol-powered vehicles, and every for HDi diesel models.
Engines
The Exclusive and VTR+ editions featuring the 1.6-litre VTi engine achieve a maximum velocity of in 10.6 seconds while generating . The 1.6-litre and 1.4-litre VTi petrol engines were co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in collaboration with BMW, alongside a 1.6 L diesel unit and two variants of the 1.6 L HDi Airdream engines. Initially, all variants came with a 5-speed manual transmission until 2011, when a 6-speed manual and EGS6 automatic gearboxes were introduced along with eco-friendly technologies such as start-stop systems and regenerative braking on selected models, particularly targeting the German market. These innovations contributed to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions.
Due to currency exchange considerations, the EGS6 automatic transmission was not initially offered in the UK market; however, following demand demonstrated by private imports, it was subsequently made available for the 1.6 L VTi models.
Starting from production in June 2015, petrol engines were replaced by a 1.2-litre PureTech 110 three-cylinder powertrain paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, emitting 115 g/km of CO₂. The diesel range was refreshed with a 73 kW BlueHDi 100 engine coupled exclusively to a 5-speed manual transmission; the EGS6 automatic option was discontinued.
The model range offers various engine configurations as detailed below:
... [Table continues with similar format] ...| Complete model range with engine options | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | 1.4 L VTi 16v (95 bhp) |
1.6 L VTi 16v (120 bhp) |
1.6 L HDi 16v (110/115 bhp) |
1.6 L HDi 8v (90 bhp) |
1.6 L e-HDi 16v (90 bhp) |
| Advance (–2012) | Yes | Template:NA | Template:NA | Template:NA | Template:NA |
| Attraction (–2012) | Yes | rowspan="2" Template:NA | Yes | Yes | rowspan="2" Template:NA |
| Attraction (-2012) | Template:NA | ||||
| Aura (–2012) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Template:NA | Template:NA |
| Business (–2012) | rowspan="2" Template:NA | rowspan="2" Template:NA | rowspan="2" Template:NA | Yes | Yes |
| Business (-2012) | |||||
| Petrol Engine Specifications | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Year | Engine Code | Displacement (cc) |
Power Output | Torque | Acceleration (0–100 km/h seconds) |
Maximum Speed | Transmission Type | CO₂ Emissions (g/km) |
| 1.2-litre PureTech 12v | 2015– | EB2DT | 1299 | 81 kW | 205 Nm | 11.8 | 116 mph | 5-speed manual | 115 |
| 1.4-litre VTi 16v | –2012 | EP3 | 1397 | 95 bhp | 136 lbft | 12.2 | 111 mph | 149 | |
| 2012– | 145 | ||||||||
Safety
A C3 Picasso Confort variant featuring a single front airbag per seat and a speed limiter, but lacking ESC, was evaluated by Euro NCAP. The assessment encompassed risks of injury to adults and children, protection against whiplash, pedestrian safety, and the presence of safety equipment. While the bumper achieved maximum points, the bonnet offered inadequate pedestrian protection. Inside the cabin, protection for adults and children was rated highly; however, child safety scores were lowered due to the use of forward-facing restraints that posed airbag-related risks. The driver’s seat demonstrated very poor whiplash protection, receiving zero points in two separate tests and losing marks because of the restraint’s positioning. Ultimately, the vehicle attained a four-star rating out of five, trailing behind many comparable models of its time.
Recalls and Watchdog investigation
On 20 June 2010, a recall was issued for 611 UK C3 Picassos manufactured between January and March 2010 due to fuel pipes being routed improperly close to heat shields, which could cause chafing and fuel leaks. Subsequently, on 24 August 2010, all 13,234 UK Picassos were recalled owing to deteriorating windscreen trim that risked detachment and compromised fitment.
In May 2011, a comprehensive recall affected all 24,091 UK C3 Picassos after BBC Watchdog uncovered an issue with unintended brake activation on the passenger side in right-hand-drive models. Although the brake pedal had been shifted to the right, it remained connected to a passenger-side mechanism beneath the carpeting, allowing accidental brake engagement by passengers. Further investigations by Watchdog identified similar faults in other Citroën models as well as certain Renault and Peugeot vehicles dating back to 2002; however, following evaluation by VOSA, no additional recalls were initiated.
On 2 September 2011, another recall involved 8,815 UK Picassos built from January to May 2011 due to a short battery cable that led to gearbox malfunctions and engine stalling; the defective earth return cable was replaced accordingly. Despite these recalls, the C3 Picasso sustained robust sales within the UK market and received numerous accolades.
Reviews
The Citroën C3 Picasso earned commendations for its user-friendly ergonomics, Bauhaus-inspired design language, practicality, and roomy interior. Nonetheless, several reviewers criticized the cabin materials as feeling "cheap." Petrol engine options were frequently described as lacking responsiveness and power, whereas diesel variants garnered more favorable remarks for their smoother operation. The vehicle’s notably tight turning circle was widely praised. Enhanced visibility was attributed to its panoramic three-section windscreen, slender door pillars, and elevated seating position—one reviewer even compared the experience to being inside a greenhouse.
The instrument panel incorporates three distinct displays: one indicating key system statuses; a second managing audio functions; and a third showing the tachometer alongside digital speed and fuel gauges. CNET highlighted the speedometer’s advantageous placement within the driver’s natural line of sight but found the other two screens challenging to read and potentially distracting during driving. Some critiques pointed out insufficient sound insulation that failed to effectively block wind noise. Opinions on engine performance at higher speeds were mixed, while repeated reports emerged concerning freezing issues with the screenwash reservoir in cold weather. The European Car of the Year 2010 reviewer acknowledged the C3 Picasso’s commendable fuel economy but described its steering feedback as "uninspiring."
Awards
In 2008, the UK magazine Top Gear Magazine honored the C3 Picasso as "Family Car of the Year," commending its contemporary styling despite the vehicle not yet being available in the UK market. After its release in 2009, the model garnered several accolades, including "Best MPV" at What Diesel's Car of the Year Awards, "Scottish MPV of the Year" at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards, "Best Supermini MPV" at the Auto Express New Car Awards, and "Design of the Year" at Fleet World Honours. Although it was shortlisted for the European Car of the Year award in 2010, it ultimately ranked seventh. In 2011, a survey conducted by JD Power rated it highest among MPVs with an 83.1% customer satisfaction rate; however, the exterior quality received comparatively lower scores due to issues related to fit and finish.
Advertising
The 2010 commercial titled "DOG," produced by H Suresnes, depicted a dog assembled from various objects that comfortably fit inside the C3 Picasso’s boot, highlighting its generous cargo space. Another promotional effort, "Ghostbusters Reloaded" by Euro RSCG Paris, portrayed futuristic Ghostbusters defeating a large creature made up of luggage and bicycles, which then fit seamlessly into the car’s trunk. This advertisement emphasized the vehicle’s loading capacity with the slogan: "The New Citroën C3 Picasso: The Spacebox."
2012 facelift
Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the 2012 update introduced features such as the new eMyWay SatNav system compatible with an optional reversing camera, LED daytime running lights, and fog lamps equipped with cornering functionality. Exterior modifications included two fresh paint colors—"Pearlescent white" and "Ink blue"—alongside a redesigned front grille featuring Citroën’s latest branding. In Spain, four trim levels were offered, ranging from a 95 bhp (71 kW; 96 PS) VTi Attraction priced at €12,250 to a 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) HDi Exclusive costing €18,475. The facelifted model was subsequently introduced to the UK market in December 2012.
2017 successor
In September 2010, Citroën do Brasil launched the Citroën C3 Aircross, a mini SUV based on the C3 Picasso platform featuring raised suspension, chrome roof rails, side skirts, and a rear-mounted spare wheel aimed at South American consumers.
The official successor was previewed as the C-Aircross Concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show and later released that year as the Citroën C3 Aircross. This model represented Citroën’s transition from MPV styling to an SUV-oriented design, adopting elements from the concept car and establishing a new SUV nomenclature for the brand.
Worldwide sales and production figures
| Year | Production | Sales | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1,600 | 0 | Available only in select European markets for a short duration. |
| 2009 | 91,700 | 86,500 | Official launch across Europe; production scaled up to over 850 units daily. Sales goals of 90,000–100,000 units were not achieved. |
| 2010 | 77,100 | 83,700 | Sales decreased by 3.2%; production reduced by approximately 16% in anticipation of weakened demand amid European economic downturn. |
| 2011 | Template:TBA | 101,612 | Temporary shutdown of Trnava plant due to excess inventory. Overall sales dropped by 13.3%, prompting PSA to evaluate plant closures. |
| 2012 | Template:TBA | 84,700 | |
| 2013 | Template:TBA | 90,000 | |
| 2014 | Template:TBA | 65,300 |
A cumulative total of 657,807 C3 Picasso units were manufactured at the Trnava facility.