Citroën Xsara Picasso
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën Xsara (platform) |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Vigo , Spain |
Area served | Worldwide, including Europe, South America, China |
| Products | Compact MPV |
The Citroën Xsara Picasso is a compact MPV with five doors and seating for five passengers, manufactured by Citroën between 1999 and 2012. Its design is derived from the platform used by the Xsara hatchback.
Trim levels
When it debuted in December 1999 (June 2000 in the UK), the model was available in two trims: LX and SX. Subsequent offerings expanded to include 'Desire', 'VTX', and the premium 'Exclusive' trim, some of which were equipped with an electric glass sunroof. Every version featured foldable tables attached to the front seats and rear seats that could be removed, allowing for adaptable cargo capacity similar to that of a small van.
2004 update
The 2004 refresh brought redesigned bumpers and upgraded engines, with all trims receiving body-coloured bumpers as standard equipment. Even after the launch of the C4 Picasso in late 2006, the Xsara Picasso continued to serve as a more affordable alternative until production ceased in 2010, with sales extending in certain markets until 2012.
Powertrains
The Xsara Picasso was offered with petrol engine options of 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 litres—the latter paired exclusively with an automatic transmission—as well as diesel variants of 1.6 and 2.0 litres. From 2004 onwards, the diesel lineup was replaced by a single 1.6-litre unit. Most engines shared components with those found in the smaller Citroën Xsara, except for the 1.6-litre diesel.
| Model | Engine type | Displacement | Output | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
Maximum speed | Template:CO2 emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i | I4 | 1587 cc | 65 kW (87 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 135 N⋅m (100 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm | 15.0 s | 110 mph (170 km/h) | 187 |
| 1.6i | I4 | 1587 cc | 69 kW (93 hp) at 5,700 rpm | 135 N⋅m (100 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm | 15.0 s | 106 mph (171 km/h) | 178 |
| 1.6i | I4 | 1587 cc | 80 kW (110 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 147 N⋅m (108 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 15.0 s | 110 mph (180 km/h) | 172 |
| '1.8i' | 'Straight-four engine I4' | '1749 cc' | '85 kW (114 hp) at 5,500 rpm' | '160 N⋅m (120 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm' | '12.2 s' | '120 mph (190 km/h)' | '187' |
| '2.0i' | 'Straight-four engine I4' | '1997 cc' | '100 kW (130 hp) at 6,000 rpm' | '190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) at 4,100 rpm' | '10.9 s' | '119 mph (192 km/h)' | '207' |
Sales and production
On 22 March 2007, Auto Trader recognized the Xsara Picasso as the leading MPV in the UK market, highlighting its combination of utility and cost-effectiveness. Between 1999 and 2010, the vehicle was manufactured at the PSA facility located in Vigo, Spain.
South America
Production of the Xsara Picasso began in Porto Real, Brazil in 2001, focusing on the Latin American market where it held a top position in sales within its segment for some time. In December 2002, Citroën do Brasil introduced a special edition named the Xsara Picasso Etoile to celebrate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's presidential win. The model underwent a redesign in 2007 for both China and South American markets, incorporating a grille with broad chrome slats.
Name
The Picasso name was officially licensed from the family of Pablo Picasso, attracting considerable global attention upon release due to differing opinions among his heirs; notably, his granddaughter Marina initiated legal action against her uncle Claude in 1999 concerning the name's usage. The connection between Pablo Picasso and Citroën dates back to the 1960s when he created artwork on a Citroën DS entitled "The wreaths of Peace".