| Product: |
Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.6 petrol |
| Date: |
06.02.06 (1863 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Spaceous
Disadvantages: None
We have had our 53 plate Citroen Picasso 1.6 for a year now, and I love it!! The first thing that stands out in my eyes is the cool streamline shape. It's different to anything currently on the market, without looking silly.
Before the Picasso I had a Ford KA...so I couldn't have gone from much smaller to much bigger! I was a little worried, coz the front and back seem really long, and I was worried about scraping other cars, walls, etc. But honestly, it's alot easier to judge parking than you think. Like with all cars, you park, then get out and see how much further you could've gone...after a few months of doing this, I can judge the downwards sloping bonnet and boot very well. The windscreen is very large, a bit like being in a bus! But that's another thing I love about this car, great view.
The Picasso is classed as an MPV, and has 5 seats. 2 in the front, and 3 proper full size seats in the rear. The seat belt for the middle rear seat comes from the ceiling of the boot, making it a proper diagonal seatbelt, as opposed to a lap belt. The front seats are really comfortable, and the back seats are slightly harder, but not uncomfortable. The rear seat in the middle can be slid forwards, bringing it closer to the back of the front seats! This could proove to be a handy extra when my child is a little older and wants to be closer to mummy.
I have a childseat in the rear seat and it's is so easy getting my baby in and out. You don't break your back doing this, as the Picasso is higher than standard cars, you can get them in and out with ease. On the floor in the rear there are two concealed storage areas which are covered by floor mats so they can be hidden if required. We keep our service book and owners manual in one, and baby bits in the other.
Another major plus point about the Picasso is the boot space. It is very large, and we have fit a pram, a buggy and shopping in there all at once...with space to spare. It is lovely to have such alot of room. In the boot there is also a fold up trolley thing on wheels, but it's stayed exactly where we found it, so a bit of a useless extra in my eyes. But I'm sure it'd come in handy to some people.
Concentrating on the front of the car again...the steering wheel is height adjustable, and there are CD, radio, volume controls on a stalk coming out from the right side. The dials in this car are digitally displayed on a large LED panel in the middle of the dashboard. They are all very clear to read, and understand without constantly having to consult your handbook. The speedometer is displayed as large figures, which you just have to have a quick glance at while driving to check your speed.
There is another stalk coming out from the right of the steering wheel and this is how you use the digital display. It will show your average speed, how many miles you have left before you need to put fuel in, average mile per gallon , date, which radio station you are tuned into or CD including which track you are listening to. After a few goes, you soon get the hang of it. It is very user friendly, and whichever function you are on, it will display on the LED panel in the middle of the dashboard. Also on the LED panel is the temperature, fuel indicator and the mileage. You can switch the display off if required or dim the brightness. It also displays the outside temperature and warns you of the risk of ice if applicable (which it is doing alot in the last few days! Brrrrr)
There are a few cool little features of this car. E.g.If you have your front windscreen wipers on and you put the gearstick into reverse, the rear windscreen wiper automatically comes on clearing your view from the back window.
This model has air conditioning and electric windows. On the dashboard there is a button which locks all the doors, I do this everytime I get into the car, more out of habit now I suppose. But I find this a comforting feature. As you open the drivers door, there is an option to turn off the passenger airbag so you can put a child seat there. It is simple to do using your key. A light then is permanently on the LED display telling you the passenger airbag is deactivated. The petrol flap is on the drivers side.
In the last couple of weeks I have had a problem starting the car on 3 occasions, but our local Citroen garage are extremely friendly and are hopefully going to get to the bottom of why this is happening ASAP.
Overall, this is an excellent family car and I would recommend to anyone with kids.
A great MPV!
Summary: A spaceous, comfortable, cool looking drive for any family
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