The 2.0Hdi Picasso (Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.8 petrol)

Member Name: jusophine

Product:	Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.8 petrol
Date:	01/02/01 (793 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safety, comfort and style, good additional features.

Disadvantages: Not pokey, but whos racing when the family are on board.

24th April 2001 Update; I'm still driving my Picasso. Infact, now I am so used to driving it, I may as well be driving a mini, as it's so easy. I now keep a single pushchair and a tandem in the boot, and STILL have some room for the shopping.

My Picasso has made longer car journey's far more tolerant for myslf and the rest of the family. With the weather now getting milder, I find the air conditioning absolutely wonderful, especially as it's so easy to overheat little ones in the car, and I hate having windows open(well it lets in all that carbon monoxide, not to mention what it does to your Barnet). So, several months down the line, I may hanker for a 2 seater sports car, but I'm still glad we purchased our Picasso, and have no regrets or reasons to grumble.

Here is my original op:

We purchased our 5 door, 2.0L HDi Picasso last November after a lot of looking around and comparing with other MPV makes and models. All the motor magazines pointed us towards the 2 litre diesel model. We have not been disappointed. However don't expect a detailed run down of the merits of the engine ect. All I know is that once filled up, the tank seems to go on for ever!!

As a recent convert to the diesel engine, I have had to get used to the different sound of the engine, and the size of the car(my last car was a nippy 1.6 Saxo VTR), but I may as well be driving my Saxo because the Picasso is really easy to drive. At first it seemed difficult to judge the length of the bonet when parking as more space has been provided inside by a deep dash board, but now it's easy. The cars actual dimensions are; length 4.27m, height, 1.63m, width 1.75m and wheelbase 2.76m. It feel large and roomy inside, but being smaller than say a Ford Galaxy, or Toyota Praevia, is easier to park.


Now, what the women want to know. My kids sit high up affording good views on our travels. There are side airbags for their protection
in the back, and the passenger airbag in the dash can be switched off so that my tiny baby can be in the front. In the back there are fold away tables and drinks can be slotted into them. There are even storage boxes in the floor to store extra baby equipment. The boot is big, 510 litre, I can get my tandem pushchair and all the grocery shopping in there without any problems.


Of course the really important thing to know is what colours does it come in and what are the seats like(well if you're anything like me that is!). We went for Storm grey, a deep metalic grey which looks good with the alloy wheels. Over all the colour range was a little lacking in choice, I felt, but then thats just a matter of taste. The seats are really tasteful velour in cool muted shades and I especially like the arm rests and high up gear stick. I don't even have to move my arm to change gear!


Overall, the Picasso is good to drive, although don't expect any burns at the lights! You feel safe and comfortable and it's many extra features makes it practical for a family with different aged children.


My favourite feature is the satelite navigaton system, it's brilliant, I never have to fear getting lost or looking at maps on the move again, particularly when you have children in the car. The system cost us an extra £750, but it's been money well spent. I've used it at least 20 times already, and saves having to stop to look at maps a long the way, or even more dangerous, having to keep glancing at a map whilst driving. The really clever thing about it, is if having followed the audible directions, you make a mistake, such as one day in central London. The system instantly re-computes and gives you your next instructions, it's impossible to get lost!Well worth the additional expense.

The 2 litre Hdi is as you would expect, more environmentally friendly, and this as an important feature for us when converting to
diesel. CO2 emissions(g/km) are 148 compared to the 1.6i's 187 or even more, the 1.8i 16v's 195.

Well, if you've read this far, you might like to know about a few more facts and figures about the car. So here are some rattled off facts.

Performance(with just driver), maximum speed, 107mph, 0-62mph(sec) 13.1, standing to 400m(sec) 18.8, standing to 1000m(sec) 34.8.

Engine specifications; CC-1997, Hp DIN 90, rpm 4000.

Finally, here is a list of the standard equipment that you can expect from all Picasso models.

-ABS
-Driver,passenger and front lateral airbags.
-Passenger airbag cut off device.
-Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters.
-Side impact protection.
-PAS.
-High frequency remote central locking and transponder immobiliser.
-One touch electric front windows(rear are manual).
-Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
-Digital dashboard and on-board computer, this is great as it can tell you how many more miles you will get from whats left in you're tank if you continue at the speed you are at.
-Date, time and exterior temperature display.
-Maintenance indicator.
-Three individual rear seats with three seatbelts, all are removable and foldable.
-Bottle and can holders in front and rear seats.

Although we certainly didn't go for the most basic model, I believe if we had we would also have been happy. The money we have spent however, was not wasted, and I certainly give a big thumbs up to the Picasso!

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