The exterior of the Picasso Desire with its smooth curves and sweeping arch of glass is beautifully compact. Yet step inside and you’re in a vast, comfortable cabin that adapts to almost every need. In typical French style, the Picasso's ride is soft and supple, coping well with urban streets and motorways. However, that means the Citroën midi-MPV is not a car to be hustled through corners, its body roll being pronounced in bends; a trait accentuated when it is fully loaded with people.

Big space
The Xsara Picasso accommodates people like a multi-purpose vehicle and swallows luggage like an estate. Available in petrol and diesel with a wealth of high tech innovations, the Xsara Picasso is one of the most popular and safest choices in its sector.
The 1.6-litre engine makes itself heard if you rev it hard. The 1.8 is quiet but some wind noise filters into the cabin, particularly if you have the full-length sunroof fitted. The 2.0 HDi is extremely smooth.

Value

The Picasso costs are reasonable and all the engines return good fuel economy. Most models should retain around 40% of their original value after three years, although diesel versions perform a little better.
Standard safety features across the range include anti-lock brakes, twin front and side airbags, a trio of three-point seatbelts in the rear and three ISOFIX child-seat mountings. But the Picasso has no deadlocks or alarm.

Console
The Picasso's cabin is filled with simple controls and dials, information being displayed on two LED displays in the centre console. The steering wheel adjusts for height only, resulting in a van-like driving position. The seats are unsupportive.

Versatile
The egg-shaped midi-MPV is very roomy inside, with excellent head and leg space
 for adults front and back. Three separate seats, all with headrests, are provided in the rear. The chairs can be folded and tipped, and are light enough to be simply removed. A folding 'modubox' can also be unclipped from the side and used for shopping.

Safety
The Picasso is reasonably well equipped with electric front windows, remote central locking, twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and air-condition, while  you could to go that little bit extra and upgrade yourself to the ‘Exclusive’, alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and an electric sunroof.