Citroen C3 Picasso Review
Published: 9th June 2009
Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 Picasso's driver and front passenger have more sporty seats than those in the back. These are well bolstered and equally as comfortable but only the driver's has height-adjustment, no matter which of the three trim levels is chosen. In the test car, the seats were fabric covered in black and silver, with the matching door panels, which was jolly but subtle. Alternatively, part leather-part Alcantara covering is an option on the Exclusive model, at £350.
In front of the driver is the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and behind that is simply dashboard -the instruments are positioned in digital display in the centre of the dashboard, in an elongated pod. Alongside the translucent instrument cluster is smaller display screen for the audio system and next to that sits the bank of warning lights. It is well laid out and easy to read whilst on the move.
In front of this nacelle is a broad basin, within which is a CD-sized, lidded bin, which also houses the air-freshener. The Citroen C3 Picasso test car had air-conditioning but the Exclusive adds automatic digital, dual-zone air-conditioning and is also the only version with powered rear windows.
The dashboard is in two distinct layers and the shallow top section, which is covered in a wavy, soft-touch material, rolls downward at the point where the air vents are positioned, to meet the lower section. In front of the passenger at this point, is a long, silvered scoop for oddments or pens and on the right side of the driver, there is a smaller tray. Personally, I think that they are more decorative than useful. The glovebox is equally so, being little more than a slim panel, however this does allow plenty of knee-room for the front passenger who has a storage tray under his seat as a substitute.
The Citroen C3 Picasso's centre console is set high and houses the comfort controls, a slim, open storage area and the audio controls for the MP3-compatible, RDS radio/CD. This comes with an AUX socket but the USB optionadds £85. Further back, where the console tapers to a rounded halt, is the gear-shift with a short-throw lever. It is at just the right height for easy, relaxed changes, although the non-optional, 5-speed manual 'box is a little notchy.
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