Used Citroen C3 Picasso for sale near Bristol

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 48.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 130
Average Price: Around £4,400

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good looking for a mini-MPV	Reliability can be an issue, especially with the diesels
Spacious and versatile interior	You'll be lucky to get near the official economy figures
Comfortable to travel in, easy to drive	The EGS gearbox is jerky

Quick Summary

The Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) is a distinctive mini-MPV that maximises interior volume through its tall, van-like body whilst maintaining a supermini-sized footprint. It offers class-leading cabin and boot space, with the boot larger than a Volkswagen Golf and up to 500 litres available with the sliding rear seat pushed forward. The high-mounted seats provide excellent headroom and legroom, whilst the 60/40 split bench seat slides fore and aft to increase boot space or offer limo-level legroom. The front passenger seat backrest also folds flat on some models, accommodating items up to 2.41 metres long.

Citroën prioritised comfort and ease of driving over dynamic handling, resulting in a soft ride and light steering ideal for urban driving and parking. The petrol engine range includes a 95bhp 1.4-litre, a more capable 120bhp 1.6-litre, and a later 110bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech. Diesel options feature 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesels with 90bhp or 110bhp. Servicing intervals are reasonable, and main dealer costs are generally affordable. However, reliability can be problematic, particularly with diesel models, and real-world fuel economy often falls short of official claims. As a used buy, the C3 Picasso offers exceptional value for families seeking a practical, stylish, and characterful vehicle.

Best for: Families seeking space and practicality with style, those prioritising comfort and ease of driving, and buyers wanting a distinctive alternative to conventional family cars.

Not ideal for: Those requiring bulletproof reliability, drivers expecting official fuel economy figures, or buyers seeking engaging driving dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C3 Picasso if: You're seeking space and practicality with distinctive style, prioritise comfort and ease of driving, or want a characterful alternative to conventional family cars.

Consider alternatives if: You require bulletproof reliability, expect official fuel economy figures, or seek engaging driving dynamics.

Competitive Position: The Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) is a masterpiece of packaging, offering supermini dimensions with family-car practicality and genuine style. Whilst the Ford B-Max edges ahead on expert rating and the Hyundai Santa Fe offers more premium appeal, the C3 Picasso delivers exceptional value with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and ease of driving. Its distinctive design and versatile layout make it an excellent choice for families and those seeking a practical yet characterful vehicle. Reliability concerns and real-world fuel economy shortfalls are worth considering, but for budget-conscious buyers prioritising space and comfort, the C3 Picasso remains a compelling proposition.

Read our full Citroën C3 Picasso Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.