C3 PICASSO: Citroen’s “magic box”

The new-generation C3 Picasso MPV will be making its public debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show and appearing in showrooms in first-quarter 2009.

The C3 Picasso bears all the hallmark creativity of Citroen and stands out with its bold styling and innovative architecture. Its cabin is astonishingly airy and spacious considering its compact exterior dimensions.

And the newcomer's modular design is as intuitive as it is easy to use, making it tremendously versatile for all lifestyles and travelling needs. Powered by a range of efficient, economical and low-pollution engines, the C3 Picasso also brings pleasure-seeking drivers all the verve and agility they could wish for.

The C3 Picasso's size, intelligent design and bubbly spirit make it more than a simple MPV; a more apt description would be "magic box".

Produced at the Trnava plant in Slovakia to the tune of 110,000 units a year, it is set to become a key model in the segment, following in the footsteps of big sisters C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, the best-selling MPVs in Europe in 2008.

Devilish charm

Citroen has skilfully played off the opposing qualities of round vs. square, strength vs. charm, modernity vs. retro, and large volume vs. flowing lines to design a vehicle with breakthrough styling and an appealing, impish personality. The C3 Picasso's pure and functional body styling expresses its fundamental purpose: passenger comfort at all times in all situations.

Small outside, big inside

With its innovative architecture, the C3 Picasso conjures a cavernous interior out of a compact exterior.  Measuring 4.08 m long, 1.73 m wide and 1.62 m tall, it has a surprisingly short front end and a strictly vertical back. These original proportions offer all passengers an incredible amount of room.  The boot is equally capacious.  With 500 litres under the parcel shelf with all five seats in place, it sets a new standard in the segment.

Making life easier

The C3 Picasso redefines user-friendliness with its intuitive modular design that can optimise interior space in record time. The split-fold rear seats slide independently over 150 mm for the comfort of all passengers, whatever their shape or size. The seats can be folded away with one hand in one simple movement using a control on the upper part of the rear seats. Combined with a mobile boot floor, this function provides a completely flat load surface right up to the seatbacks in row one. Load length can be further extended – to over 2.41 m – by folding the back of the front passenger seat down into desk position.

Bubble of light

C3 Picasso drivers and passengers are blessed with a panoramic view of the world. The driving position offers unrivalled peripheral vision thanks to the innovative, three-part windscreen with slim pillars and to the high-set seating position that gives drivers a commanding view of the road. Wrapped in a striking glass envelope, the cabin is flooded with light. Total glazed area is an impressive 4.52 m2 with the panoramic roof. The restful feel onboard is boosted further by particularly comfortable seats and excellent sound insulation. And the C3 Picasso's consummate quality and reliability make travelling a relaxing pleasure for all occupants.

More than an MPV, a real driver's car

C3 Picasso drivers get a whole new experience of driving pleasure that sets a new standard in the segment. The car's compact dimensions and tight turning circle make it incredibly agile and able to dodge obstacles with ease. The C3 Picasso has a vehicle attitude worthy of a saloon, bringing drivers complete peace of mind in all driving conditions. The C3 Picasso is also fitted with a range of high-performance, economical engines.  It will ship with two new-generation petrol units – the VTi 95 and VTi 120 – and two diesels, the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS, renowned for their driving pleasure and efficiency.

CO2 emissions are among the lowest in its category, making the C3 Picasso a vehicle with real respect for the environment. When the vehicle is shod with 16-inch tyres, which will be the case on most versions, the two HDi engines emit 125 and 130 g of CO2 per km. Both engines carry the Airdream® eco-label. Most of the vehicles with petrol engines achieve similar aims, with market-best emission levels of below 160 g.

C3 PICASSO

Bold styling for a new approach to volume

Generous and attractive styling Pure and functional object

Small outside, big inside

Exterior designed to boost versatility Maximum roominess for more freedom of movement Record-breaking boot size

Multiform

Comprehensive and intuitive modularity Ingenious storage

Bubble of light

Panoramic view commanding the road Driving position for enhanced on-road experience Impeccable seating comfort Acoustic comfort worthy of the segment above Top-level quality for pleasure and peace of mind

An enchanting drive

Roadholding worthy of a saloon High-performance, economical engines with minimal environmental impact Class-beating safety features

BOLD STYLING FOR A NEW APPROACH TO VOLUME

The C3 Picasso stands out with its breakthrough styling. The new model's body design immediately tells the onlooker about its personality and myriad charms.

Generous and attractive styling

The first thing people notice is the car's looks. Its cube shape suggests generous cabin space while the rounded forms soften the whole. With its unique styling, the C3 Picasso joins the long and illustrious list of big-personality Citroens.

The C3 Picasso's short overhang front and rear reveals the importance placed on the cabin and make it remarkably compact and easy to handle.

The reassuring and charming front end has a distinctive, imposing bonnet and high-set, "smiling" headlamps. The ensemble conveys robustness and agility.

The verticality of the rear end reflects the quest for optimum boot size.

The C3 Picasso is a new breed of MPV with an appealing, impish personality.

Pure and functional object

The lines of the C3 Picasso exude a sense of purity. The body also expresses fluidity, with smooth, rolling shapes. Every detail fits seamlessly into the overall design, a perfect example being the rear lights.

This purity immediately conveys the vehicle's main character traits, namely robustness and agility, power and driving pleasure, roominess and comfort. These qualities are suggested outside and served up inside.

The opulent cabin is strong on perceived quality, setting the C3 Picasso apart from its rivals in the segment. Perceived quality is evident in the ultra-soft dashboard surface materials and the thoughtfully designed decors, including the stowage compartments, and also in the layout of the graining.

SMALL OUTSIDE, BIG INSIDE

The innovative architecture of the C3 Picasso conjures a spacious cabin out of a compact exterior, making it a practical, comfortable and welcoming vehicle.

Exterior designed to boost versatility

The C3 Picasso's dimensions – 4.08 m long, 1.73 wide and 1.62 m high – confirm its versatility in use.

The car is the result of a new step forward in body design, one in which the roomy and versatile shapes of an MPV meld with those of an SUV, for more motoring pleasure and freedom. Like the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, it challenges received notions in the compact MPV segment that is often seen as too staid.

The C3 Picasso's remarkably compact design makes it perfect for city use without compromising cabin space.  Citroen achieved this balancing trick through the vertical shape at the back, which gives drivers a good feel for the dimensions of the car and thus make it easier to park and manoeuvre in tight urban spaces. A tight turning circle of 10.3 m kerb-to-kerb is also a priceless asset in cities.

Maximum roominess for more freedom of movement

A 2.54-m wheelbase and totally vertical rear give the C3 Picasso standard-setting cabin length and height.

But more than anything, it is the interior architecture that ensures this unrivalled roominess. Cabin length totals 1,663 mm – one of the best scores in the segment. The high-set seats (370 mm in the front) free up a considerable amount of foot space for passengers in the back. Space for back seat passengers is boosted most of all by the use of slim seat backs and bases.  Cabin length in the C3 Picasso rivals with that of a number of MPVs in the segment above. Knee room is bountiful even with the rear bench moved forward, while rear seat-base-to-ceiling room, at 122 mm, is equally impressive. Elbow room front and rear is best-in-segment, at 1.43 m and 1.40 m, respectively.

Record-breaking boot size

The C3 Picasso's standard-setting cabin space in no way impinges on boot size. Quite the opposite: boot volume is 500 litres VDA under the parcel shelf with all five seats up, making it the biggest in the segment. And with the rear bench down, this figure increases to 1,506 litres!

The boot also ships with an optional, dual-function portable flash light. Built into the boot wall – where it functions as a boot light – it can also be used as a hand-held torch. With an operating autonomy of 45 minutes, it recharges on its base when the engine is running.

MULTIFORM

More than simply versatile, the C3 Picasso is malleable, a concentrate of ingenious design: "adapting in an instant to our lifestyles and our needs".

Comprehensive and intuitive modularity

The C3 Picasso's comprehensive, easy-to-use and intuitive modular design eliminates day-to-day constraints one by one.

Breakthrough modularity in the back

The rear seats slide back and forth over 150 mm to increase boot volume or leg room in the rear. The seats split fold 60:40 and are entirely independent. They can be folded down with one hand in one simple movement using controls on the upper part of the seatback. This user-friendly function can also be controlled from the boot and is independent for both parts of the rear bench. To fold down, the seat slides back automatically and simultaneously.

Removable boot floor for a flat loading surface

The removable boot floor, an ingenious addition to the car's overall versatility, can be positioned easily at two different levels:

- In the high position it is level with the boot sill, making loader easier on drivers' backs. With the rear bench folded down, the loading surface is totally flat right up to the back of row one. Magnetic flaps fitted in the backs of the rear seats extend the flat surface between the bench and the boot floor. Whatever the positions of the seats, the three-part luggage cover entirely conceals the boot contents. The cover can also be stored under the boot floor.

- In the low position, the removable boot floor boosts load volume.

Even more versatility with the Voyage Pack

With the Voyage Pack, available as an option according to trim level, the front passenger seat back folds into desk position to increase load length to among the best in the class. Once again, the folding function is a one-movement, trouble-free affair, using an ergonomic control on the upper part of the seat back. With the seat back folded forward and the rear bench down, load length jumps to 2.41 m between the boot sill and the dashboard.

The Voyage Pack also boasts a ski flap. This feature has two parts: the first, fit snug in the seat back, folds away to provide a two-part cubbyhole, perfect for, say, a DVD player; the second part comes in the shape of a flap for transporting long objects, even in four-seater configuration. The Pack also includes aircraft-style trays, with reading lights and cupholders.

Ingenious storage

The C3 Picasso is also unique in terms of its innovative and practical stowage compartments.

The glove box is one of the largest in the segment at 9 litres, big enough for a 1.5-litre bottle of water, for example.  It features a dampened closing mechanism and is ventilated on air-conditioned models.

The C3 Picasso has two useful and distinctive pen holders, for the driver and front passenger.  Located on the lower left part of the dashboard, the driver's penholder is perfect for small objects such as badges or remote controls.  The passenger gets a larger penholder spanning the width of the glovebox door. Both are finished with attractive and functional non-slip trim and feature subtle, 3D graining available in a range of colours according to trim level.

The driver's station features another cubbyhole in the upper centre of the dashboard with a push-pull cover, dampened opening and soft-paint finish.

Further storage spaces include a cupholder, stowage flaps, map holders and boot stowage. The C3 Picasso has a place for each object and passenger.

BUBBLE OF LIGHT

Driving pleasure is back in style at the wheel of the C3 Picasso. Drivers get unrivalled visibility and the cabin feels like a real bubble of light, open to the outside world and strong on comfort.

Panoramic view commanding the road

The driver's position provides immense peripheral visibility thanks to a three-part panoramic windscreen that until now has only equipped upper-range MPVs. The windscreen design allows for slimmer A pillars with a significant reduction in binocular vision obstruction. The driver's panoramic and unobstructed view boosts front three-quarter vision and brings a substantial improvement in safety. The C3 Picasso's ultra-slim A pillars generate a side vision angle of 29.5°, the best in the segment. This angle encompasses front quarter-lights that are particularly wide at the base. Upward visibility is equally impressive, opening up to 26°.

Flowing seamlessly on from the windscreen, the panoramic glass roof, available as an option, floods the cabin with light. At 1,208 mm long and 818 mm wide, it brings an incredibly airy feel for all passengers. All told, including the three-part windscreen, the side windows, the tailgate window and the panoramic glass roof, the C3 Picasso boasts a total glazed surface area of 4.52 m2. An ideal combination of technical creativity and comfort. Driving position for enhanced on-road experience

Instrument cluster focused on the driver and on passengers

The C3 Picasso has a "wink" shaped instrument cluster that perfectly sums up the C3 Picasso's philosophy, combining driving pleasure and good times on-board.

The instrument cluster is positioned on the central axis of the vehicle in classic MPV-style so that all passengers have access to cabin information. But the C3 Picasso's instrument cluster is also turned slightly toward the driver, who benefits from a special area on the cluster resembling a translucent eye. This area groups information linked directly to driving – including the speedometer and cruise control/speed limiter – in the driver's line of sight.

Practical controls and adjustments

As with the instrument cluster, the ergonomic design of the controls enhances the driving experience. The dashboard-mounted gearstick is exactly where the driver wants it to be, while all versions of the C3 Picasso are fitted as standard with height-adjustable driver's seats, while the steering column is height- and reach-adjustable.

Driving aids

The C3 Picasso features a range of driving aids that enhance pleasure at the wheel by making driving easier and safer. It can be fitted with rear parking assist, which activates automatically when the car is put into reverse. And from the second trim level, the C3 Picasso ships as standard with a cruise control/speed limiter.

MyWay, a new integrated navigation solution

Citroen's new integrated navigation system, MyWay, features a comprehensive range of functions at an attractive price. The new audio and multimedia system comprises integrated colour navigation, an MP3/WMA-compatible audio CD player and a Bluetooth® hands-free kit.

The new burglar-proof system comes with a wide, 7-inch colour screen for optimum visibility. It features complete Europe mapping and can be displayed in 2D or perspective mode to make itineraries easier to read. Also, map data is stored on an SD memory card, making the MP3/WMA-compatible CD player 100% available for audio functions. And for ever longer music lists, mobile media players can be connected to the auxiliary jack, or to the USB socket for those who select the USB Box option.

Impeccable seating comfort

The C3 Picasso offers the finest levels in comfort through a combination of comfortable seating and roominess. The front seats have been slimmed down to increase cabin room but offer excellent support with their pronounced and inviting contour. Seat backs and bases provide consummate comfort. Drivers get a range of adjustment possibilities to find the position that best suits their frame and driving style. The steering wheel has a travel distance of 40 mm (height and reach). The front seats slide back and forth over 170 mm and can be raised and lowered by 60 mm. The rear seatbacks can be positioned at 23° or 28°.

Acoustic comfort worthy of the segment above

Designers paid special attention to the acoustics of the C3 Picasso. The result is excellent sound insulation. Engine noise was dampened by fitting absorbent materials in the engine compartment – against the bulkhead and the scuttle aperture, for example.  Soundproofing was mostly done at the source and the emphasis was placed on the tone of the noise, in particular on limiting high pitch sounds. Citroen also took great care in sealing the vehicle body. It fitted high-performance inflated inserts in the tiniest nooks and crannies of the vehicle structure and double sealed all opening surrounds. In addition, all the quarter-lights and door windows on all versions of the C3 Picasso are 3.85 mm thick, compared with 3.15 mm for most of the competition. This technology brings an immediately perceptible cut in outside noise.

Top-level quality for pleasure and peace of mind

From design through to industrial production, the main focus with the C3 Picasso was on quality. Because passenger pleasure hinges on irreproachable reliability and overall quality.

Robust design

The C3 Picasso fully benefits from the platform policy. It uses a number of powertrain components and the electronic architecture of the most recent platform 1 models of the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. Endurance tests were conducted in laboratories to verify the reliability of the car and the visual quality of the materials used. Lengthy test drives were made to check performance in customer use conditions. The C3 Picasso will have driven nearly four million kilometres by launch, in a range of latitudes and extreme driving conditions, for guaranteed top-level quality.

Adapted industrial site and manufacturing system

The C3 Picasso is manufactured at PSA Peugeot Citroen's Trnava plant. Opened in October 2006, Trnava is ISO 9001-certified and features the most recent technologies in stamping, body assembly, paintwork and final assembly.

The C3 Picasso also benefits from the comprehensive set of policies in the new PSA Manufacturing System. Implemented from the beginning of the launch phase and industrial development, this system generates the highest of standards and swift, pro-active responses to the slightest problem. The Manufacturing System also rationalises investments, with a constant focus on simplicity and efficiency.

AN ENCHANTING DRIVE

Citroen has chanelled the best of its technological expertise into the C3 Picasso. Outclassing the on-road performance of rival MPVs, it delivers driving pleasure, close to that of saloons from further up the market. For a smooth, comfortable and relaxing drive.

Roadholding worthy of a saloon

The C3 Picasso keeps an excellent vehicle attitude at all times and boasts precise roadholding, thanks to efficient running gear providing the best compromise between ride comfort and roadholding in all driving conditions. The MacPherson-type front suspension features lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension has a flexible transverse beam. Its dimensions and stiffness provide excellent driving sensations. Depending on the level of trim and the engine, the C3 Picasso ships with 15-inch wheels and 195/60 R15 Michelin Energy Saver tyres, 16-inch wheels with 195/55 R16 Michelin Energy Savers, or 17-inch wheels with 205/45 R17 Michelin Pilot Exalto 2.

Variable-assistance power steering is fitted as standard. Power assistance is linked to engine speed and steering wheel angle, providing the right amount of feel for each driving situation. Steering is firmer at high engine speeds for increased safety and lighter at low engine speeds for easy manoeuvring.

The C3 Picasso boasts high-level active safety, with exceptionally surefooted road manners and a high-performance braking system. A full range of electronic driving aids spring into action when the situation gets delicate. Fitted as standard on the C3 Picasso, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are backed up by emergency brake assist and automatic hazard warning lights. ESP is also available as an option. If the vehicle loses grip, this function automatically puts it back on course and limits wheel skid with the ASR traction control system.

High-performance, economical engines with minimal environmental impact

The C3 Picasso is available with a range of engines that meet the needs of MPV customers looking for a car that is as agile in the city as it is relaxed on long-distance journeys.  Citroen narrowed the choice of engines down to a range with perfect fit, comprising:

Two diesel units carrying Citroen's Airdream signature, given to the vehicles in the range with the best environmental credentials:

HDi 90: this unit develops maximum power of 66 kW EEC (90 bhp EEC) and torque of 215 Nm at 1,750 rpm. It has a capacity of 1,560 cm3 and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 16-inch-wheel version emits an impressively low 125 g/km of CO2 over a combined cycle.

HDi 110 DPFS: this engine is fitted as standard with a particulate filter (DPFS). With 1,560 cm3 capacity and a 16 valve cylinder head, it develops 80 kW EEC (109 bhp EEC) and torque of 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm. Torque can be bumped up to 260 Nm with the "overboost" function that increases turbo pressure for short periods. Mated to a 5-speed manual, this engine emits 130 g/km of CO2 (with 16-inch tyres over a combined cycle).

Two petrol units from the new-generation of petrol engines developed in partnership with BMW:

VTi 95: with a 1,397 cm3 capacity, this entry-level powerplant is mated to a 5?speed transmission with optimised gear ratios. Maximum horsepower is 70 kW EEC (95 bhp EEC) and maximum torque 135 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

VTi 120: this responsive and efficient engine already complies with the future Euro 5 pollution standards. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It has a capacity of 1,598 cm3 and develops 88 kW EEC (120 bhp EEC) at a speed of 6,000 rpm, for maximum torque of 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm. Class-beating safety features

Active restraint systems

The C3 Picasso is equipped with effective restraint systems for all occupants, with all the seatbelts featuring three anchor points. The seatbelts at the front are height adjustable. They are fitted as standard with pyrotechnic pretensioners in the reel belt, which keeps the occupant's chest in place on detection of impact, and a force limiter system. Models further up the range ship with a second pretensioner with belt return to limit the forward movement of the pelvis in the event of impact.

All five seats are equipped with a system to ensure that seatbelts are attached. Available according to trim level, this system warns the driver with visual and sound signals. It is a highly efficient surveillance method, particularly when checking the seatbelts of children in the back.

Up to six airbags

C3 Picasso drivers get a front airbag as standard and, according to market, a side airbag. To these are added a retractable steering column to protect the driver's knees and shins.

Front passengers also get a front airbag (which can be deactivated for child seats) and a side airbag. And for the protection of all occupants, the C3 Picasso is available with two curtain airbags integrated in the roof frame.

Top-level child safety

For optimised child seat attachment, the C3 Picasso is fitted as standard with two Isofix anchor points in the two rear side seats.

An open-door indicator is located on the central screen of the instrument cluster.

The C3 Picasso also ships with an electric child safety system combining automatic locking on the rear doors and electric rear windows. In addition, the two front passengers can check on kids in the back using a special child mirror positioned above the interior rearview mirror.