Manufacturer Citroën Body style 5-door MPV | Class Compact MPV (M) Layout FF layout | |
 | ||
Production 1999–2008 (France)
2000–present (Egypt)
2001–2012 (Brazil)
2000–2010 (United Kingdom)
1999–2012 (Spain)
2000–2010 (China) Assembly Vigo, Spain (Vigo PSA Factory)
Cairo, Egypt (AAV)
Porto Real, Brazil (Citroën Brazil)
Wuhan, China (DPCA)
Rennes, France (PSA Rennes Plant) | ||
The Citroën Xsara Picasso was a 5-door compact MPV produced by Citroën from 1999 to 2010. The model was facelifted in 2004 with modifications to the front and rear design, changing from black bumpers to colour-matched paint with bright-inserts and painted sidestrips, known as Picasso 2. From 2007 a new shape was introduced, known as C4 Picasso.
Contents
At the time of its release, two trim levels were available, LX and SX, with a choice of three four-cylinder engines; a 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrols, and a 2.0 Litre HDI diesel engine, all shared with the smaller Citroën Xsara. A new 1.6 HDI diesel version with improved fuel efficiency was launched as part of the revised range in 2004.
Later designations were 'Desire', 'VTR', and the range-topping 'Exclusive' trim level, some with electric glass sunroof, was introduced to the UK market in late 2000. On all models, the front seat-backs have fold-down tables, and the rear seats can be removed to create extensive internal space for transportation of bulky items similar to a small van.
Specifications
The 1.6 HDi diesel engine was introduced in 2004. It has 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS) and produces 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) torque with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km.
Sales and production
On 22 March 2007 Autotrader reviewed the Xsara Picasso, calling it the most popular MPV in the UK "thanks to a combination of practicality and affordability". Since 2001 the Xsara Picasso has been assembled at PSA plant in Vigo, Spain.
South America
Since 2001 the Xsara Picasso was produced in Porto Real, Brazil for the Latin American market, where it is the top selling vehicle in its class. The model was restyled again in 2007 in China and South America, with the grille adopting wide chrome bars
Name
The Picasso name was licensed from the family of Pablo Picasso, which created significant international publicity at the time of the car's launch as not all the Picasso family were happy with the association of the artist's name with a car when his granddaughter Marina attempted to sue her uncle Claude in 1999.
Pablo Picasso was originally linked with Citroën in the 1960s when he painted a Citroën DS with "The wreaths of Peace".