Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.8i 16V
Picasso is designed and built in such a way that the owner, driver or any user adapts it to needs and wishes. Of course, it is not omnipotent. The measures are a compromise between maneuverability, price and parking space (say, a garage) on the one hand, and interior space on the other. The formula of other manufacturers is so successful that Citroën followed suit. With Picasso, not Pablo.
Fashion matters too. I'm not sure we humans are in desperate need of such a machine; first made, then "invaded the nation", a fashionable thing. But I don't mean to say it's useless.
In its own way, Picasso is very useful. Removing and installing the rear seats is not the easiest task, as the seats are not light, so many ladies can trip. But from the second type, you can remove each one separately or any two or all three. There should be no shortage of space now. Of course, I am talking about the luggage compartment and, conditionally, if the things are not completely dirty, about the cargo.
Picasso will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone for his characteristic caliber; because of their design and because of their location. Right in the middle of the dash, somewhere above and below the integrated sun visor, they have good and bad sides. Man has long discovered that analog meters are the most readable, that is, they take the least time to read, while Picasso has digital ones.
The screens are large, but there is little information; there is no tachometer, the radio receiver and the on-board computer must be exchanged in the same room. Good? Regardless of how you adjust the seat and steering wheel, you will always see clearly on the gauges. Matter of habit? Of course! A few days after I stopped hanging out with Picasso, my eyes searched for gauges in the middle of the dashboard in another car.
The Picasso is designed to be the most exemplary family car possible. Useful.
Soft seats are a French trademark, high seats are a result of the body design, uncomfortable headrests are found in other Citroëns, low outside mirrors make tight parking difficult, and you even see the instrument panel in the window during the day and only a large red light at night. The trademark of such cars also becomes an unnatural seating position, which causes more displacement of the seat, and then it is difficult to reach the top of the softly mounted steering wheel. Useful? A lot of people do not complain about it or just get used to it.
Least of all problems with the spaciousness of the seats. The seats are not luxurious in size, but they are comfortable and the space around them is commendably large. In the back, where I see snoring most of all, and not only them, there are two tables on the backs of the seats and two rather large drawers below. Keep everything in order. There is also a storage trolley in the trunk. This makes it useful so that it can be attached even when unfolded and even full. There's another 12V outlet in the back and I just don't have the most reasonable explanation for the two-stage tailgate opening. But Picasso has it.
Only the engine, which is not marked with any markings on the exterior of this sedan, is what makes this test car significantly different from the previous Picassos. The cold 1-liter four-cylinder does not dare to start for the first half a minute, and the combination with the control electronics did not work; in the gentle addition and subtraction of gas it is sometimes grossly ugly cuka. Otherwise, however, it is significantly more suitable for this weight and aerodynamics than the 8-liter; Except for starting, there is enough torque for a comfortable ride (Picasso does not want to be a sports car), so it will be friendly both in the city and when overtaking outside the city.
The power is enough to pull a little more extra weight, i.e. passengers and / or luggage, and at the same time it can maintain a decent speed. The gearbox is quite long, so fifth gear is designed more for constant speed than acceleration, but top speed is reached right in fifth gear. Not much, but a little bit of good aerodynamics and good sound insulation are to blame for the fact that this Picasso is pretty decently quiet while driving, since the wind gusts are insignificant.
The engine sounds stronger at higher rpms, but you can easily avoid them in favor of a quiet ride. It is better to avoid high revs altogether, since the engine does not like them, the consumption increases noticeably, and if you can "escape", a very coarse ignition switch interferes with the work. I don’t know how fast, since Picasso doesn’t have a tachometer.
Some distrust is caused by the gearbox, the lever of which allows rather unusual movements even when the gear is engaged, but it is very convenient there, in the middle of the dashboard. True, during the trial, he showed no signs of disobedience.
A riddle called Xsara Picasso turns to blood after a thousand kilometers. It will make a good car if you use it for its intended purpose. It doesn't eat up your nerves, it saves time. Not at all like the riddle from the introduction.
Vinko Kernc
Photo: Urosh Potocnik.
Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.8i 16V
Basic data
| Sales: | Citroën Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 15.259,14 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 85kW (117 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 12,2 with |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,7l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder — 4-stroke — in-line — petrol — transversely mounted at the front — cylinder bore and stroke 82,7 × 81,4 mm — displacement 1749 cm3 — compression 10,8: 1 — maximum power 85 kW (117 hp) at 5500 rpm — maximum torque 160 Nm at 4000 rpm — crankshaft in 5 bearings — 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) — 4 valves per cylinder — electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition — liquid cooling 6,5 l — engine oil 4,25 l — adjustable catalytic converter |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | Engine drives front wheels - 5-speed synchronized transmission - gear ratio I. 3,454 1,869; II. 1,360 hrs; III. 1,051 hrs; IV. 0,795 hrs; V. 3,333; reverse 4,052 - differential 185 - tires 65/15 R XNUMX H (Michelin Energy) |
| Capacity: | maximum speed 190 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 12,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,8 / 5,9 / 7,7 l per 100 km (unleaded gasoline, primary school 95) |
| Transportation and suspension: | 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspensions, spring legs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer, rear individual suspensions, longitudinal guides, torsion bars, horizontally mounted telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - dual-circuit brakes, front disc (forced cooling) rear drum, power steering, ABS - steering wheel with toothed rack, power steering |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1245 kg - permissible gross weight 1795 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1300 kg, without brake 655 kg - permissible roof load 80 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 4276 mm - width 1751 mm - height 1637 mm - wheelbase 2760 mm - track front 1434 mm, rear 1452 mm - ground clearance 12,0 m |
| Inner dimensions: | length 1700 mm -1540 mm — width 1480/1510 mm — height 970-920 / 910 mm — longitudinal 1060-880 / 980-670 mm — fuel tank 55 l |
| Box: | (normal) 550-1969 l |
Our measurements
| T = 22 ° C, p = 1022 mbar, rel. vl. = 42% | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 12,3s |
|---|---|
| 1000m from the city: | 35,4 years ( 144 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 190km / h (V.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 10,3l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 12,8 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 41,8m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 58dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
evaluation
Among the petrol options, this engine in the Xsara Picasso is without a doubt more than just the best choice. The heavy weight and the front surface require a little more performance, which for family purposes this engine perfectly matches, only the fuel consumption deserves more indignation. Otherwise, Picasso is quite unique in form and design, so it deserves consideration.
We praise and reproach
distinctive and recognizable appearance
quiet interior
good visibility
efficient wipers
useful stuff
trolley in the trunk
engine creak
uncomfortable pillows
low door mirrors
reflection in the windshield
fuel consumption at high speeds
