Good: a stylish MPV, lots of room inside

Not so good: just one engine to choose from

When it comes to small MPVs car designers have in the past had a tendency to quickly knock something together and then move along to the next über trendy city car. Citroen on the other hand has bucked the trend with the C3 Picasso and has designed a car that is cool looking. It is quite a clever move because, let's face it, just because you have children doesn't mean you have automatically lost your sense of style, right?

Citroen has maximised space by keeping a boxy profile and simply rounding off the corners. Glance around the inside of the cabin and you notice just how spacious it feels. This is emphasised by the large glass area that drenches the interior in light - and will hopefully give the little ones plenty to look at as the world goes by. From the driver's seat the view is excellent while the glass A-pillar insert greatly reduces a common blind spot.

The use of plastics is extensive on the inside and although they are nicely textured - and are no doubt hard wearing - it did make things feel a little dull, and doesn't quite match up to the Picasso's funky exterior design. A storage bin mounted into the centre of the dashboard is practical for smaller items as is another cubbyhole in the centre console, both of which make up for the tiny glovebox, which seems to be a trait it Citroens these days. Generously sized front and rear doors make access convenient while the large boot has a low floor level, adding to the practical nature of the C3 Picasso.

Just one engine is offered in the C3 Picasso, a 1.6-litre HDi unit that does offer good (official) fuel consumption of 4.2 litres/100km (67mpg) while low emissions of 112g/km result in a road tax cost of just €200 per year. The engine is a little noisy and coarse when driven that bit harder but generally in town driving conditions it is fine. The five-speed gearbox is well matched to the engine, although the gearchange could have a higher quality feel.

Around town the tall C3 Picasso can feel a little bit busy in the suspension department but on motorway driving it stays smooth and refined - as a Citroen should do. The steering is light and has good lock, which makes fitting into those tighter parking spaces that little bit easier. The quirky styling will win many over and makes up for the lack of refinement in other areas.