CITROEN has made functional family cars something of a forté in recent years with models like the C4 and Grand C4 Picasso and Berlingo proving to be very popular.

Always an innovator, Citroen has ensured these models all show signs of the kind of original thinking families can appreciate and the French manufacturer’s C3 Picasso is the most successful interpretation of the formula yet.

With a new platform to build on, Citroen pulled out all the stops to give it a distinctive look that, with its boxy back end, is admittedly not going to win universal praise.

This Tardis-like car, which measures only five inches more in length than the Ford Fiesta, is capable of load-carrying feats that on first view do not seem possible.

That’s largely down to an old design trick in which the rear half of the car is cube-like to provide maximum storage space but the front end is a sloping squat affair.

With one eye on practicality and the other on flair, Citroen has produced highly practical family car that’s agile and easy to park.

The imposing front end blends into curves that sweep back over a panoramic windscreen that gives an excellent view of the road.

It’s bold, yet friendly, with bags of impish character. Even at the back, where high bumpers and lights are features, it looks quite attractive.

The wrap-around windscreen does more than just add a little style. It’s one of several aspects that make the new Citroen so user-friendly. Using two smaller A-pillars gets around visibility issues.

Both front and rear passengers benefit from a raised seating position – great for kids who will enjoy being able to see out of the large windows or panoramic glass roof.

There’s more good news in the rear too, where masses of headroom and impressive legroom, adaptable courtesy of the independently railed three rear seats, means even tall adults can fit in comfortably.

The boot door itself opens to a good height and the portal it creates is wide and deep. The boot floor can be lowered, but in the upper position it is level with the sill, making it extremely easy to load bulky items.

Drop the rear seats and the C3 Picasso’s load carrying potential is genuinely outstanding.

Upfront, there’s a similar degree of practicality in the shape of huge door pockets, while the Exclusive trim level gets under-floor storage for the rear row.

Centrally located instruments are proving increasingly popular on MPVs, and Citroen has made a good job of them in the C3 Picasso.

Light steering and pedals make it a breeze to drive.

As expected from Citroen, ride quality is excellent and although the tall body means it will lean around corners if provoked, the suspension does a great job of minimising body roll without making it too firm.

The two petrol units – the VTi 95 and VTi 120 – have been co-developed with BMW, whereas the two HDi diesels – the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS – are already known for their efficiency, refinement and low CO2 emissions.

Last year the C3 Picasso got a fresh new look, more powerful HDi 115 diesel engines and other new features, including exterior and interior upgrades, new body colours and better technology.

On the outside, the biggest impact comes from the addition of LED daytime running lights on VTR+ and Exclusive models.

Inside, the flexible, airy and spacious cabin is updated with a sophisticated new trim called Mistral ‘Mixou’ cloth, which is standard on all VTR+ models. There’s also the option of full black leather upholstery on Exclusive models and Citroën’s new eMyWay satellite navigation system is added to the option list.

A reversing camera and rear parking sensors can also be specified with the eMyWay system.

The C3 Picasso now benefits from further CO2 emissions reductions.

These latest efficiency gains complement recent exterior and interior upgrades, new exterior colours and enhanced optional technology. C3 Picasso Exclusives is also well equipped. with rear parking sensors, rear electric windows, a child surveillance mirror, roof bars and electrically heated/folding door mirrors.

If you are looking for a car that combines affordability, versatility and quality, then the C3 Picasso should be on your shopping list.

A better idea might be to try it with a full load of shopping and the kids – you, and they, will certainly not be disappointed. Standard equipment includes remote control central locking with deadlocks, RDS stereo radio and MP3-compatible CD player with steering mounted controls, auxiliary socket and six speakers, electric front windows, electrically-adjustable door mirrors, scented air freshener, multi-function trip computer, height/reach-adjustable steering wheel and a height adjustable driver’s seat.Citroën’s latest eMyWay satellite navigation system is added to the option list, with extra functionality – and a reversing camera and rear parking sensors can also be optionally specified with this system.

The range- topping C3 Picasso Exclusive adds an Automatic Pack incorporating dual zone digital air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, automatic rain sensitive wipers and automatic headlamp illumination amongst other features.

In addition, the Exclusive has a Spacebox Storage System, which includes all the features of that fitted to the VT and VTR+ models, with the addition of a folding front passenger seat, ski flap, aircraft style tables on the back of the front seats, rear passenger under-floor storage, rear window sun-blinds, boot net and rechargeable torch.

At a glance 

Citroen C3 Picasso Exclusive HDi 115

Price: £18,050 (range from £12,995)
Engine: 1.6-litre diesel
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Performance: 0 to 62mph in 11.2 seconds; top speed 114mph
Economy: 58.8mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 125g/km