Citroen C4 Picasso

Although the first-generation Citroen Picasso was a big hit with buyers, the Xsara-based MPV was some way from being the best offering on the market. However, all that changed with the arrival of the latest C4-based version, which has immediately become the benchmark for the sector.

It’s not hard to see the attraction. The ‘gloopy’ lines of its predecessor have given way to sharp edges and bold design features that ensure the Picasso is one of the most striking and handsome MPVs money can buy.

And it’s not only the contemporary look that makes it a deserving winner of our honour – it’s equally impressive inside, too. Not a single cabin component has been carried over from the Xsara Picasso, which means this version is new from the ground up. Like the C4 hatch, it’s packed with delightful design ideas and features that make life on board more entertaining. And in most instances, it’s the basic ones that have most impact. The panoramic windscreen that stretches from the edge of the bonnet to behind the driver’s head lets in lots of light, while the fixed hub steering wheel and optional column-mounted EGS gearbox are further proof of the innovative approach.

And as you would expect, it’s also pretty good at being a people carrier, too. Sliding seats, extra stowage – you name it, the C4 Picasso has it. The availability of a Grand version with seven seats is a smart move, and the fact that they feel integrated into the car rather than an afterthought only serves to make the case for the Citroen even more compelling.