New Citroen C3 Picasso spotted on the road before 2017 debut ~ station of gear

Citroen's next-gen mini-MPV will share platform with new Vauxhall Meriva

2016-10-24 12:30

We've just driven the new Citroen C3 supermini, and we knew the range was due to expand further - but here's the physical proof: the next C3 Picasso mini-MPV has been spied out and about before its 2017 release.

Despite the usual body disguise on this prototype, it's clear that the C3 Picasso will retain the funky shape of the current car but with more modern design cues from the latest C3. The front-end carries the bold new split-level lighting arrangement, while it's expected the Picasso will be available with the 'Airbump' side protection first seen on the C4 Cactus.

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The new C3 Picasso also appears to have a slightly more crossover-like profile than before - a raised ride height is evidence of this. However, Citroen will still save the full SUV treatment of butch wheelarches and body cladding for the forthcoming C3 SUV.

Image 8 of 9

Image 8 of 9

The Picasso's extra ground clearance is further evidence of PSA's platform sharing agreement with General Motors, meaning this C3 Picasso shares its underpinnings with the next Vauxhall Meriva - another car gaining a more SUV-like design. As is becoming more common nowadays, both manufacturers are sharing development costs despite effectively building two rival cars.

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Expect the interior to be fully Citroen, however. That means the familiar array of bold touches, funky design details and new infotainment carried over from the new C3. Space will, of course, increase over the supermini, with a significantly larger boot and three full-size seats with a flexible folding mechanism expected.

Engines will be drafted in from the standard C3. That means the familiar 1.2 litre three cylinder PureTech turbo petrol engine in a range of outputs from 81bhp to 128bhp, while 1.6-litre diesel engines will also feature in three states of tune.

Will you be saving up for Citroen's new C3 Picasso? Leave us comment below...

Lawrence Allan

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