It's a Picasso, but it's not on the nose

Citroen is regarded as something of an MPV specialist in Europe, and it's set to reinforce these credentials via the funky new C3 Picasso, of which these are the first official images. Previously, the C3 Picasso had been photographed in camouflage undergoing testing (more here and here).

The tallboy five-seater is due to make its world debut at October's Paris motor show, and it's a possible starter for Oz, but even if it gets the green light, it won't arrive here until mid-2009.

It could be a useful addition to Citroen's local line-up as soaring fuel prices are prompting many families to downsize to smaller, more frugal vehicles.

Although compact in terms of external dimensions -- it measures just 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall -- the C3 Picasso is claimed to be "deceptively spacious internally".

The key to its space efficiency is a so-called modular layout that supposedly allows individuals to optimise the available cabin space. The split-folding rear seats slide independently, enabling the interior to be tailored to offer maximum legroom or load space.

Citroen claims that when extra storage space is required, the rear seats can be folded away in a single motion using seatback mounted controls, while a 'mobile' boot floor provides a level loading space up to the first row seat back.

Load space can be further boosted by folding flat the front passenger seat -- and in this configuration the latter can also serve as a table top.

As per the larger C4 Picasso, which launched here in May, 2007, the C3 Picasso is claimed to offer a panoramic view of the road ahead and traffic intersections thanks to a three-part windscreen. This configuration features a supplementary slim-line pillar mounted ahead of the A-pillar, which in this instance is located further back than in a conventional design

The pertly styled mini-MPV offers a commanding driving position, according to Citroen, which may enable the C3 Picasso to entice a few buyers away from compact SUVs, many of whom choose the latter for precisely this attribute.

Petrol engine choices in Europe will include 70kW and 88kW units, while the diesel line-up features a pair of HDi powerplants with outputs of 66kW and 81kW respectively.

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