Vehicle Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking practicality and versatility
Key Competitors:
Renault Scénic, Ford Focus C-Max, Volkswagen Touran, Fiat Multipla
Design Philosophy:
Ergonomic, spacious interior with flexible seating and excellent visibility.
Practicality:
Sliding rear seats, ample storage compartments, flat-folding rear seats for large cargo space.
Comfort:
Citroën's renowned ride comfort, often attributed to hydraulic suspension elements (though less prominent in this generation compared to earlier models).
Engine:
Full overhaul, diagnostics, timing belt, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection (MPI), ignition, exhaust
Transmission:
Manual (ML5C) and Automatic (AL4) transmission repair, fluid service, clutch replacement, torque converter
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, disc brake overhaul, pad/rotor replacement, fluid flush
Suspension:
Front struts, rear torsion beam, bushings, wheel bearing replacement, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion repair, tie rod ends
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, BSI (Body Systems Interface) functions, lighting, instrumentation, starter, alternator, battery, fuse/relay locations
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control diagnosis
Bodywork:
Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, exterior trim, interior trim, seats
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (engine misfires, starting issues, electrical faults, brake noise)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and overhaul
Diagnostics:
OBD-II trouble code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Calibration:
Throttle body calibration, sensor relearn procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Name:
2.0i 16V (EW10J4)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 88 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Horsepower:
136 PS (134 bhp / 100 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
190 Nm (140 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with electronic engine management (ECU)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Emissions Standard:
Euro 3 / Euro 4 (depending on market specification)
Length:
4252 mm (167.4 in)
Height:
1657 mm (65.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 in)
Cargo Volume Min:
550 Liters (19.4 cu ft) with rear seats in place
Cargo Volume Max:
1970 Liters (69.6 cu ft) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1360 kg (2998 lbs) (Manual Transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1970 kg (4343 lbs)
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection)
ABS:
Standard, with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Esp Optional:
Optional on higher trims or later models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), side airbags (optional/standard on some trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear seats
Child Seats:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/CD player with steering wheel mounted controls (on higher trims). Aux-in and Bluetooth were less common for 2005 models, often aftermarket additions.
Display:
Central digital display for radio, climate control, and trip computer.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors available as an option.
Bluetooth:
Not standard, typically an optional accessory or aftermarket installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Check specific model year/region recommendations.)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 5 years, whichever comes first. Critical item, failure can cause severe engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (37,500 miles) (Iridium type recommended)
Coolant Replacement:
Every 4 years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, meeting PSA Peugeot-Citroën approval B71 2295 or B71 2300 (e.g., Total Quartz 7000/9000)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives, typically pink or red (PSA S71 2710 compliant)
Power Steering Fluid:
LHM (Low Hydrocarbon Mineral) fluid or equivalent (check reservoir label, typically green)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
75W-80 GL-4 (e.g., Total Transmission Dual FE 75W-80)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Total Fluide AT42)
Ignition Coils:
Prone to failure, causing misfires and rough running.
ABS Sensor Ring:
Corrosion and failure of ABS sensor rings on drive shafts can lead to ABS warning lights and system malfunction.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can wear prematurely, causing humming or grinding noises from the rear.
Clutch Actuator:
Hydraulic clutch release bearing (concentric slave cylinder) can leak or fail, making clutch operation difficult.
Bui System:
BSI (Body Systems Interface) or SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) failures can cause intermittent electrical issues affecting various systems (lighting, central locking, etc.).
Exhaust Hangers:
Rubber exhaust hangers can deteriorate, leading to a rattling exhaust system.
Citroen Legacy:
Citroën, a French manufacturer with a long history of innovative and comfortable vehicles, dating back to André Citroën's first car in 1919.
Picasso Lineage:
The Xsara Picasso is the first generation of Citroën's successful compact MPV line, building on the success of the larger Evasion and sharing its platform with the Xsara hatchback.
Generation Timeline:
First generation launched in 1999, with significant facelift/updates occurring around 2004. This 2005 model represents the updated version.
Production Period:
1999 - 2010 (original generation, followed by C4 Picasso)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Villaverde, Madrid, Spain; also other PSA Group plants.
Model Acclaim:
The Picasso line, including the Xsara Picasso, was consistently praised for its practicality, interior space, and ride comfort, earning it a strong following in the family car market.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Varied by region and year, but generally seen as a competent and practical family vehicle with good value for money.
Manufacturer Standards:
Adheres to PSA Peugeot-Citroën's stringent manufacturing and quality standards.