The Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.8 16V, produced between February 2004 and 2005, represents a mid-range offering within the second generation (N68) of Citroën’s popular compact minivan. Positioned as a practical and relatively affordable option, this variant aimed to balance performance with fuel efficiency for family transport. It was a key part of Citroën’s strategy to offer a diverse range of Xsara Picasso models to cater to varying customer needs within the European market. The N68 Picasso, and this 1.8L variant specifically, was designed to compete with rivals like the Renault Scénic, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, and Volkswagen Touran, offering a distinctive, space-efficient package.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | Xsara |
| Generation | Xsara Picasso (N68, Phase II) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | February, 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg, 26.2 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 187 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 D4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4000 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 6FZ EW7J4 |
| Engine displacement | 1749 cm3 (106.73 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1245 kg (2744.76 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1795 kg (3957.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2128 l (75.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 655 kg (1444.03 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4276 mm (168.35 in.) |
| Width | 1751 mm (68.94 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2000 mm (78.74 in.) |
| Height | 1637 mm (64.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1434 mm (56.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1452 mm (57.17 in.) |
| Front overhang | 838 mm (32.99 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 678 mm (26.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Xsara Picasso variant is the 6FZ (EW7J4) 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, part of the PSA Group’s EW series, is a naturally aspirated unit known for its relative simplicity and durability. It features a 16-valve (four valves per cylinder) configuration and multi-point fuel injection. The EW7J4 engine produces 116 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized smooth operation and reasonable fuel economy over outright performance. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The transmission paired with this engine is a five-speed manual gearbox, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and driver control. While an automatic transmission was available on other Xsara Picasso models, the 1.8 16V was primarily offered with the manual.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8 16V engine, coupled with the five-speed manual transmission, provides adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 11.6 seconds, and the top speed is around 118 mph. The engine feels most comfortable in the mid-range, offering sufficient power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The gear ratios are well-spaced, allowing for efficient use of the engine’s power band. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 16V variants, the 1.8 feels less responsive, particularly when fully loaded. However, it offers better fuel economy and a more relaxed driving experience. The manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic found on other trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.8 16V Xsara Picasso typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Safety features included ABS brakes and driver/passenger airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, if somewhat basic, dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD stereo, and rear electric windows. The trim level generally fell into the mid-range of the Xsara Picasso lineup, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
Chassis & Braking
The Xsara Picasso features an independent McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing a smooth and stable ride for passengers.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.8 16V was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable family vehicle. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked outright power, particularly when compared to rivals. Compared to the 2.0 16V version, the 1.8 offered better fuel economy (around 7.7 l/100km combined) but slower acceleration. The 1.8 was also considered more reliable than the diesel variants, which were prone to issues with the turbocharger and fuel injection system.
Legacy
The 6FZ (EW7J4) 1.8-liter engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. While not a high-performance engine, it has proven to be a reliable workhorse in the Xsara Picasso and other PSA Group vehicles. Today, the 1.8 16V Xsara Picasso can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. Common issues include wear and tear on suspension components and occasional problems with the electrical system. However, overall, the powertrain is considered to be relatively robust, making it a viable option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and spacious family vehicle.
