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Rating 1 star



Summary

Average. The largest member of Citroen's MPV family, but feels a bit old-fashioned and expensive next to the newer C4 Picasso.

Review

Citroen's desire to take over the world via a tide of MPVs means that the C8 sits at the top of a vast range of people-carriers, and gives questionable extra value over the newer (and only slightly smaller) seven-seat version of the C4 Picasso.

But for anyone looking for an old-fashioned people-lugging workhorse, the C8 still has plenty to offer. The cabin is vast, roomy for five and still reasonably spacious with all seven seats in use. It also benefits from sliding rear doors, which make access to the rearmost seats far easier than in rivals with conventional hinged rear doors. The quality of fit and finish is also impressively high and it's a comfortable long-distance cruiser.

Apart from badges and equipment the C8 is effectively identical to the Peugeot 807 meaning that potential buyers should also comparison-shop both rivals. That said, the famous enthusiasm of Citroen dealers to make deals means that the C8 should be the les expensive of the duo spec-for-spec.

It's hard to see any case for the 2.0 litre petrol engine option, which struggles to move the bulky C8 and which drinks far more fuel than either of the excellent turbo-diesels. Of these the 136 bhp 2.0 litre HDI is definitely the one to go for.

Breakdown

Styling 1 star

Big and boxy. You're unlikely to be offended by the C8's utilitarian looks, but you're equally unlikely to find yourself attracted to them.

Handling 1 star

Safe and predictable, although it's soon clear that the C8 has no more appetite for backroad shenannigans than any of its rear-seat passengers are likely to have.

Comfort 1 star

Spacious and comfortable over longer journeys, with good refinement and a pleasingly pliant ride.

Quality & reliability 1 star

Well assembled and finished in some impressively upmarket materials. Tough enough for family use, too.

Performance 1 star

The 2.0 litre petrol engine struggles to deliver acceptable pace with bigger loads, while the less powerful diesel motor also feels a bit overwhelmed. Range-topping 2.0 litre 136 bhp HDI diesel is good, but pricey.

Roominess 1 star

One of the better full-sized MPVs with good space for five occupants and respectable room for third-row occupants. Sliding rear door eases access to the back, too. Folding the rearmost seats is still a bit of a struggle.

Running costs 1 star

Reasonable value when it comes to servicing, insurance and fuel economy. Residuals are segment-average, but the C8 still loses lots of value quite quickly.

Value for money 1 star

Citroen's reputation for delivering value means the C8 looks relatively expensive: it's certainly hard to see what it provides over and above the newer, funkier and almost equally spacious 7-seat C4 Picasso.

Stereo / Sat nav 1 star

The audio system delivers reasonable performance. Optional satnav system isn't a match for more modern set-ups offered by rivals.

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