The vehicle widely acclaimed as `the family car of the future’ will be on display at the 2000 Brisbane International Motor Show (4-13 February 2000).

It is the Citroën Picasso, a car that has the interior space of a traditional Australian wagon, yet takes up the road space of just a small hatchback.

Due for launch in Australia later in the year, the Citroën Picasso is the most advanced of a new class of car, the mini-MPV, that provide outstanding interior space combined with a small exterior, high tech engineering - and a shape that is like nothing else on the road.

The engineering ranges from one of the most fuel-efficient and cleanest engines in the world, to storage lockers in the floor for the kid’s toys and a rear hatch that adapts for short and tall people. It even has a built in shopping trolley!

The Mini MPV class, although it has just three members, will over take the big MPV class in Europe sales during the next 12 months. This new style of car is set to become for the new millennium what the 4WD has been for the 1990s: The car to be seen in.

The Mini MPV, exemplified by the Citroën Picasso, has achieved this by offering a unique combination: An exterior size and footprint on the road little larger than a conventional medium hatchback, but, thanks to the monospace, or single box design and added height, a level of interior space that is unimaginable in a hatchback.

Yet, it is as easy to drive and manoeuvrable as a conventional car. To this package Citroën adds the features that would expected of such an innovative and stylish marque.

It is based on the platform of the acclaimed Citroën Xsara, which endows it with class leading ride quality, handling and roadholding. Its unique exterior styling, that sets it   apart in an already innovative class, houses an interior that builds on an already spacious envelope with room for five occupants and their luggage.

The range is based on a single level of trim and three powerplants: two petrol (1.6i and 1.8i 16V) developing 65 kW and 85 kW respectively, and one diesel 2.0 Turbo Diesel Hdi developing 66 kW.

The Citroën Xsara Picasso will go on sale in Australia at the end of 2000, with prices expected to start from just over $30,000. Full pricing and Australian specifications will be announced when the Picasso goes on sale.