Citroen is going head-to-head with the Renault Scenic when it launches the Xsara Picasso into the crowded UK MPV sector in late spring.

Although prices have yet to be confirmed, a Citroen spokesman said they would be “close to Scenic for comparative specification” adding: “We have high hopes for the Picasso. It is an MPV which drives like a car, not a van, and will compete against the Renault Scenic.

“We hope to take a 3-4% market share in the UK.” The range starts with a 90bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, priced about £13,500. Top of the range will be a 90bhp 2-litre HDI turbodiesel unit, which will sell for about £16,000. In between is a new 117bhp 1.8-litre 16v petrol unit.

The UK is expected to account for between 5%-10% of the 200,000-unit annual production. Globally, around 50% of the model take-up is expected to be the HDi turbodiesel unit, with the rest split equally between the 1.6 and 1.8-litre units.