These are the first pictures of Citroen’s new subcompact people carrier that will be officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in October. The all-new C3 Picasso will give the French carmaker a rival to the Opel Meriva, Renault Modus and the Nissan Note when it goes on sale across Europe towards the end of 2008 / early 2009. (depending on the market).

Citroen’s funky looking mini MPV is the third model in the French carmaker’s range to use the Picasso name. Based on the Peugeot 207 underpinnings, the C3 Picasso gives us a few hints about the next generation C3 hatchback model that’s due to be introduced sometime in 2009. Like the C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso, the minivan version of the C3 is expected to offer plenty of space and versatility for its size (a little over 4 meters in length). -Continued

At launch, the C3 Picasso will be available with four engine options, a 1.6 HDi turbo diesel with 90 and 110Hp, and two gasoline units, a 1.4-liter with 95Hp and a 1.6-liter with 120Hp.