Choosing the right battery for your Citroen C3 Picasso produced between 2008 and 2017 is essential to ensure reliable starting, optimal operation of onboard electronics, and long battery life. The C3 Picasso was offered with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, and some variants are equipped with the Start-Stop system, which also influences the correct battery choice. Understanding these differences is key to making the best decision for your vehicle.
For Citroen C3 Picasso models without the Start-Stop system and equipped with the 1.4 VTi 95 petrol engine, the recommended battery type is a conventional lead-acid battery. The required capacity should be between 50 and 58 Ah, and the cold-cranking current (CCA) needs to fall within the range of 420 to 540 A. Examples of compatible batteries for this configuration include Bosch S40 02, Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Exide EB500, Halfords HCB 012, Lucas LP079, Lucas LS012, Varta C22, and Varta C30. These are only sample matching models, but similar batteries from other reputable brands may also be suitable as long as they meet the technical parameters.
If your C3 Picasso 1.4 VTi 95 runs on LPG, or if you drive a 1.6 VTi 120 petrol engine, or one of the diesel versions without Start-Stop (including the 1.6 HDI 90 and 1.6 HDI 110), the requirements change slightly. These engines need a battery with a capacity between 60 and 65 Ah and a higher cold-cranking current of 540 to 640 A. Once again, lead-acid batteries are the right choice here. Sample compatible models for these engines are Bosch S40 05, Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Exide EB620, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LP027, Lucas LS027, Varta D15, and Varta D24. It’s important not to go below the minimum values for both capacity and CCA, especially in cars with more electronics or additional equipment such as LPG installations, as insufficient power may cause problems during winter or when using many electrical devices at once.
When it comes to versions of the Citroen C3 Picasso equipped with the Start-Stop system, which can be found in diesel models like the 1.6 HDI 90, 1.6 HDI 110, and 1.6 HDI 115, the requirements are more demanding. These cars are designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by automatically turning off the engine at stops and restarting it when needed. This technology requires a more advanced battery, specifically an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) type, which is more resistant to frequent charging and discharging cycles. For these models, you’ll need a battery with a capacity between 70 and 72 Ah and a cold-cranking current in the range of 720 to 760 A. Sample matching batteries include Bosch S5A 08, Exide EK700, Exide EK720, Halfords AGM 096, Lucas LF096, and Varta E39. Again, these are example models, and other AGM batteries meeting the same specifications will also be suitable. It’s crucial not to replace an AGM battery with a conventional lead-acid one in Start-Stop cars, as it may result in rapid battery wear or malfunction of the Start-Stop system.
A good tip is always to check the exact battery code and dimensions before buying a new battery. Even if two batteries have similar electrical parameters, different sizes or terminal designs can prevent proper installation. Additionally, some Citroen C3 Picasso models may be equipped with specific battery monitoring systems, so after battery replacement, it might be necessary to reset or re-register the new battery in the vehicle’s system, especially in models with Start-Stop.
An interesting fact is that AGM batteries are not only more durable in Start-Stop cars but also safer, as their construction makes them less likely to leak acid, even if the battery is damaged. This makes them an increasingly popular choice in modern cars beyond those with Start-Stop technology.
In summary, to choose the right battery for your Citroen C3 Picasso 2008-2017, you should first identify the engine version and check if your car is equipped with Start-Stop. Stick to recommended capacity and CCA ranges, choose a reputable brand, and always verify the physical compatibility before purchase. With the right battery, your C3 Picasso will deliver reliable performance for years to come, regardless of the season or driving conditions.
Citroen C3 Picasso was produced in the years 2008 – 2017. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Citroen C3 Picasso (2008-2017):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Citroen C3 Picasso – petrol engines:
- 1.4 VTi 95
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
Citroen C3 Picasso – petrol engines:
- 1.4 VTi 95 LPG
- 1.6 VTi 120
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Citroen C3 Picasso – diesel engines:
- 1.6 HDI
- 1.6 HDI
- 1.6 HDI 110
- 1.6 HDI 90
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Citroen C3 Picasso – diesel engines:
- 1.6 HDI 110 – with Start-Stop
- 1.6 HDI 115 – with Start-Stop
- 1.6 HDI 90 – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Citroen C3 Picasso , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!