Selecting the right battery for the Citroën Xsara Picasso, manufactured between 1999 and 2008, is essential to ensure consistent starting power and trouble-free operation of the vehicle’s electronics. This family-oriented MPV came with a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which were produced without Start-Stop systems. As a result, standard lead-acid batteries are suitable for all engine variants, but attention should be paid to capacity, cold cranking performance, and physical dimensions to guarantee proper fit and functionality.
For the 1.6 and 1.8-liter petrol engines, including the 16V and SX variants, the battery requirements are fairly modest. These engines perform well with a battery capacity between 50 and 58 Ah, and a cold cranking amperage ranging from 420 to 540 A. These values are ideal for everyday driving, whether in urban conditions or occasional longer trips. Some example batteries that meet these specifications include Bosch S40 02, Exide EA530, Lucas LP079, and Varta C22. These models are reliable, compatible with the Xsara Picasso’s engine bay, and provide a balanced mix of performance and affordability.
If your vehicle is equipped with the more powerful 2.0 16V petrol engine or the 1.6 HDi diesel, you’ll need a slightly larger battery. In these cases, a capacity of 60 to 65 Ah and cold cranking amperage between 540 and 640 A is recommended. These engines, especially the diesel variant, demand more starting power, particularly in colder conditions. Batteries like Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Lucas LS027, and Varta D24 are good examples of suitable models that offer reliable performance and are readily available from most major battery retailers.
For the top-tier diesel option, the 2.0 HDi engine, the battery requirements increase further due to the greater compression of diesel engines and the added electrical load. Here, a battery with 74 to 78 Ah and cold cranking amperage between 680 and 780 A is necessary. This ensures reliable starts even in winter and supports additional onboard systems such as glow plugs and heating. Examples of batteries that match this category include Bosch S40 08, Exide EA770, Lucas LP096, and Varta E11. These models are built for vehicles with higher energy demands and deliver both power and endurance.
One interesting point about the Citroën Xsara Picasso is how it was designed to offer maximum interior space within a compact exterior footprint. While this makes it a very practical family vehicle, the compact engine bay can limit battery size options, especially in diesel variants. It’s advisable to double-check the physical dimensions of the replacement battery before purchasing, particularly the length and height, to avoid any issues during installation.
Overall, the Xsara Picasso’s lack of modern Start-Stop or energy regeneration systems makes the battery selection relatively straightforward, focusing mostly on capacity and cranking power. Choosing a battery from a reputable brand and ensuring it meets or exceeds the original factory specifications will help you avoid cold start issues and keep your car running smoothly. Whether you opt for a Bosch, Exide, Varta, or Lucas model, always confirm compatibility with your specific engine type. A well-chosen battery ensures peace of mind and reliable operation, especially important in a vehicle designed with family travel in mind.
Citroen Xsara Picasso was produced in the years 1999 – 2008. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Citroen Xsara Picasso (1999-2008):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Citroen Xsara Picasso – petrol engines:
- 1.6
- 1.6 16V
- 1.8 16V
- 1.8 SX
| 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 Xsara Picasso – petrol engines:
- 2.0 16V
| 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 Xsara Picasso – diesel engines:
- 1.6 HDi
| 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 Xsara Picasso – diesel engines:
- 2.0 HDi
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Citroen Xsara 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!
2 responses to “Citroen Xsara Picasso (1999-2008) – batteries”
I am having to scrap my 52 plate Citroen xsara Picasso sx 2.0 hdi so can remove the battery (YUASA) to put in my 08 plate Citroen xsara Picasso desire 1.6 hdi (currently Halfords battery which is regularly going into economy mode). Do you happen to know if it will fit my 08 plate Picasso desire 1.6 hdi? Can’t find anything specific in the handbooks or online. Photos attached. Many thanks
Hello. It will likely be possible to transfer the battery from the Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDI to the 1.6 HDI. The battery from the 2.0 HDI car will probably be larger – the only difference will be in the length of the battery. The larger one will be about 28 cm in length, the smaller one probably about 24 cm. Check in the Xsara Picasso 1.6 HDI if a battery 28 cm long will fit in the base. The other parameters will be fine. Best regards.