A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.7/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.2
Comfort & Interior
4.1
Running Costs
4.3
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a practical seven-seater that won’t break the bank or leave you stranded at the petrol station? The citroen trend might just be the sensible family solution you’ve been searching for. This French MPV prioritises substance over style, delivering genuine utility at an affordable price point that makes family motoring accessible.
Space remains the Trend’s strongest suit, with three genuine rows of seating that actually accommodate adults rather than just children. The clever seating arrangement transforms from seven-seat people carrier to spacious cargo hauler depending on your daily needs. Combined with a frugal diesel engine that regularly achieves 35-40mpg, running costs stay manageable even for larger families. The comfortable ride quality soaks up Britain’s deteriorating road surfaces effectively, making longer journeys pleasant for all occupants.
While the Trend won’t set pulses racing with its driving dynamics, it excels where practical families need it most. The commanding driving position provides excellent visibility, whilst numerous storage compartments keep family clutter organised. Reliable mechanicals and reasonable servicing costs ensure ownership remains stress-free. Used examples represent particularly strong value, offering spacious family transport at prices that undercut many smaller alternatives. For buyers prioritising practicality over prestige, the Trend delivers honest motoring that simply gets the job done.
How Does the Citroen Trend Drive?
Under the bonnet, most Citroen Trend models feature a 2.0-litre HDI diesel engine. This unit produces sufficient power for everyday driving and motorway cruising. The engine pulls well from low revs, making urban driving effortless.
Acceleration feels adequate rather than rapid, reaching 60mph in approximately 11 seconds. Top speed sits around 115mph, though the Trend feels most comfortable at motorway speeds. The six speed manual gearbox offers smooth shifts and reasonable ratios.
Handling characteristics lean towards comfort rather than sportiness. The suspension soaks up road imperfections effectively, creating a composed ride. Body roll remains well controlled despite the higher centre of gravity typical of MPVs.
Braking performance proves reassuring with good pedal feel and stopping power. The steering lacks excitement but provides adequate feedback for confident driving. Overall, the Trend delivers competent performance suited to family duties.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L HDI diesel
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Power Output
136 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.0 seconds
-
MPG Combined
38 mpg
- Boot Space
- 208 litres
- Safety Rating
- 4 stars Euro NCAP
- Air conditioning, Multiple storage compartments, Sliding doors
Inside the Citroen Trend: Comfort & Features
The Trend’s interior represents its greatest strength, offering exceptional space utilisation. All three rows of seats provide genuine accommodation for adult passengers. Second row seats slide and fold to optimise either legroom or cargo space.
Front seats offer good support and adjustment range for various driver heights. The driving position feels commanding with excellent visibility in all directions. Interior materials lean towards hard wearing rather than premium quality finishes.
Cabin noise levels remain reasonable at motorway speeds, though some wind noise intrudes. The air conditioning system works effectively to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout. Rear passengers benefit from individual air vents and reading lights.
Storage solutions abound with numerous cubbyholes, pockets, and compartments. The centre console houses useful storage spaces alongside the gear lever. Door bins easily accommodate bottles and personal items for all occupants.
The trend excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
Citroen Trend Running Costs
The Citroen Trend delivers impressive economy figures from its diesel engines. Real world fuel consumption typically achieves 35-40mpg in mixed driving conditions. Motorway cruising can see figures approaching 45mpg with careful driving techniques.
Insurance groups remain reasonable for a vehicle of this size and capability. Road tax costs depend on the specific engine and registration date. Most examples fall into moderate tax bands, keeping annual costs manageable.
Servicing requirements follow standard intervals with reasonable parts and labour costs. The widespread Citroen dealer network ensures convenient maintenance options nationwide. Many independent specialists also service these models, potentially reducing ongoing costs further.
For those considering car finance options, the Trend’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments affordable. Depreciation remains steady rather than dramatic, protecting owner equity.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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citroen trend
|
Peugeot 5008
|
Vauxhall Zafira
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £12,000 | from £15,000 | from £10,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L HDI Diesel 136hp | 2.0L HDI Diesel 150hp | 2.0L CDTI Diesel 130hp |
| Power | 136 bhp | 150 bhp | 130 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.0 seconds | 10.2 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
|
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg |
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Practicality
|
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| Boot Space | 208 litres | 165 litres | 140 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven genuine seats, Flexible seating, Excellent economy, Family practicality | Premium interior, Better build quality, Modern styling | Lower running costs, Proven reliability, Easy maintenance |
Is the Citroen Trend Practical for Everyday Use?
Practicality remains the Citroen Trend’s defining characteristic and primary selling point. The flexible seating arrangements accommodate everything from seven passengers to maximum cargo capacity. Second and third row seats fold completely flat when required.
Boot space varies dramatically depending on seating configuration chosen by owners. With all seats in place, luggage capacity remains limited to soft bags. Folding the rear seats creates a genuinely useful cargo area for larger items.
Door apertures provide easy access to all seating rows, including the rearmost positions. Sliding side doors on some variants enhance accessibility in tight parking spaces. The tailgate opens wide with a low loading sill height.
Interior storage solutions cater well to family needs with bottle holders and compartments. The glove box provides reasonable space alongside additional dashboard storage areas. For those interested in used Citroen cars, the Trend exemplifies the brand’s practical approach to motoring.
**Sarah Mitchell from Birmingham says:** “We bought our Citroen Trend three years ago when our family expanded. The seven seats have proven invaluable for school runs and family holidays. Fuel economy consistently exceeds our expectations, even when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. The sliding doors make accessing child seats much easier in car parks. While not the most stylish vehicle, it serves our practical needs perfectly.”
The Citroen Trend delivers exactly what practical families require from an MPV. Spacious interiors, flexible seating, and efficient engines combine with affordable pricing. While driving dynamics remain uninspiring, the focus on utility makes perfect sense.
Used examples represent outstanding value in today’s market conditions. The combination of space and economy proves difficult to match elsewhere. Buyers seeking practical transportation over driving thrills will find the Trend highly appealing.
Reliability remains solid throughout the range with reasonable running costs expected. The Trend succeeds by focusing on family needs rather than excitement. For affordable seven seat motoring, few alternatives offer better value propositions.