The Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDI with a Avondale Dart 510-5 with an actual weight of 1180 kg is in general a good match and suitable for journeys on most kinds of roads, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
The motor preformance of the Citroen is in general sufficient. And also the weight of the Avondale with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
170
136
Mountains
Risk of snaking
151
167
Weight ratio: 75% (86% of kerbweight)
1180 kg
1575 kg
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Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDI Avondale Dart 510-5
Actual Weights
Avondale Dart 510-5: 1180 kg.
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDI: 1575 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 75%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 170 points).
Speeds of 66 mph (106 km/h) to 73 mph (117 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 136 points).
Slightly higher revs (2000 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 28 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 151 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 11%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 54 mph (87 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Citroen is sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, a B driving license is enough.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 75%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 86%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 167 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is sufficient.
If the caravan is well loaded safe driving is possible.
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.