A SPECIAL version of the C3 Picasso compact MPV has been announced by Citroen costing £15,195.

The C3 Picasso Blackcherry costs £300 more than the mid-range VTR+ model on which it is based and is powered by a 1.6-litre 90bhp diesel engine.

Finished in black metallic paint the Blackcherry is fitted with 17-inch alloys, roof rails and comes with air conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.

The special C3 is being released as Citroen introduces a new 110bhp diesel engine which meets the latest Euro 5 emission standards.

Average fuel economy is just under 59mpg with CO emissions down 5g/km on the Euro 4 engine to 125g/km.

All engines in the C3 Picasso line up are now Euro 5 compliant with the 1.4-litre petrol now capable of averaging 44.8mpg and the 90bhp 1.6-litre diesel 61.4.

Energy saving low rolling resistance tyres are also standard on all models.

Bluetooth and USB connections are being introduced as standard on VTR+ and Exclusive trim Picassos.

Prices are unchanged with the range running from £12,695 for the 1.4 VTi 95hp VT model to £16,795 for the top specification 1.6HDi 110hp Exclusive.