In compliance with the Marque's traditions, the running gear is designed to provide the Xsara Picasso with high-performance control, grip and power, as well as ensuring the comfort of the vehicle's occupants through the design of the suspension and the attention given to damping. The result is a coherent, homogeneous assembly, tailored to the different powerplants and performing well in all circumstances.

A roll hoop optimises safety in the event of side impact or rollover. This system is completed by beams in the front and rear doors and energy-absorbing side impact protection in the front doors. The head and thorax are protected by driver and passenger airbags, together with twin side airbags integrated with the seats. The front seatbelts are height adjustable, with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters. The three rear seatbelts are all 3-point.

The Xsara Picasso boasts a wide range of safety-enhancing features and functions : rear-door child lock status displayed on the instrument cluster; an anti-fouling function to prevent water from running down the side windows; two electrically controlled, defrosting, spherical wide-angle rearview mirrors; adjustable headrests on all five seats. Three Isofix anchor points are provided for safe and easy installation of rear-facing or forward-facing child seats.

The Xsara Picasso is well protected against theft and break-ins. Central locking of the doors and tailgate relies on a high-frequency remote control unit associated with a transponder

The Xsara Picasso features all the latest electronic system, designed to raise active safety to even higher levels, like the ESP ( Electronic Stability Programm ).