6:45 am, August 20, 2013
Daljinder Nagra climbs aboard Citroen’s new MPV and delivers his verdict.
What is it?
The ‘Technospace’ according to Citroen. That means a striking new design language, which will eventually filter through to other Citroens. The C4 Picasso is penned to appeal to more than just parents, with stacks of equipment and an airy interior that features lounge style seats and a ‘loft architecture’ design theme with vast expanses of glazing. It’s the first car to sit on the company’s new EMP2 platform, making it both shorter and a whopping 140kg lighter than the outgoing model, despite offering greater rigidity and cabin space.
What’s under the bonnet?
The C4 Picasso will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. All units are of 1.6-litres in capacity with a larger 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine will also eventually be offered. We found the 115bhp unit to be more than sufficient. It returned perfectly acceptable fuel economy of 54mpg and emits just 105g/km of CO2.
What’s the spec like?
Citroen is yet to confirm final UK specification, though the Picasso will be offered in four trim levels: VTR, VTR+, Exclusive and Exclusive+. All models are equipped with a dual-screen dashboard configuration, comprising a seven-inch touchscreen in the lower fascia, and a high-definition 12-inch screen higher up. Prices range from £17,500 to £24,455.
What’s it like to drive?
All models, however, ride superbly, soaking up even the worst bumps with the sponginess you’d expect from a big French car. Despite this, the C4 Picasso exhibits little in the way of body roll when tipped into a bend. This, combined with the linear response from the electric power steering system provides for an entertaining drive.
What do the press think of it?
Honest John said: ‘The new C4 Picasso is good enough to help Citroen rid itself of the budget reputation it once had with big leaps forward in quality and design.’
What do we think of it?
We’re struggling to find the catch with the C4 Picasso. Effortless and relaxing to drive, comfortable over long distances and with a sense of style both inside and out that makes it truly desirable; it’s a worthy addition to the compact MPV sector. Buyers will be seduced by the car’s sheer elegance which happily hasn’t come at the expense of everyday practicality.
Click here to read Car Dealer’s interview with Citroen’s UK MD, Linda Jackson
