Citroen C4 Picasso (2007-) Review
Category: Compact MPV
Summary of the Citroen C4 Picasso
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a 7-seater version of the C4 Picasso. It is priced at RM168,000 with a 2 year or 100,000km warranty. The C4 Picasso loses its egg-like contour thanks to the third row which gives it a more traditional shape towards the rear.
Assets
Amazingly light and airy cabin, lots of space, easy third-row access in the seven-seater, well finished and equipped, quiet and comfortable.
Drawbacks
Pretty hefty for a 'compact' MPV, vague steering.
Verdict
It's the most radical and futuristic compact MPV of all, an ideal family transport module for our times, available as a five- and seven-seater.
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Review
Overview
Citroen currently sells three Picassos: the Xsara-based five-seat original, the C4-based seven-seater, initially called the C4 Picasso but since labelled Grand C4 Picasso, and a five-seater, the C4 Picasso.
The C4s are direct rivals for Renault's Scenic and Grand Scenic, and the various other five-, six- and seven-seat compact MPVs from Vauxhall, Ford, Honda, Fiat, Toyota, Mazda and the rest, which are collectively taking chunks out of the full-size MPV market.
The two C4 Picassos are based on the front half of a C4 hatch/Peugeot 307 platform, with two Picasso-specific rear ends. The Grand version is 12cm longer, and all of that extra length is at the back. In fact, the two cars don't share a single panel from the B-pillar (by the driver's shoulder) rearwards.
Up front, they share one of the deepest windscreens ever seen in a production car. It extends far into the roof, with an entirely glass roof also available as an option. They also share engines, transmissions and trim levels. Five-seaters cost £500 less than equivalent seven-seaters.
There's a 127bhp 1.8-litre and a 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol four, plus a choice of turbodiesels - a 1.6-litre with 110bhp and a 138bhp 2.0-litre. The 2.0 petrol and the diesels can be had with a sequential paddleshift semi-auto six-speed gearbox - in fact it's obligatory with both 2.0 cars. The 1.8 petrol has a five-speed manual, which is also available on the smaller diesel.
The interior has an uncluttered floor space and, if you specify the paddleshift automatic transmission, no centre console.
