Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

The interior of the C4 Grand Picasso is almost identical to the C4 Picasso. Albeit with two extra seats for the third row. The seat layout is 2-3-2 with three individual seats for the second row. 2840 mm wheelbase translates to great legroom. Headroom is also excellent except for the third row which is best suited for children anyways. The third row even stays hidden to create extra cargo space to the tune of 537-litre. Fold the second row, however, and you are rewarded with 1851-litre. With a flat floor and loading bay, the cargo room is very well thought out. With a beautiful view of the outside afforded by the panoramic windshield, slim windshield pillars with an extra window, high seating position and extended rear windows the driver’s seat is a nice place to be. As a nod to French quirkiness, the 12-inch instrument display is a centrally mounted monochrome screen with a digital display. The materials have a nice and quality feel to them. Everything is fitted solidly and is made to be durable enough to last the rigours of family life. Also mounted below the instrument display is a 7-inch touchscreen that serves as the car’s infotainment screen. It comes with satellite navigation, Bluetooth, aux and USB connectivity. It also contains the controls for the automatic air conditioner which are in typical French fashion are not the most intuitive. The seats come with all sorts of adjustments and enough ISOFIX mounts to carry an army of babies. The third row comes with its own set of vents, and there are enough pockets and cubby holes for all sorts of storage.

For a 7-seater MPV, the C4 Grand Picasso has compact dimensions of 4597 mm (L) X 1826 mm (W) X 1634 mm. The design and styling are distinctly European. The slim LED DRLs characterize the front fascia mounted high on the bonnet and the slim chromed grille. The way in which the chevrons of the Citroen logo are incorporated into the grille is just inspired. Below the grille is a gigantic bumper with a black honeycomb grille. The halogen headlamps and the fog lights have gentle curves giving the front a friendly appearance. From the sides, the silhouette of the C4 Grand Picasso is distinctly reminiscent of Citroen cars, with its sloping roofline. Front and rear overhangs are kept to a minimum. The greenhouse looks airy and spacious. 18-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels shod with 225/45 tires give the side view some much-needed oomph. On the rear is a clamshell door mounted with revised taillights and the Citroen logo between them and a spoiler. Overall a family friendly design that still stands out from anything else on the road.

The C4 Grand Picasso uses McPherson struts up on the front and flexible transverse beam at the rear. Characteristic of any Citroen people mover, the suspension is soft and compliant. The steering is light and works very well for slow speed manoeuvring. For its length, the car will sway at higher speed cornering but never going out of control. Like many other modern cars, this too comes with an electronic parking brake. The NVH levels of the vehicle are also great making the riders journey relaxed and peaceful.

There are two engine options to choose from. There is either the 1.6-litre THP in-line four-cylinder petrol engine making 163 hp at 6000 rpm and a 240 Nm of torque between 1400 and 5000 rpm. The other option is a 2.0-litre 4-inline diesel engine producing 148 hp at 4000 rpm and 370 Nm of peak torque at 2000 rpm. Both come equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions that can be used along with the paddle shifter. The petrol engine gives the car a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.6 seconds while the diesel does it in 10.2 seconds. Regardless of which engine you go for, the car will not feel out of breath even while climbing hills with a full load. The fuel economy is also very good for the class for the petrol at 17 kmpl and 20.8 kmpl for the diesel. With a 55-litre fuel tank, this makes it economical and gives it a good range.

There are disc brakes both front and rear. The front ones are ventilated while the rear ones are solid. In total there are six airbags – front, side, and curtain. ABS with an EBD and emergency brake assistance come as standard. As do electronic stability program and traction control. Lane departure warning works through the driver’s seatbelt. There is even parking assistance. A properly well-equipped, car up there in equipment levels with the best of them.

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a very good MPV for the money. Citroen does not have the best service record, and the diesel is somehow not gaining traction with Malaysian drivers. But for the most part, the C4 Grand Picasso is one of the best MPVs when it is compared in any other aspect. With its practical and innovative design and comfortable ride, it even beats some of them.