Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

The French have a rich history in carting folk around in comfort, often clad in high-design sheetmetal that ensures ‘fashion’ and ‘family’ aren’t mutually exclusive. And Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso upholds this tradition admirably.

Riding on PSA’s strong yet light EMP2 platform, the striking new Grand Picasso isn’t just a futuristic looking design cloaking yesterday’s mechanicals. It’s genuinely new, squeezing an extra 110mm of wheelbase into the same length as its predecessor, while offering a weight saving of more than 100kg. Considering its seven-seat capability, it’s deeply impressive that Citroen’s 1440 kg MPV weighs less than a Holden Cruze.

Indeed, low weight is fundamental to the new Grand Picasso’s abilities. Its punchy turbodiesel four is Euro 6 compliant and averages an exceptional 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle, mated to a new six-speed automatic that removes the laughable element from ‘French auto’. The Picasso’s drivetrain may not be quite as refined or as brisk-shifting as the same combo in a Peugeot 308, but its torquey efficiency is perfectly in tune with this seven seater’s station in life.

So is its ride. Wearing 205/55R17 Michelins, the Grand Picasso lopes along with pliancy and control at all speeds, even in the strong winds lashing You Yangs. Decent handling, too, despite plenty of body roll, though the bulky steering wheel it shares with the C4 hatch is a disappointment. So, too, is the Citroen’s wet-surface braking, stopping neither as short nor as straight as it should.

At least most other safety boxes are ticked (front and rear sensors, rear-view camera, deft ESC, airbags galore), though a collision warning and seat belts that tense if the car thinks an accident is imminent are part of a $2000 Driver Assist pack that doesn't include autonomous braking.

Where the Grand Picasso really excels is inside its expansive cabin. Seven individual seats, the rear pair capable of seating adults, and a multi adjustable middle set blessed with easy-folding mechanisms. Kids will love it.

Once you've mastered the complexity of the central control interface, this quirky Citroen truly does feel like a slice of tomorrow. A surprisingly good value slice, including a six-year warranty.

So it turns out the Grand C4 Picasso is a really good egg, without looking like one. For all the Francophiles out there, here’s hoping it’s the beginning of more to come.

BODY
Type 5-door wagon, 7 seats
Boot capacity 632 litres
Weight 1440kg

DRIVETRAIN
Layout front engine (east-west), FWD
Engine 1997cc 4cyl turbo-diesel (110kW/370Nm)
Transmission 6-speed automatic

CHASSIS 
Tyres 205/55R17 225/45R18
ADR81 fuel consumption 4.5-4.6L/100km
Greenhouse emissions 117-120g/km
Collision mitigationn/a
Crash rating 5-star (Euro NCAP)
Prices $43,990 – $55,490