CITROËN GRAND C4 PICASSO MPV REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Buyers have the choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. The petrols include a 118bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 1.6 turbo, and there's also a 138bhp 1.6 turbo that's only available with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The diesels make more sense, though. The 108bhp 1.6 diesel is smooth, flexible and feels perfectly suited to the car; the 138bhp 2.0 diesel doesn't feel significantly quicker.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

At higher speeds, the C4 Picasso is smooth and composed, filtering out all but the worst bumps. However, the ride has a slightly lumpy feel around town. There's also too much float over undulating roads and a lot of body sway through corners, but it grips well. The lightweight steering makes parking easy, but offers little feel.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

The engines are smooth and cultured and wind noise is kept to a minimum. In fact, the only black mark is the suspension, which tends to thump over bumps and cracks at low speed. Manual models have a dash-mounted gearchange that's horribly vague, but the optional electronic paddle shift is better if you ignore its jerky automatic mode and change gear yourself.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

The C4 Picasso is priced to compete with models like the Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso and Volkswagen Touran, but with massive discounts available, you won't pay anywhere near the Citroen's list price. Running costs are very competitive, with the diesel engines averaging more than 45mpg. Resale values aren't bad for the class, either.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

One of the most striking things about the Grand C4 Picasso is the classy feel of its interior. The upper dash is made from soft-touch plastics, and it’s only in the third row that the materials start to get a bit brittle. Citroen's reliability record has been a bit up-and-down in recent years, though, according to our annual reliability surveys.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Front-seat occupants are protected by twin front and side airbags, while window airbags cover the first two rows. A driver's knee airbag is also standard across the C4 Picasso range, as is stability control. Deadlocks are fitted to make life difficult for thieves and optional laminated side windows further boost safety and security.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

A fixed steering wheel hub, centrally mounted instruments and air-con controls that are positioned at the edges of the dashboard give the cabin an unconventional feel. However, the switchgear is easy to use and most drivers will be able to get comfortable because there's plenty of adjustment. Vision is excellent thanks to a vast glass area and slim windscreen pillars.
Space & Practicality

5 out of 5 stars

The C4 Grand Picasso can seat up to seven people, with three middle-row seats which slide back and forth individually. The third row is best left to children, but even with all the seats in place there's space for a couple of soft bags in the boot. All five rear seats can be quickly and easily folded into the floor to leave a long flat load area and there are lots of useful cubbies.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

VTR is the base trim, and it's so well equipped - with air-conditioning, electric front windows, cruise control and the smart 'Look Pack' - that many will be happy with it. For us, though, the alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and electric rear windows of VTR+ cars make that the trim level of choice. Range-topping Executive models have climate control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps, but are too dear to recommend.