When Citroen whips the covers off its new C4 Picasso MPV at the
Paris Motor Show next month, it will not be replacing the Xsara Picasso, nor any other model in the Citroen range, but instead will be adding an all-new string to its bow.
Unlike the smaller Picasso, the new car is a full seven-seater, though like the
Mazda5, Citroen suggests that its buyers will use the C4 Picasso as a five-seat car for the majority of the time. Reflecting that, both rows of rear seats can be folded under the floor without even removing the headrests. Citroen also claims that the middle row occupants have more legroom than any rival.
The new Picasso obviously takes styling cues from the C4 hatch, and it really is a good looking MPV. The large windscreen contributes to its unique appearance, but also serves to allow an exceptional amount of light into the cabin. Citroen claims that the C4 Picasso has the biggest sunroof in its class too.
Citroen has incorporated modern lighting inside the new car, with soft lighting featuring throughout. We particularly like the idea of the light in the luggage area that detaches as a rechargeable torch and the lights that come on automatically when you place your hand in the door compartments.
At launch, the C4 Picasso will be available with either a 143bhp 2-litre petrol engine or HDi diesels with either 110bhp or 138bhp. A new six-speed automatic gearbox will also be available, which neatly eliminates any centrally-positioned gear lever, further freeing up space in the cockpit.
Until we see the car for ourselves in Paris, it's hard to say, but Citroen has made bold claims for the refinement and quality of the C4 Picasso so it will be interesting to see if it can compare to the lovely Citroen C6. As well as using tactile materials and decent levels of space, all versions feature laminated side windows in an attempt to reduce wind noise.
Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Aug 2006