What's the news?

The all-new Citroen C4 Picasso has now gone on sale across the UK. Four trim levels - VTR, VTR+, Exclusive and Exclusive+ - and five engines are available from launch; and prices start from £17,500.

Exterior

Citroen describes the front end as being 'assertive', though we think it looks as though it's driving around with its eyes closed. A curved C-pillar creates an odd-profile while the contrasting rear end looks smart and almost Germanic. Each trim level comes with LED daytime running lights, as well as alloy wheels ranging from 16- to 18 inches in diameter. All models, apart from the entry-level VTR spec, gets front fog lamps as standard, while top-spec Exclusive+ models add rear privacy glass and 3D-effect LED taillights as well.

Interior

The interior of the C4 Picasso has been given a very airy feel thanks to the standard-issue panoramic windscreen and optional large glass sunroof. Citroen also claims a class-leading 537-litre load bay and a 2.5-metre load length when the front passenger seat is folded forward. Most of the car's functions are controlled via a seven-inch touchscreen that includes a multitude of connectivity options throughout the range. Entry-level VTR versions come with dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, a back-lit dashboard and Bluetooth connectivity. Moving up the range to the flagship Exclusive+ version, Citroen adds an exceptionally long equipment list including a 12-inch HD display showing all the car's vital information, automatic lights, wipers and dimming rear view mirror, massage seats with electric footrest for the passenger, 360-degree Vision and satellite navigation.

Mechanicals

Citroen expects that 90 per cent of sales will be diesel models; and that the top-selling engine will be the e-HDi 115 connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. The same engine can also be had in a lower powered 90hp state of tune, which manages to emit less than 100g/km of CO₂ and achieves 74.3mpg when specified with the ETG6 automatic gearbox. Petrol engines include the VTi 120 and the most powerful THP 155.

Standard safety equipment includes Emergency Braking Assistance and airbags for both front and rear-seat passengers across the range; with higher trim levels also getting active seatbelts, a blind spot monitoring system and Park Assist.

Anything else?

The £17,500 entry-level price will get you a VTR version equipped with a VTi 120 petrol engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. Prices for the C4 Picasso peak at £24,455 for an Exclusive+ model with the e-HDi 115 engine connected to the ETG6 gearbox.