Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 2.0 BlueHDi 150 (A) First Drive Review
13 Nov 2013|24,671 views
Getting hold of a good MPV that strikes a perfect balance between looks, usability and driveability can be a tough job. Most either come up short or don't even come up at all.
But it seems Citroen has found a solution to muscle its way through the MPV segment with its Grand C4 Picasso. This all new model is aimed at improving on the said strengths, offering more cabin space and versatility, along with improved efficiency and better dynamics - underpinned with three rows of seats.
Despite measuring over four and a half metres long, the designers have cleverly managed to disguise much of its bulk
Joining the Grand C4 Picasso range is the new 150bhp diesel engine that you see here, which has a CO2 emission of just 117g/km - some 30g/km lesser than the previous model.
Part of the recipe comes from the new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2) platform that the MPV is now based on, which allows the car to be significantly lighter than its predecessor by 100kg.
Up close and Personal
The new Grand C4 Picasso has its own distinctive style to set it apart from the regular MPVs. Headlights sit beneath the wide, narrow grille that cleverly incorporates LED daytime running lights.
But it seems Citroen has found a solution to muscle its way through the MPV segment with its Grand C4 Picasso. This all new model is aimed at improving on the said strengths, offering more cabin space and versatility, along with improved efficiency and better dynamics - underpinned with three rows of seats.


Joining the Grand C4 Picasso range is the new 150bhp diesel engine that you see here, which has a CO2 emission of just 117g/km - some 30g/km lesser than the previous model.
Part of the recipe comes from the new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2) platform that the MPV is now based on, which allows the car to be significantly lighter than its predecessor by 100kg.
Up close and Personal
The new Grand C4 Picasso has its own distinctive style to set it apart from the regular MPVs. Headlights sit beneath the wide, narrow grille that cleverly incorporates LED daytime running lights.
![]() |
It's very futuristic indeed, taking a modern approach that makes MPVs like the Ford Galaxy, Mazda5 and the Toyota Wish look dated.
Just as impressive is the cabin. Thanks to the afore mentioned platform, the Picasso sports the same length as its predecessor but has a longer wheelbase. Thus, space is aplenty for occupants on board.
With the third row in place, boot space - like most MPVs - is barely satisfactory. Fold away the seats with one hand and the boot capacity increases to a massive 645 litres - an increment of 69 litres over its predecessor.
There's an exceptionally airy feel to the cabin, too, thanks to the panoramic windscreen and roof. It's hard for drivers to complain about the visibility because of the massive use of glass. Plus, the A-pillars don't get in the way too much.
![]() |
Drivetrain
This automatic isn't fitted with the jerky Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) that we have come to know. Mated to a new generation six-speed ETG6 clutchless manual gearbox, the drive suits the relaxed, unruffled nature of the French MPV as gears are changed smoothly. You could easily mistake this for a proper self-shifting transmission.
Mated to the six-speed auto gearbox, the 2.0-litre diesel variant MPV will finish the century sprint in 10.4 seconds
With 150bhp and 370Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the Grand C4 Picasso performs with vigour, picking up pace to get up to motorway speed quickly, yet it cruises without any of the industrial-sounding clatter often associated with diesel cars. The downside of this, though, is the lag when you pedal to the metal.
Still, it's a small quibble that can be easily overlooked when you're piloting an MPV. The ride is good and it soaks up broken tarmac at varying speeds with well-controlled dampers and impressive composure.
This automatic isn't fitted with the jerky Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) that we have come to know. Mated to a new generation six-speed ETG6 clutchless manual gearbox, the drive suits the relaxed, unruffled nature of the French MPV as gears are changed smoothly. You could easily mistake this for a proper self-shifting transmission.


With 150bhp and 370Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the Grand C4 Picasso performs with vigour, picking up pace to get up to motorway speed quickly, yet it cruises without any of the industrial-sounding clatter often associated with diesel cars. The downside of this, though, is the lag when you pedal to the metal.
Still, it's a small quibble that can be easily overlooked when you're piloting an MPV. The ride is good and it soaks up broken tarmac at varying speeds with well-controlled dampers and impressive composure.
While you wouldn't buy a car of this sort for its handling prowess, it corners accurately, if lacking in outright steering feel. Help also comes from the Lane Departure Warning system that vibrates your seatbelt if you're wandering over lane markings.
Conclusion
Citroen claims that the C4 Grand Picasso does a fuel consumption of slightly over 22km/L. With a heavy right foot, we managed 18.7km/L. While it comes up short, it suggests that, one way or the other, the car is still more frugal than its peers.
If the car leaves its lane without the driver activating the indicator, the Lane Warning Departure system will activate the seatbelt to vibrate as a warning
Match that with a decent ride quality and good looks, and you've got yourself one heck of an artwork.
Citroen will be launching the 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 six-speed ETG6 gearbox in the second quarter of 2014 while the 1.6-litre THP 155 petrol variant should be expected to arrive in the fourth quarter.
Conclusion
Citroen claims that the C4 Grand Picasso does a fuel consumption of slightly over 22km/L. With a heavy right foot, we managed 18.7km/L. While it comes up short, it suggests that, one way or the other, the car is still more frugal than its peers.


Match that with a decent ride quality and good looks, and you've got yourself one heck of an artwork.
Citroen will be launching the 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 six-speed ETG6 gearbox in the second quarter of 2014 while the 1.6-litre THP 155 petrol variant should be expected to arrive in the fourth quarter.
Getting hold of a good MPV that strikes a perfect balance between looks, usability and driveability can be a tough job. Most either come up short or don't even come up at all.
But it seems Citroen has found a solution to muscle its way through the MPV segment with its Grand C4 Picasso. This all new model is aimed at improving on the said strengths, offering more cabin space and versatility, along with improved efficiency and better dynamics - underpinned with three rows of seats.
Joining the Grand C4 Picasso range is the new 150bhp diesel engine that you see here, which has a CO2 emission of just 117g/km - some 30g/km lesser than the previous model.
Part of the recipe comes from the new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2) platform that the MPV is now based on, which allows the car to be significantly lighter than its predecessor by 100kg.
Up close and Personal
The new Grand C4 Picasso has its own distinctive style to set it apart from the regular MPVs. Headlights sit beneath the wide, narrow grille that cleverly incorporates LED daytime running lights.
But it seems Citroen has found a solution to muscle its way through the MPV segment with its Grand C4 Picasso. This all new model is aimed at improving on the said strengths, offering more cabin space and versatility, along with improved efficiency and better dynamics - underpinned with three rows of seats.
Joining the Grand C4 Picasso range is the new 150bhp diesel engine that you see here, which has a CO2 emission of just 117g/km - some 30g/km lesser than the previous model.
Part of the recipe comes from the new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2) platform that the MPV is now based on, which allows the car to be significantly lighter than its predecessor by 100kg.
Up close and Personal
The new Grand C4 Picasso has its own distinctive style to set it apart from the regular MPVs. Headlights sit beneath the wide, narrow grille that cleverly incorporates LED daytime running lights.
It's very futuristic indeed, taking a modern approach that makes MPVs like the Ford Galaxy, Mazda5 and the Toyota Wish look dated.
Just as impressive is the cabin. Thanks to the afore mentioned platform, the Picasso sports the same length as its predecessor but has a longer wheelbase. Thus, space is aplenty for occupants on board.
With the third row in place, boot space - like most MPVs - is barely satisfactory. Fold away the seats with one hand and the boot capacity increases to a massive 645 litres - an increment of 69 litres over its predecessor.
There's an exceptionally airy feel to the cabin, too, thanks to the panoramic windscreen and roof. It's hard for drivers to complain about the visibility because of the massive use of glass. Plus, the A-pillars don't get in the way too much.
Just as impressive is the cabin. Thanks to the afore mentioned platform, the Picasso sports the same length as its predecessor but has a longer wheelbase. Thus, space is aplenty for occupants on board.
With the third row in place, boot space - like most MPVs - is barely satisfactory. Fold away the seats with one hand and the boot capacity increases to a massive 645 litres - an increment of 69 litres over its predecessor.
There's an exceptionally airy feel to the cabin, too, thanks to the panoramic windscreen and roof. It's hard for drivers to complain about the visibility because of the massive use of glass. Plus, the A-pillars don't get in the way too much.
Drivetrain
This automatic isn't fitted with the jerky Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) that we have come to know. Mated to a new generation six-speed ETG6 clutchless manual gearbox, the drive suits the relaxed, unruffled nature of the French MPV as gears are changed smoothly. You could easily mistake this for a proper self-shifting transmission.
With 150bhp and 370Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the Grand C4 Picasso performs with vigour, picking up pace to get up to motorway speed quickly, yet it cruises without any of the industrial-sounding clatter often associated with diesel cars. The downside of this, though, is the lag when you pedal to the metal.
Still, it's a small quibble that can be easily overlooked when you're piloting an MPV. The ride is good and it soaks up broken tarmac at varying speeds with well-controlled dampers and impressive composure.
This automatic isn't fitted with the jerky Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) that we have come to know. Mated to a new generation six-speed ETG6 clutchless manual gearbox, the drive suits the relaxed, unruffled nature of the French MPV as gears are changed smoothly. You could easily mistake this for a proper self-shifting transmission.
With 150bhp and 370Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the Grand C4 Picasso performs with vigour, picking up pace to get up to motorway speed quickly, yet it cruises without any of the industrial-sounding clatter often associated with diesel cars. The downside of this, though, is the lag when you pedal to the metal.
Still, it's a small quibble that can be easily overlooked when you're piloting an MPV. The ride is good and it soaks up broken tarmac at varying speeds with well-controlled dampers and impressive composure.
While you wouldn't buy a car of this sort for its handling prowess, it corners accurately, if lacking in outright steering feel. Help also comes from the Lane Departure Warning system that vibrates your seatbelt if you're wandering over lane markings.
Conclusion
Citroen claims that the C4 Grand Picasso does a fuel consumption of slightly over 22km/L. With a heavy right foot, we managed 18.7km/L. While it comes up short, it suggests that, one way or the other, the car is still more frugal than its peers.
Match that with a decent ride quality and good looks, and you've got yourself one heck of an artwork.
Citroen will be launching the 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 six-speed ETG6 gearbox in the second quarter of 2014 while the 1.6-litre THP 155 petrol variant should be expected to arrive in the fourth quarter.
Conclusion
Citroen claims that the C4 Grand Picasso does a fuel consumption of slightly over 22km/L. With a heavy right foot, we managed 18.7km/L. While it comes up short, it suggests that, one way or the other, the car is still more frugal than its peers.
Match that with a decent ride quality and good looks, and you've got yourself one heck of an artwork.
Citroen will be launching the 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 six-speed ETG6 gearbox in the second quarter of 2014 while the 1.6-litre THP 155 petrol variant should be expected to arrive in the fourth quarter.
Thank You For Your Subscription.