Grvs C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi INTENSIVE (A) vs Touran Diesel 1.6 TDI (A)
25 Aug 2014|44,023 views
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) are becoming more and more popular and it's not difficult to see why. Being practical and spacious, these vehicles often need to cope with everything from the school run to visits to supermarkets to even road trips.
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso was first introduced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, ahead of its five-seater version, the C4 Picasso. Now in its second generation, the new Grand C4 Picasso came to life via the Technospace concept showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The Volkswagen Touran, coincidentally in its second generation too, has been around since 2010, but it wasn't until last year when the diesel variant joined its petrol counterparts in the local lineup.
Exterior
Measuring 4,597mm x 1,826mm x 1,638mm (L x W x H), the Grand C4 Picasso is 200mm longer, 32mm wider but 36mm lower than the Touran. The bigger dimensions also help to give the Grand C4 Picasso a stronger road presence.
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Complemented by a futuristic look that is appealing, the Grand C4 Picasso will not have problems attracting attention as it rolls along the street.
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On the other side of the road, the Touran, with its roots stemming from the Mk6 Golf, appears to be a vertically stretched version of the hatchback, with the crisp family look shared with most of the other cars in Volkswagen's range.
The Touran is all prim and proper, keeping to the traditional design of an MPV that is inoffensive and neat. There are no frivolous design elements outside, except for, perhaps the chrome work on the grille and the good-looking alloy rims. The Touran may not excite or seduce anyone, but it certainly looks pleasing to the eye.
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Interior
The Grand C4 Picasso features a loft-inspired interior and enhancing this design concept is a large panoramic sunroof that brightens up the cabin. When day turns to night, LED ambient lighting also makes the cabin cosy.
 |  |
Between design and space, the cabin of the Grand C4 Picasso manages to strike a fine balance. The wheelbase was lengthened by 110mm over the previous model, resulting in more room for passengers and an increase of 69 litres in boot capacity over its predecessor.
Other innovative features in the Grand C4 Picasso include that of a useful smaller rear view mirror for checking on the kids, which can double up as a blind spot mirror too. And if 'Mum' needs to access the rear, she can do so easily via a detachable centre compartment.
On the other hand, the Touran's cabin has a mimimalistic feel, with simple and straightforward controls on the centre console. The interior is also filled with solid materials that give you the feeling it will last for a long time.
There are also plenty of useful storage areas such as extra bottle holders in large door bins, which is very convenient, and keeps to the theme of being user-friendly and sensible.
Space and flexibility are key aspects in an MPV and the Touran does not disappoint. With an easy configurable seating plan and a generous maximum load capacity of 1,913 litres, there's no denying the flexibility on offer with the option of carrying more people or cargo.
 |
The Drive
The Grand C4 Picasso is powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel engine mated to an ETG6 automated manual transmission.
The engine provides a good amount of power and torque but the delivery is a little hampered by the semi-automatic gearbox, which requires easing off the throttle for smoother gear changes.
But once you have gotten used to the transmission, you will be rewarded with a refined drive as the car picks up speed. Round corners, the Grand C4 Picasso may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plush ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
 |  |
But more importantly, the Grand C4 Picasso achieved a fuel economy of 15.7km/L during our time with it - rather impressive for a vehicle that weighs in at close to 1.4 tonnes.
In comparison, the lower-powered 1.6-litre TDI engine under the hood of the Touran seems to provide more oomph. This could be attributed to the effective seven-speed DSG gearbox that delivers smooth gear changes.
On the go, there is decent low-end torque, which makes hauling people or cargo effortless. However, the Touran was a little thirstier, clocking in a fuel consumption figure of 15km/L over our test drive. We reckon part of the reason could be due to its weight - some 200kg more than the Grand C4 Picasso.
Nevertheless, the Touran handles well. It engages bends in a planted fashion, making it easy to have fun with an MPV. Despite the sportiness it exudes, the car maintains its level of comfort for passengers, levelling out road undulations in a calm manner.
Conclusion
The Grand C4 Picasso's innovative looks combine with a great amount of features and decent luggage space create a compelling MPV. A comfortable ride and decent performance from its 1.6-litre e-HDi engine are the icing on the cake. However, getting used to the ETG6 transmission remains a bit of a concern.
On the other hand, the Touran, with its easily adjustable rear seats and plenty of clever storage, is very family-friendly, while the 1.6-litre TDI engine blends strong performance and good economy. However, its slightly dated looks consign it to fall a little short. Nonetheless, it is the cheaper of the two at $146,800 (as of 21st August 2014).
Sure enough, the Grand C4 Picasso may cost some $9,000 more, but its all-round package elevates it well above the equally capable Touran.
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) are becoming more and more popular and it's not difficult to see why. Being practical and spacious, these vehicles often need to cope with everything from the school run to visits to supermarkets to even road trips.
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso was first introduced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, ahead of its five-seater version, the C4 Picasso. Now in its second generation, the new Grand C4 Picasso came to life via the Technospace concept showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The Volkswagen Touran, coincidentally in its second generation too, has been around since 2010, but it wasn't until last year when the diesel variant joined its petrol counterparts in the local lineup.
Exterior
Measuring 4,597mm x 1,826mm x 1,638mm (L x W x H), the Grand C4 Picasso is 200mm longer, 32mm wider but 36mm lower than the Touran. The bigger dimensions also help to give the Grand C4 Picasso a stronger road presence.
Complemented by a futuristic look that is appealing, the Grand C4 Picasso will not have problems attracting attention as it rolls along the street.
On the other side of the road, the Touran, with its roots stemming from the Mk6 Golf, appears to be a vertically stretched version of the hatchback, with the crisp family look shared with most of the other cars in Volkswagen's range.
The Touran is all prim and proper, keeping to the traditional design of an MPV that is inoffensive and neat. There are no frivolous design elements outside, except for, perhaps the chrome work on the grille and the good-looking alloy rims. The Touran may not excite or seduce anyone, but it certainly looks pleasing to the eye.
Interior
The Grand C4 Picasso features a loft-inspired interior and enhancing this design concept is a large panoramic sunroof that brightens up the cabin. When day turns to night, LED ambient lighting also makes the cabin cosy.
Between design and space, the cabin of the Grand C4 Picasso manages to strike a fine balance. The wheelbase was lengthened by 110mm over the previous model, resulting in more room for passengers and an increase of 69 litres in boot capacity over its predecessor.
Other innovative features in the Grand C4 Picasso include that of a useful smaller rear view mirror for checking on the kids, which can double up as a blind spot mirror too. And if 'Mum' needs to access the rear, she can do so easily via a detachable centre compartment.
The Grand C4 Picasso features a loft-inspired interior and enhancing this design concept is a large panoramic sunroof that brightens up the cabin. When day turns to night, LED ambient lighting also makes the cabin cosy.
Between design and space, the cabin of the Grand C4 Picasso manages to strike a fine balance. The wheelbase was lengthened by 110mm over the previous model, resulting in more room for passengers and an increase of 69 litres in boot capacity over its predecessor.
Other innovative features in the Grand C4 Picasso include that of a useful smaller rear view mirror for checking on the kids, which can double up as a blind spot mirror too. And if 'Mum' needs to access the rear, she can do so easily via a detachable centre compartment.
On the other hand, the Touran's cabin has a mimimalistic feel, with simple and straightforward controls on the centre console. The interior is also filled with solid materials that give you the feeling it will last for a long time.
There are also plenty of useful storage areas such as extra bottle holders in large door bins, which is very convenient, and keeps to the theme of being user-friendly and sensible.
Space and flexibility are key aspects in an MPV and the Touran does not disappoint. With an easy configurable seating plan and a generous maximum load capacity of 1,913 litres, there's no denying the flexibility on offer with the option of carrying more people or cargo.
The Drive
The Grand C4 Picasso is powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel engine mated to an ETG6 automated manual transmission.
The engine provides a good amount of power and torque but the delivery is a little hampered by the semi-automatic gearbox, which requires easing off the throttle for smoother gear changes.
But once you have gotten used to the transmission, you will be rewarded with a refined drive as the car picks up speed. Round corners, the Grand C4 Picasso may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plush ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
But more importantly, the Grand C4 Picasso achieved a fuel economy of 15.7km/L during our time with it - rather impressive for a vehicle that weighs in at close to 1.4 tonnes.
In comparison, the lower-powered 1.6-litre TDI engine under the hood of the Touran seems to provide more oomph. This could be attributed to the effective seven-speed DSG gearbox that delivers smooth gear changes.
On the go, there is decent low-end torque, which makes hauling people or cargo effortless. However, the Touran was a little thirstier, clocking in a fuel consumption figure of 15km/L over our test drive. We reckon part of the reason could be due to its weight - some 200kg more than the Grand C4 Picasso.
The Grand C4 Picasso is powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel engine mated to an ETG6 automated manual transmission.
The engine provides a good amount of power and torque but the delivery is a little hampered by the semi-automatic gearbox, which requires easing off the throttle for smoother gear changes.
But once you have gotten used to the transmission, you will be rewarded with a refined drive as the car picks up speed. Round corners, the Grand C4 Picasso may feel a little cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plush ride, thanks to a comfort-tuned suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
But more importantly, the Grand C4 Picasso achieved a fuel economy of 15.7km/L during our time with it - rather impressive for a vehicle that weighs in at close to 1.4 tonnes.
In comparison, the lower-powered 1.6-litre TDI engine under the hood of the Touran seems to provide more oomph. This could be attributed to the effective seven-speed DSG gearbox that delivers smooth gear changes.
On the go, there is decent low-end torque, which makes hauling people or cargo effortless. However, the Touran was a little thirstier, clocking in a fuel consumption figure of 15km/L over our test drive. We reckon part of the reason could be due to its weight - some 200kg more than the Grand C4 Picasso.
Nevertheless, the Touran handles well. It engages bends in a planted fashion, making it easy to have fun with an MPV. Despite the sportiness it exudes, the car maintains its level of comfort for passengers, levelling out road undulations in a calm manner.
Conclusion
The Grand C4 Picasso's innovative looks combine with a great amount of features and decent luggage space create a compelling MPV. A comfortable ride and decent performance from its 1.6-litre e-HDi engine are the icing on the cake. However, getting used to the ETG6 transmission remains a bit of a concern.
On the other hand, the Touran, with its easily adjustable rear seats and plenty of clever storage, is very family-friendly, while the 1.6-litre TDI engine blends strong performance and good economy. However, its slightly dated looks consign it to fall a little short. Nonetheless, it is the cheaper of the two at $146,800 (as of 21st August 2014).
Sure enough, the Grand C4 Picasso may cost some $9,000 more, but its all-round package elevates it well above the equally capable Touran.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
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Car Information
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Diesel 1.6 e-HDi ETG6 INTENSIVE (A)
CAT A|Diesel|25km/L
Horsepower
85kW (114 bhp)
Torque
270 Nm
Acceleration
12.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Citroen Grand C4 Picasso DieselVolkswagen Touran Diesel 1.6 TDI DSG (A)
CAT A|Diesel|21.7km/L
Horsepower
77kW (103 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
12.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Touran Diesel
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