Citroen launches the Grand C4 Picasso

There's something enchanting about discovering new grounds. It's almost like unlocking the puzzle to the secret chamber, where more puzzles await your dedication of life pursuit of solving them. But you're one step closer to succeeding, no doubt.

And for some reasons unknown, it's almost like French carmaker Citroen has discovered new grounds with its Grand C4 Picasso. Appearing like none other MPVs you've seen before, the seven-seater Grand C4 Picasso is futuristic-looking.

The mildly eccentric designed car, as what you'd expect, has more than just its looks to boast. Thanks to the utilisation of the new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2), a number of improvements have been made to this model. This said platform made its world debut on the new Citroen C4 Picasso mid this year and has been further improved on the Grand C4 Picasso.

As such, there are a couple of improvements on the latest French MPV. For starters, the Grand C4 Picasso has lost some 100kg of weight, with 60% of it owing to the new platform.

The wheelbase has also been increased by 110mm despite having the same length as its predecessor. This immediately translates to more room for rear occupants as well as boot capacity.

Other than a generously spaced out cabin, which happens to be loft-inspired, the MPV also sports a myriad of technologies such as a full-touch driving interface, 360 Vision, Anti-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning System and Stop&Start.

At launch, the two models of the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso that we tested were the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 (A) & the 1.6-litre THP 155 (M). The former, powered by a diesel powerplant, is already compliant with the Euro6 standard, pumping out 150 horses from 3,750rpm and 370Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. The latter, on the other hand, is powered by a petrol engine, providing drivers with 156bhp at 5,800rpm and 240Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm.

Singapore, however, will be getting none of the above mentioned models. Instead, the local market can expect the 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 with ETG by the 2nd quarter of 2014 and the 1.6-litre THP 155 with AT6 by 4th quarter of 2014.