Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

We have a pair of twins, around one year old now. Bought the grand picasso for practical purposes.

The engine is adequate, and I love the gearbox (ex-selespeed user). My passengers love the panoramic windscreen and the moonroof. Everyone loves the space it offers.

Recently we went around shopping for a new car, and realizes the design of the 2nd row in the Grand Picasso is perfectly suited for us - totally flat so our domestic helper can sit in the middle of two baby seats. Could not find other cars or MPVs that has this feature which is so important for us.

This car just screams space - tonnes of it. Until our kids are older I don't think I can find a more suitable vehicle.

Downside. If only it has sliding doors. If only the IU isn't so far beyond reach. If only it has adaptive cruise control. If only it has rocket launchers to use against road hoggers.

What I like too: the agent. Yes, cycle and carriage.

They replace your faulty parts with no questions asked (I didn't even know they did that until I saw it on the bill - for free), and the lounge is such a nice place to be in. I'm not so picky about it (it's not like it's some exotic supercar anyway) so I've had enjoyable moments so far.

Love the aesthetics and features of this car

Citroen seem to have put a lot of thought into the little details, especially inside the car

It's a pity the gearbox takes getting used to

Test drove it twice and it was worse second time round..

Placed so much focus on trying to grasp the method of driving that attention is distracted from the road; which poses a danger to both driver and other road users

If you're a manual car driver, this car is perfect

OMG. Fall in love with this car at first sight! It is so sexy, stylish and elegant and has intelligence.

Seen & tested Stream, Wish, Odyssey, Zafira, carens, Freed, Smax, Touran, Santé Fe, Mazda 8, Grandis, estima, all are boring and typical.

Decided to buy this car.

Test driven it last year while looking for a MPV for my family.

Exterior

Design and shape is overall good. I like big size vehicle. It's what a MPV should be sized; not small and crampy but still call itself an MPV.

Interior

Interior is quite impressive, but seriously, paddle shifts for a MPV?? Like the rear air con control for the passengers, the sun roof, and the retractable front panoramic windscreen. Its quite a view. It's got quite a comfortable leather seats for the front. To me, comfort and silence when driving is more important than any other factors. It provide a spacious and bright interior for my liking.

The drive

Seriously, I hated the drive. What the hell is a semi automatic?? I understand the technology, but dun really like it. It's so jerking during low gears. Changing of gears during low gear is so obvious that its embarrassing. I was told to lift off my foot during low gear change to lessen the jerking feel, but seriously, why do anyone who's used to driving full automatic wanna do that?? It's such a big compromise. But, when at cruising speed, it's quiet.. it's suspension and tires are well suited for local road usage.

Engine

I'm not a speed demon, so as long as its poweful enough for local road usage, it's ok.. Dun need a high performace engine.

Overall

Its a fine vehicle, except for the drive. if you dun mind, it's a good buy.

Den again, how reliable is the vehicle remains unknown, its still a euro car, many features or technical issues are not suited for local market. So, in the long run, dun know if it will have the same issue with many euro cars in the market.

Hi Joetanth,

Are you still driving C4GP?

How the status of the car now?

To be frank, I tested the car, really impressive, and my only concern is what you have just share.

Ever tot of what are you going to do after the warranty expiry?

Is sparts part expensive?

Is C&C service expensive?

CS

I had wanted to buy an MPV for ages as I realise my saloon is too low for my size.. thus I can went sighting... went to toyota to view the WISh and found it's interior too bland.. Same too for honda Stream... Then I want to see Peugoet 5008, but the price is too steep... Then went over to Citroen to look at the Grand Picasso... was captivated by the super big windscreen... and the size and overalll package of the car... tested the car and although the first 2 gear feels abit jerky... it's a very good drive overall... Power comes when really needed and that's all thanks to the 1.6l thp power of the engine... bought it in december and was told to wait till end January as the old model were sold out... ther new facelift is still in shipment... I'll be getting the new facelift car... the price is also very attractive at $119988 which is even lower that some Jap mpv... moreover the MRS loves the look and view.. and my 5 year girl only says "daddy I like this car, buy"... her review for the rest is "I DON LIKE" so the family more or less made the decision unanimously on the car... Drove it for 3 weeks and this although it may be abit thirsty... but that's what you pay for a beautifully crafted and spuer spacious MPV..

I've never taken a fancy to MPV's; previous 3 of my 5 cars were sports cars. Due to an expanding family, space is the number one priority.

One morning when my family was having breakfast at IKEA, we wanted to go have a look at some other car brands but somehow ended up in Citroen as we have never seen the new showroom. I wasn't very keen as sgcarmart labels it as a 4 speed auto; turns out to be a 6 speed EGS (semi-auto). Coupled with a 1.6 turbo engine, it is a deadly efficient urban people mover.

Very very pleasantly surprised by what the C4 Grand Picasso offers; ended up buying two (with my in-laws).

Other perks for ownership: free servicing and the buy-back scheme. Definitely a huge attraction for brand loyalty.

Lets in a lot of light through a lot of glass. Panoramic roof and the windscreen. Almost feels like driving a convertible but without the noise and smell. Also sun visors for the 2nd row, and glass for A-pillars. No worries for frontal blind spots.

Temp- adjustable air-con in 2nd row and air con vents in 3rd row. Air con can also be switched on even with the engine off. Very good for passengers in the car while topping up petrol.

2nd row seats are individually adjustable, and ingress to 3rd row is easy: the 2nd row seats just fold up entirely.

Went for a very long test drives on all types of roads. Definitely a cruiser on highways, and a tad bumpy on lesser roads. Maybe taller tyres will help?

Reset the on board computer and found the avg FC for my one hour drive is about 12km/L with a full load; didn't check for the subsequent test drives.

Engine was very useful in pulling its hefty 1.6tonne body with 7 passengers at the low range; anyway that is all about city driving; max torque at low rpm.

Plenty of cubby holes and storage spaces, as well as a separate mirror for looking at your passengers / kids.

At the end of the day, everyone gave a nod of approval. Maybe it's because they can enjoy the car without having to pay for it. Doesn't matter; for I know my family will be happy. And that matters most.

I was looking for a boring MPV but I found joy.

Serendipity is priceless.

Just like when you are travelling in the economy class, you have plenty to say about those travelling in the business class.

The seats are plush, comfy and spacious. The ambience is just right, you hear less engine noise and feel less vibration. The whole thing is just fantastic and you sleep better in here.

You wish that all class of air travel should be like this but without the hefty price tag that comes with it. But given a chance to take the business class at 10% more than the economy coach ticket, I would not turn back to economy class.

That is exactly how I feel about the C4 Grand Picasso.

If you are fiddling with the economy of ownership/FC/Re-sale value, I would suggest you skip this and move back to the economy class MPV that get the job done for point A to point B effectively and efficiently. This MPV will cost 10% more and you probably need another 25% more on fuel.

For that additional premium, you get an MPV that is very well design for family. Very quiet, smooth and plush ride feel. Clever storage space, dedicated cooler box in the centre ( to fit 4xstandard water bottles ), 2 large top storage ( one for passenger and one for driver ). side pockets that can fit 1.5l bottles, Big central space to place bags/baby bags.

Rear seats slides individually which means 3rd row passenger can get in and out without needing everyone on the 2nd row to get down.

best part is proper adjusting the first/2nd row seats, 2 adults can sit comfortably at the 3rd row.

One important safety features is the control switch to activate child lock from the driver side. This is practical and convenience.

A sweet treat for the driver will be the engine. This car don't need a special tag to signify it's sportines, it simply accelerates and truly zoom over those "cosmetics" sports edition MPVs.

I was also skeptical about the 4spd gearbox at first, but after driving it for more than 10K KM, the creamy engine, the plush ride, the practical storage, the airy ambience that it creates with it's large windscreen and moonroof, the way it makes every passenger feels on every single trip, the gearbox is quickly forgotten.

For once, you need to pay only little more to get so much more premium. Truly a class above the rest.

The Citroen C4 Picasso is a fabulous small MPV in either five- or seven-seat versions. The only car in this sector that offers style and substance.Citroen has tried hard here, so the Picasso feels more than able to stand up to the rigours of a three-toddler family, but tough-feeling plastics aren't necessarily the most tactile.o much thought has been poured in to the masses of storage in the Picasso that it's a delight. Pockets, storage bins, torches in the boot, umbrellas, flip, slide and fold seating, big sunroofs, rear air-con; this car has it all and it makes it all but irresistible.

Thought that I could not find a perfect MPV to replace my previous Grandis. Let's compare... Lower price, Lower road tax, lower insurance, lower fuel consumption, MORE POWER (tubro), Extremely luxurious, impressive styling (interior), Loaded with features. Really doesn't feel like a 1.6 MPV below $100k

Extremely satisfied,

I don't think it is fair to put both the 2.o and 1.6 in this same page review. The new 1.6 is simply a MUST TRY for MPV seekers.

This is a continuation of my feedback since February 2009. Just to add an additonal note - my car is the two-litre EGS version.

As time goes by, I draw more and more satisfaction from dirivng this car. The EGS gearbox is really fun to drive and I am surprised by the fuel efficiency of the engine despite the hefty body (> 1,500 kg). With an almost even mix of urban (often more) and expressway driving, it manages less than 10 litres /100 km.

I must emphasize again that one will fully appreciate this car on long journeys. The combination of comfort, safety, handling, fuel efficiency and performance are remarkable. Try to believe.

Also not forgetting one important factor of owning this car is the professionalism and helpfulness of the service center personnel. Their professionalism and high level of service are highly commendable. This should add one notch to the "reliability" factor of the vehicle although this is not a direct trait of the car. You can be reassured that the car is well taken care of, and any issues will be addressed comprehensively.

Further to my last review, I am upgrading my ratings of this car to do it justice.

Hi Joetanth,

Can I know if you are driving the 2.0l or 1.6 turbo version?

I test drove the 1.6 turbo and I must say it is one of the sweetest ride of my life. One of the best looking MPV in the market (if not THE best), with a surprsingly pick up (1.6l for an MPV) and one of the most comfortable seats in any car I have driven.

It is also feature packed with gadgets I have never even seen before (removable torch, chiller, READING LIGHTS!!)

And of course, how can I forget the windscreen? The view is amazing. and the passengers simply luuurve the panoramic roof.

My C4GP is 6 months old with 10K km on the odometer.

It had been a regular visitor to the Citreon service centre workshop.

At new, a number of manufacturing defects that takes 3 visits to solve.

At 3 months, engine overheated due to leaking water pump. Hospitalized for 3 days.

At 5 months, rubber coated parts starts coming off.

At 6 months, steering is hard to control due to steering pump failure. Luckily, did not had to test out the all the air bags. Now in hospital & expected to take 10 days or more to recover.

Although it is the most comfortable car I had owned, it is also the most unreliable car that I had owned.

Good that C&C provide a courtesy car during the hospitalization of my C4GP, but I would had really appreciate it better if the C4GP doesn't need to be hospitalized so frequently... Only 6 months old & hospitalized 3 times liao...

I have been owning the Grand C4 Picasso EGS for almost six months now.

The car first caught my eye on a road in Germany some time ago even before it was launched in Singapore. The stunning design was captivating and it definitely left a lasting impression on me.

The designers in Citroen deserve credit for creating the form and aerodynamics that give the car much individuality and exclusivity. Yet, they do not compromise the real purpose of an MPV - practicality.

I like the versatility having a manual as well as a so-called "semi-auto" transmission. The semi-auto mode comes in handy for the Missus to run the occasional errands. This mode allows the gear to shift automatically without having to use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The gear shift is non-linear (you will experience a drop in speed, just as you would when you change gear in a normal manual transmission), but with practice, it can be made smoother. It is more evident at low gears. Although not as smooth as a full-auto, it is sufficient to banish the fear of the infrequent driver on having to shift gears manually. For the slightly more enthusiastic driver, the gear can also be shifted manually while on semi-auto.

The manual mode is a good compromise for those drivers who prefer to have more control of the vehicle, yet maintain the practicality of a family car. This is a welcome feature for a young father like myself who was looking for a good balance between fun driving and the practicality of driving the entire family around. Gear shift is via the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and is fun to use. Nonetheless, it takes some getting used to before one is able to make the most out of the manual shift and enjoy a smoother ride. The trick is to release the accelerator slightly during just before shifting the gear. The overall result is a more satisfying drive.

Cruising in the Grand C4 Picasso is as smooth as a soap bar gliding on the bathtub surface. The pliant ride and the dual-zone air-con make long journeys much more comfortable and less tiring for the occupants. For the second row occupants, the windows even come fitted with built-in retractable sunshade and there are also aircraft style fold-up trays behind the front row seats. Also, kids will surely welcome a couple of chilled drinks via a chiller compartment situated below the radio/CD console. The superior noise insulation, spacious interior and vast panoramic windscreen add to the overall experience as well.

My road trips to Kuala Lumpur on a couple of occasions were enjoyable thanks to the comfortable setup, flexible storage configuration, decent performance, and of course, the bold design which evoked many positive comments from impressed friends and relatives across the Causeway. It was also reassuring to have the fog lights at the front and the back turned on when the sky opened up on the North-South Highway, and also know that the five-star Euro NCAP rated vehicle comes equipped with seven airbags. And yes, the car does come with traction control, ABS, cruise control and speed limiter too. Fuel consumption was surprisingly comparable to my previous 5-year-old 2.0l sedan - the benefit of having six manual gears.

The RDS feature on the radio is a nice touch indeed. It automatically "locks" the station that you have tuned in to, allaying the fear of "losing" the station as you travel out of the coverage zone in a larger country, e.g. Malaysia. In other words, there's no need to keep searching for the same station manually on the radio on long drives in Malaysia.

In urban driving, the EGS gearbox does struggle a bit, noticeably in traffic jams. The gear shift from the first to the second is the least smooth among the six gears and as a result, ride comfort is compromised in frequent stop-go situations. Also, being a "tall" car, there is more body roll especially when negotiating road humps at an angle.

On the whole this is a very well packaged car with balanced emphasis on design, exclusivity, comfort, feature, price and practicality. The two-litre engine provides a fair balance between performance and fuel consumption. Some bigger engine MPVs in the same category may have more horses under their hood but at the same time, they burn a bigger hole in the pocket with higher fuel consumption and road tax. One also gets to enjoy the "quality" of a continental car at a very affordable premium.

This the best proposition for me based on my current needs.

Have been driving the car for almost a year now. The EGS 6 speed Auto need some time getting used to as it is actually a manual transmission with electronic shift. So you get slight delay in the gear shift. Overall the car perfromance is excellent for long distance driving. The view at the front is great with vast expanse of glass. Make sure you have the solar shield added for all glazing areas as these are really huge. The dual zone air-con is great and really effective. Suspension is on the soft side when travelling slow however at high speed it feel firm and compose. The car is very quiet at even hig rev 3000 and above cruising at 120 to 140 km/h. The interiors is large enough and flexible folding flat 2nd and 3rd rows really make it useful. The height of the cabin makes it airy. However the last row seat have shallow legroom which is more suited for kids. However, if you distribute the spacing of seats you could achieve quite a good legroom even for tall adults at the back row. Once all rows of seats are up, the remaining luggage space is quite limited. However you have two quite big compartments below the 2 last row seats that can fit a backpack each. The auto light is useful for driving especially if you need to get in and out of tunnels and basement carparks. However, the auto rain sensor wipers can irritate with its speed adjustment based on only one location to detect rain.

The steering wheel barnacle really is where the car differs from others. It is fix and you will need to get used to it as all buttons and controls remain at its position which is a good thing.

If you like to drive fast at corners, the F1 shift paddles are very useful as you would not need to apply brakes but engine brake, just shift down appropriately. You save a lot on worn out brake pads.

There is cruise control and speed limiter which is useful. However, the use of it may need some careful undertsanding of how it engages as it can cause the car to surge quickly to achieve the programmed speed and you can activate it by accident.

The central instrument panel is quite informative and operated by the many buttons and dials at the steering wheel fixed barnacle.

Overall a competent car for comfort and relaxing drive.