Citroen C4 Picasso Diesel

Citroen with its THP engine was plagued with problems with engine material and often needing changing. Looks like they have done something right with this one

I have driven this car the last time I loaned it from Citroen and I dare say, if I can afford it, it'll be my next car! The car is torque-y, it's spacious and the ride is very comfortable. Don't let the brand put you off and I can assure you that it will function better than any Japanese cars at this price point!

Coming from owner of Jetta and Passat, we were looking out for a more economical family car which is also suitable to run our businesses.

We went to Renault to see the new Megane and eventually chosen the C4P for its enormous cabin (no other car in it's price range can match).

Being a small diesel engine, with high torque and low hp, high speed performance was average, however the climb up genting highlands was effortless, thanks to 300NM of low end torque at disposal.

The C4P does what is was ment for, to ferry goods and passengers in total comfort. The comfort bias suspension soak up bumps, ensuring passengers receives the smoothest ride possible.

On average we are getting 17-18km/l for 50% Xpressway, 50% Minor roads.

Having to own this car since early November 2016, it has yet to let me down. With a fuel consumption of close to 26 km/L, i can travel more than 1000km per tank. This is really impressive for me since changing my ride to this. For it's value and the offer provided by the AD i have a piece of mind for at least 5 years.

For it's price point and value including the equipment, i can say it is really hard to beat. However the design may not suit younger generation taste due to it's boxy-ness.

I will rate the driving pleasure at 8/10. Reason being, it is not a sporty car to drive. It will not give you the go-kart feeling like Mini-cooper but it is very elegant to drive. If i would want to compare it, i will compare it with bigger CC car. At high-speed, the cabin is quiet. You will not hear much noise coming from the undercarriage or the side window even though the size is rather boxy.

For young family like me, the space is very usable. I can fit up to 3 ISO-fix on the 3 separated seat at the back and yet there is still space before the front seat and the back. I have also tried squeezing 4 average-size adult in the backseat and surprisingly, it fits. Esp the ride high, it is very optimal for elderly and pregnant ladies. They do not have to push/pull themselves up unlike getting into a SUV or pulling themselves in or out from a sedan.

Definitely there are also flaws to this vehicle. What i do not like is when i get off the car for a short while keeping the engine on. You can hear the Diesel engine very similar to the taxis. However it does not impact me much as when i am in the cabin i do not hear all these noises which i can say they very well insulating the car.

The other thing that i do not like is the design. It does have a futuristic design but there is still a bit of old man car feel if you get what i mean. And when cornering, it is not as planted as most car due to the high ride height and boxy design.

Other than all these i still feel that this car at it's value was quite unbeatable.

Was looking for a family mover to replace my aging SUV with a $120k budget. I had never really considered a MPV cos almost all MPVs either look too boring or hideous. But the Picasso is one of the few exception. It actually looks really chic. I first test drive the car in mid 2015. Other than the look, I Was impressed by the spacious and practical layouts. But it was a let down the minute I took the car out on the road. The ETG robotic clutch was too jerky and unpredictable for my wife's and my liking.

This year, I came to learn that Citroen had upgraded the gearbox to a 6 speed fully automatic Aisin gearbox. I decided to give it another chance and I must say we were impressed. On paper, 120 bhp may not be much, but 300NM of torque at 1750rpm is evident very time you step on the accelerator. Overtaking is such a breeze. Ride is very comfortable as the suspension absorbs all the humps & bumps without feeling too cushy. Sound insulation is good. Body roll is acceptable considering it is a MPV.

Ofcos, we were a little concerned before signing on the dotted line as we were told Citroen was never known for their reliability. But with their 5 years warranty and 3 years free servicing program, we decided we can worry about that later. I had owned the car for a little more than 2 weeks and I must say it is 1 impressive car. One full tank of diesel cost me less than $50 and it will run for 750 km on 50/50 city/highway driving.

If you are looking for a practical family mover and brand is not your priority concern, this chic looking wheel will give you the best value for your money.

Test drove the Citroen C4 Picasso Diesel 2 weeks ago. The car looks futuristic and classy. Handling is decently smooth and the pickup is great for a 5 seater MPV. Comfort wise, it went over humps really well and you don't feel much from it (Citroen vehicles are renowned for their suspension and comfort). Boot space is perfect to fit in 4 luggage easily. The panoramic view from the driver's seat is breathtaking, you feel like a pilot in a cockpit.

Now for the downside:

1) Citroen still has lots to catch up on its reliability. Past versions of its C4 had issues with gearboxes etc... Thank goodness they changed to this EAT6 Aisin gearbox which is fully automatic. Let's hope its a turning point for Citroen.

2) Additional cost of refilling the Adblue, but if you drive a lot, the fuel savings would easily cover additional cost of the Adblue and special diesel tax.

Went on a test drive last week. The new Asin 6-speed transmission is a vast improvement than the previous ETG6! The drive is really comfortable and the visibility around the vehicle with panaromic view is unprecedented. The back seats can truly seat 3 grown adults that a long distance ride is no longer a drag.

A serious contender when my trusty Honda Jazz expire next year....

Strange how come people are able to comment about reliability on a vehicle they have not owned (see a below review). I guess they didn't read the notes. If he/she actually owned . Anyway, I actually own this car but shall not comment on reliability but so far my car has covered 15,000km in under 1 year (use for sales) and no issue at all. Of course people will say 5 years later you will get it, but 5 years later anything can happen, ruling party get voted out, Singapore get annexed to China. We shall see.

Anyway, the main sell point for me and my wife would be the interior (French comfort), nice panoromic windows and centre displays, seats are very supportive. The engine is also not bad, first experience with diesel but for me this engine is a tried and tested design, our office has one Berlingo van (same engine) and we have ex colleagues owning this car overseas and the reliability after 8 years still no issue. Engine is also not noisy and cannot be heard from inside, but of course not as quiet at idle as my previous Wish.

Fuel consimption is the strongest point, managing to get 700-800km per tank and since diesel is cheap the fuel cost each month is very low. Workplace in IBP and drive there from Pasir Ris.

Cons would be the touch screen which is not responsive and must be used to adjust the aircon. The ETG6 gearbox is also not the best choice for sporty drivers, from 1st to 2nd gear must learn to release accelerator a bit when it shifts in order not to feel any jerk. However once in 2nd and 3rd gear the pickup is quite awsome for such a round-looking family car. Overtaking on expressway and going up ramp to Benjamin Sheares bridge is no issue, maybe even leaves my previous Wish in the dust. I understand now the transmission is a standard 6-speed auto so future buyers will not have such issues.

So there you have it, an but of course we do hope Citroen have improved their reliability. We shall see.

I have driven the C4 Picasso II 1.6 eHDi ETG6 for slightly more than 6 months without experiencing any problems.

It is not a car for the ordinary motorist. It has a distinctive character of its own. For those who know how to appreciate it, the semi-automated transmission allows the driver to enjoy the best of both worlds. The phenomenal torque of 270 Nm ensures effortless overtaking and the plush upholstery and generous wheelbase makes being in the car comfortable and relaxing.

I used to spend about $400 every month on fuel in my previous petrol driven 1.6l car. Now, in the Picasso, I need to fill up with $50 diesel only twice a month.

Last month, I sent the car in for its first servicing at C & C. My SE was a Mr Chan, and he very thorough, patient and polite and made the experience a pleasant one.

I have no illusions about the car. Eventually I expect problems to crop up, but then which car is perfect ? Repairs may be slightly more expensive at C & C, but there are alternative workshops available. Anyway, I have no qualms about paying more for the pleasure I enjoy when driving the car.

Dont ever buy this car...

You will drive less and get it towed away more..

Problems...You name it.. And will come to you...

The car will deceive you by it's looks and the salesman will offer a good price for your old car. But, never fall for it. In terms of reliability, it is the worst car in my opinion.