We are at the dawn of an era when commercial space travel is turning into a reality. Soon, before this decade runs out, we can buy a ticket to the mystic world, one which has been out of reach to all our forebearers.
But unless you are a multi-billionaire who's willing to fork out a huge sum of money, you probably wouldn't stand a chance at all, not to mention that you may actually need to get in line and wait for your number to be called even if you have the moolah.
Citroen may, then, be the saving grace, for the French automaker has sniped at the chance to show us how space travel could possibly be like.
Meet the Grand C4 Picasso - the French's latest seven-seater space wagon (pardon the pun). The visionary design means it could very well be the next best thing to space travel.Exterior
Even when it retains the classic proportions of an MPV, the Grand C4 looks as though its designers had an overdose of sci-fi shows, or probably just woke up from a futuristic dream in the year 2055.
But unless you are a multi-billionaire who's willing to fork out a huge sum of money, you probably wouldn't stand a chance at all, not to mention that you may actually need to get in line and wait for your number to be called even if you have the moolah.
Citroen may, then, be the saving grace, for the French automaker has sniped at the chance to show us how space travel could possibly be like.
Meet the Grand C4 Picasso - the French's latest seven-seater space wagon (pardon the pun). The visionary design means it could very well be the next best thing to space travel.Exterior
Even when it retains the classic proportions of an MPV, the Grand C4 looks as though its designers had an overdose of sci-fi shows, or probably just woke up from a futuristic dream in the year 2055.
The glass greenhouse occupies a large portion of the MPV, giving it a clean, yet sophisticated feel. The 'floating roof' design also adds a touch of elegance to the sizeable people mover, while looking cutting edge at the same time.
The clever use of LED at the rear also helps create a distinctive and charismatic light signature that seeks your attention both in the day and at night.
The clever use of LED at the rear also helps create a distinctive and charismatic light signature that seeks your attention both in the day and at night.
Interior
The futuristic theme continues in the cabin with twin LCD displays - a 12.0-inch High Definition screen paired with a 7.0-inch touchpad, which acts as the control for the air-conditioning and infotainment system.
The system also comes with a host of miscellaneous functions, such as a calculator and even a photo album, although we wonder how someone would find use for the latter on the move.
The futuristic theme continues in the cabin with twin LCD displays - a 12.0-inch High Definition screen paired with a 7.0-inch touchpad, which acts as the control for the air-conditioning and infotainment system.
The system also comes with a host of miscellaneous functions, such as a calculator and even a photo album, although we wonder how someone would find use for the latter on the move.
A combination of Zenith windscreen (like those found in the Citroen DS5) and the panoramic sunroof lend the cabin an airy atmosphere.
The three individual seats in the centre row are not as luxurious or comfortable as the cradle-style ottoman seats found in the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Elgrand, but arguably, they will serve you better if your main purpose is to ferry more people.
The three individual seats in the centre row are not as luxurious or comfortable as the cradle-style ottoman seats found in the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Elgrand, but arguably, they will serve you better if your main purpose is to ferry more people.
The Drive
The seven-seater Grand C4 Picasso is no midget, but underneath the front hood lies a rather tiny 1.6-litre engine that is also found on the five-seater C4 Picasso.
The mother of MPVs, surprisingly, does not feel daunted or lacking in power in our traffic. The turbodiesel is also delightfully refined at idling or city speeds, keeping the signature clatter of diesel engines at bay and its cabin near to a hush.
Part credit has to go to its relatively low kerb weight of just 1,320kg. In comparison, one of its closest rival, the Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI, weighs a good 200kg more.
The lightweight body also contributes to the lively, get-up-and-go character of the Grand C4. That said, the soft springs mean that you'll still have to go around corners in a less enthusiastic manner, or else cabin items will start to sway heavily to one side from the body roll.
The people mover has another trick up its sleeves. We managed to clock a fuel economy of close to 16km/L at the end of our three-day test run, which is rather impressive for a vehicle of its size, even without us having to work with a light right foot.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking design of the new Grand C4 Picasso is a pleasant surprise.
However, the drivetrain remains to be its weakest link, especially the automated clutch gearbox, which hasn't been the easiest to work with.
Adding to the credentials of the new car, nonetheless, are real world gains - specifically with the improved fuel economy, which translates to lower running costs. And that, alone, can be the tipping point for the family man in question.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking design of the new Grand C4 Picasso is a pleasant surprise.
However, the drivetrain remains to be its weakest link, especially the automated clutch gearbox, which hasn't been the easiest to work with.
Adding to the credentials of the new car, nonetheless, are real world gains - specifically with the improved fuel economy, which translates to lower running costs. And that, alone, can be the tipping point for the family man in question.
