The second generation Citroen C4 Picasso brings a much needed injection of style to the compact five-seater MPV market.
And there’s practical substance to this most French of People Carrying propositions.
Let’s have a look at that chassis in a little more detail.
This EMP2 chassis has been co-developed with Peugeot and, like the Volkswagen Group’s MQB chassis, is designed to be easily customisable to different configurations, so the vast majority of forthcoming Peugeot and Citroen products will ride on a version of this platform.
The new underpinnings help to shave a hefty 140kg from the old car’s kerb weight but that’s not all. This latest C4 Picasso is clearly shorter and lower which spells less room inside, but clever packaging sidesteps this issue.
Parking it is easier than ever with good manoeuvrability and decent visibility.
The engine choice is naturally weighted towards diesels because that’s what Citroen does very well and it’s also what British customers expect to buy.
The 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 is expected to be the big seller, but an economical e-HDi 90 powerplant is sure to claim more than a few sales. Petrol customers are going to like the lively THP 155 with its sub-9 second sprint to 60mph. The 115PS diesel engine offers reasonable acceleration and it shares the same improved body control and sharper steering that’s engineered into all of the latest C4 Picasso models.
The overall length has decreased but wheelbase has grown significantly. That points to cleverer packaging, something that designer Frederic Soubirou is clearly proud of. He’ll also draw your attention to the passenger seat, a lounge-style affair with an extendable footrest and massage function.
You’ll probably be trying to get to grips with the styling. If, like me, you associate Citroens with being all voluptuous swoops and extravagant Bezier curves, the rather cubist C4 Picasso might come as a surprise.
The danger in designing such a bold-looking vehicle is that it may well alienate buyers looking for an altogether cuddlier-looking MPV.
Keener drivers may still feel that the steering and handling don’t offer much to challenge something like a Ford C-MAX but, in truth, the majority of MPV buyers just want something comfortable and relaxing to drive and the Citroen certainly hits the mark there.
What’s more, the design values of this car help migrate it into a more boutique corner of the market, a tactic Citroen has explored with its DS-badged models.
It’s doubtful it’ll ever match the sales numbers of the Xsara Picasso MPV, but the C4 Picasso brings a certain elegance back. It’s been missed.