2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso pricing and specifications

Citroen’s second-generation C4 Picasso will arrive in local showrooms on March 1, with the new model’s $4,500 greater $43,990 entry price balanced by Citroen’s boast of $9,000 worth of extra value.

Sitting between the Kia Rondo and Honda Odyssey in size, the new C4 Picasso features flexible seating for seven within a 2840mm wheelbase and 4600mm overall length – the same as the previous model but with 110mm added between the wheels.  

Key packaging gains from the extended wheelbase include 55mm more knee room in the second row, and 16mm for third-row occupants. The new Grand C4 Picasso is the first model to arrive in Australia using Citroen-parent PSA’s new EMP2 platform, which will form the basis of several new Citroen and Peugeot models, plus some General Motors products under the PSA/GM alliance.

Weight reduction was a key criteria for the new platform, and the new Grand C4 Picasso weighs just 1440kg – 100kg less than the outgoing model, and at least 336kg less than the Odyssey.

DRIVETRAIN

Australian Grand C4 Picasso models will use a single ‘Excusive’ trim level, with a six speed auto and turbodiesel as the sole drivetrain. This turbodiesel is the new BlueHDi 110kW/370Nm 2.0-litre unit, which produces max torque between 2000-2500rpm, can accelerate to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds, and is rated at a class-leading 4.5L/100 combined.

The sole transmission is a new six-speed torque converter unit – unlike the previous single-clutch automated manual unit – which promises faster gearchanges, quieter operation and is paired with a standard stop/start system.

EQUIPMENT

Standard features include a leather steering wheel, satnav, dual-zone climate control with second row vents and fan control, front and rear parking sensors, four-camera 360 degree exterior view, automated parking system for parallel and perpendicular reverse parks, Bluetooth phone and audio, 8GB media storage, panoramic glass roof with electric sunblind, auto headlights and wipers, speed-limiting cruise control, proximity keys, and 17 inch wheels.

Design highlights include twin multimedia screens in the dash, with a 12-inch widescreen unit for trip computer, satnav and 360 degree camera display, and a 7-inch secondary unit in the centre stack for HVAC controls, satnav, and multimedia information. Retractable window blinds are also standard for the second row, along with a roof-mounted conversation mirror and 12V power sockets for all three rows.

Optional extras include the $2000 Drive Assist Pack that adds active cruise control, lane departure and collision warnings, active seat belts and auto high-beam. Also available is partial leather trim with with electric lumbar and massage functions for the front seats, second row tray tables, and an alectric footrest for the front passenger ($2500 or $5000 with full leather and electric heated front seats). A powered tailgate can also be added for $1000, plus Bi-Xenon headlights ($2000) and 18-inch wheels ($1500) that push the combined fuel figure up to 4.6L/100km.

PACKAGING

The third row seats can be folded into the floor, and a load length of up to 2.5m is possible with the front passenger seat folded. Cargo space with all seats up is 165L, which expands to 632-793L with the third row folded (depending on second row position), and 2,181L with the second row folded forward. The Grand C4 Picasso will carry an 840kg payload, 1600kg braked tow rating, and comes with an inflation kit in lieu of a spare tyre.

SAFETY

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags for the first two rows only, blind-spot monitoring, hill-assist, ABS and stability control, and second row child seat anchorage points are ISOFIX with a top-tether for all three positions. The Grand C4 Picasso has earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, which Citroen Australia distributor Sime Darby expects will be recognised by ANCAP in the coming weeks.