FIRST LOOK: Citroen C4 Picasso

Citroen is doing things a bit differently with the launch of the C4 Picasso in New Zealand – rather than having a traditional media launch where journalists drive the car and get all the relevant information, the company has simply sent the info to us and booked in test drives in the New Year.

So we have had to do a different kind of launch story!

Here then is our “FIRST LOOK” at the Citroen C4 Picasso.

What is it?

The five-seat C4 Picasso is the smaller sibling of the Grand C4 Picasso seven-seater we have had here for a while now. While it shares the bigger cars handsome looks, it is actually based on the same EMP2 platform that sits under the excellent new Peugeot 308 hatch, which promises good things from the Citroen.

There is only one model of C4 Picasso coming to New Zealand – the Seduction variant – and it will only be available with a single engine and transmission, namely a 1.6-litre THP 4-cylinder petrol turbo engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.6-litre engine pumps out an impressive 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque, while returning an average combined fuel consumption figure of 5.6L/100km and CO2 emissions of 130g.

The C4 Picasso will retail for $38,990 and goes on sale on the 15th of November.

What do we think so far?

From what we know about the Grand C4 Picasso and the other car on the EMP2 platform – the Peugeot 308 – we have to say that we are looking forward to the C4 Picasso. Mixing the Grand C4 Picasso’s fantastic looks and clever practicality with the 308’s brilliant poise and agility sounds like something worth considering if you are in the market for anything from a small hatch to a Crossover or smaller SUV.

We recently went to France for the Paris motor show and saw the C4 Picasso literally everywhere. Along with the Renault Captur (a small SUV, also due here soon), the C4 Picasso seemed to be the sensible car to have in France, particularly in the larger cities.

Standard specification

17-inch alloy wheels

Cruise control with speed limiter

5 individually adjustable seats

LED Daytime running lights

Automatic dual-zone air-conditioning

Driver and passenger front airbags

Front side & full length curtain airbags

MP3 stereo with 6 speakers and 8gb Jukebox

Electric front and rear windows with anti-pinch

Rear window wash and wiper

Multifunction leather steering wheel

Multifunction on-board trip computer

Automatic rain sensing windscreen wipers

Bluetooth with USB connection and audio streaming

Satellite navigation

7-inch touch screen

Rear park aid with reversing camera

Adjustable head restraints on all 5 seats

Remote central locking with deadlocks

Coded engine immobiliser

Black panel night-time instrument lighting

Front fog lights with cornering function

Body coloured wing mirrors

Electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors

Automatic headlights with follow me home lighting

Tyre pressure sensors

Models/prices

C4 Picasso Seduction – $38,990

Powertrain

1.6-litre inline four-cylinder petrol turbo producing 121kW/240Nm; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive

Fuel consumption: 5.6L/100km

CO2 emissions: 130g/km

Safety

ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: 5 stars

Air bags: 6

Stability control: yes

Lap/diagonal belts: 5