Review
Despite sharing its name with the existing Xsara Picasso, the new C4-based people-carrier isn't intended as a direct replacement for the current car. While the Xsara Picasso carries on competing at the budget end of the MPV market the C4 Picasso is intended to take the fight to bigger and more upmarket rivals.
To that end it comes with seven seats as standard, with the third row folding down flat into the boot floor when not in use. It also looks and feels like a far more high quality item than the cheapo Xsara ever did. There are some distinct Espace overtones to the design, especially the large quarterlight windows next to the windscreen, but the overall effect is sleek and pleasing, dominated by Citroen's trademark double chevron radiator grille.
The cabin is very impressive, too, with decent quality materials and some clever design features making the C4 a supremely comfortable place to spend time. Both front and second-row occupants enjoy plenty of space, and even passengers relegated to the third row still have a decent amount of legroom by the standards of such things. The rear five seats can also be slid and folded into all kinds of different space-maximising combinations.
On the road the C4 puts up a decent performance, although motorway refinement isn't up to the standards of some rivals. The suspension is tuned for comfort, giving decent ride quality over rougher surfaces and, although hardly keen for a backroad workout, cornering is composed and confidence-inspiring, too.
Two petrol and two diesel engines are available from launch, with all but the most basic 1.8 litre petrol unit offering decent performance. Controversially, the more powerful versions are only being offered with Citroen's "electronic gearbox system" - a semi-automatic manual 'box that is operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. It takes some getting used to and is prone to occasional lurchey starts - it's a shame buyers won't have the chance to opt for a conventional manual transmission on the range-toppers, too.
But overall the C4 Picasso is another very impressive car from Citroen.