The Citroën Grand C4 Picasso has always been a very strong contender in the large MPV market. This latest incarnation builds on its predecessors strengths.

Visually the Grand C4 Picasso stands out amongst the large MPV crowd, with the deep, high-tech style of the lights giving the rear of the car an eye-catching modern look. Other key design features include: a chevron grille and ultra-slim LED running lights. Roof rails and different tail lamps also differentiate this seven-seater. The car is further enhanced by a broad selection of alloy wheels with a unique design, ranging from 16" to 18", that are available for buyers to customise their Citroën Grand C4 Picasso.

Based on a new lighter weight platform and boasting improved aerodynamics means the Grand C4 Picasso is now more fuel efficient, with CO2 reduced by 30g/km on average, compared to its predecessor.

The e-HDi 100 Airdream engine emits just 99 g/km of CO2  with an impressive combined fuel consumption of 74.3mpg. However, the range’s most popular model, the e-HDi 120, can still manage 105g/km of CO2 emissions, with a combined fuel economy of 70.6mpg.

Performance from the e-HDi 120 is perfectly adequate, even with seven people on board. Refinement from this unit is impressive, too. A more powerful (but less refined) 2.0 litre diesel motor is quicker, but a less-even power delivery means its real-world driveability isn’t as good as with the smaller engine. Petrol options include a new 130 PS 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder Puretech engine and a 165 PS 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Overall refinement levels are good, with wind and road noise levels well suppressed, making the Grand C4 Picasso a relaxing cruiser. The Grand C4 Picasso’s pliant suspension results in a smooth, comfortable ride, although the payoff is a considerable amount of body roll through corners. Thankfully this doesn’t make the car feel unwieldy and there’s plenty of grip available. However, the light steering, which is such a boon around town, results in a rather remote feel on the open road. Unfortunately, changes from both the manual and semi-automatic gearboxes aren’t great: the manual’s shift is rather notchy, while the semi-automatic is jerky. Better is the fully automatic gearbox.

Step inside the Citroën and you’re immediately greeted by a spacious and airy feel, along with great visibility from the driver’s seat, thanks to an enormous windscreen and split-front A-pillars. Citroën has gone for a minimalist style in the cabin of the Grand C4 Picasso. The majority of functions and controls are based around a 12-inch touch-screen and centre console.

Grand C4 Picasso proves a comfortable companion, too, with plenty of head and legroom for all passengers, along with comfortable, supportive seats, which boast enough adjustment to accommodate most occupants. Impressively, there’s also good accessibility to the two rearmost seats, courtesy of a clever clamshell configuration system. Boot space is generous, with 632 to 2,181 litres of space on offer, depending on how many of the rear seats are folded flat.

All trim specifications get air-conditioning, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and a USB socket, with VTR+ models getting a digital radio, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. Moving up the range, Exclusive, adds a rear camera and Citroën Connect Nav.  This new 3D, touch-operated and real-time connected navigation system enables users to zoom in with two fingers on the screen and has been upgraded to make route guidance easier through the use of improved mapping. The system informs the driver of speed limits for main roads and motorways and for simplicity and safety, voice recognition is now available for interaction with the navigation, telephone and media functions.

Exclusive+ trim further adds a self-parking system, panoramic sunroof and automated hands-free tailgate, which allows the driver to open the boot with a simple movement of their foot at the rear of the vehicle. Other innovations include Vision 360, park assist and adaptive cruise control.

Verdict:

Boasting stylish, premium looks, the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso impresses with its practicality, space and affordable running costs.

Tech spec:

Citroën Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 Exclusive BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual
Price OTR: £24,250
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Power: 120 PS @ 3500 rpm
Torque: 300 Nm
Economy: 70.6  mpg (combined)
CO2 Emissions:106 g/km