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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
7/10
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Citroen's C4-based people carrier comes in two distinct bodystyles: The 7-seat model is rather van-like and functional although it's better than most dreary Japanese rivals, while the 5-seater model is a triumph, with its pert backside, svelte shape and kinked shoulder-line.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
7/10
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Four engines power the Citroen C4 Picasso: the petrols (a 127hp/170Nm 1.8 and a 143hp/200Nm 2.0 EGS) are best avoided. The only engine to get is the 110hp/240Nm 1.6 HDi diesel with a manual gearbox. Top 138hp/270Nm 2.0 has EGS or auto transmission only.
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Performance
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Score:
6/10
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MPVs, you could argue, are not really about speed but it's nice top be able to stick with traffic nonetheless. In this respect, no C4 Picasso engine is a bad choice but opt for the EGS transmission and you'll get frustrated by its lethargy. 1.6 HDi manual is just right.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
3/10
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The C4 Picasso is no S-Max. The steering is reasonably quick but feedback is minimal and there's a bit more roll than you'd want, too, though the lower 5-seat rolls less. It doesn't even ride that well, with a crashy and fidgety low-speed ride.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
2/10
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The cabin is all over the place, with switches arranged seemingly randomly and an overworked centre display containing all the relevant information. The driving position is less than ideal without a reach-adjustable steering, though visibilty is excellent thanks to slim pillars.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
6/10
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The interior is reasonably accommodating for all passengers but the rear seats are super-flimsy and can get derailed quite easily. The second row is a little cramped in 7-seat versions, but a lot more comfortable in handsome 5-seat model.
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Safety
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Score:
10/10
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The 5 star NCAP Picasso has seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, ESP and cruise control as standard on all models. Automatic lights and wipers and park aids features on many models also.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
6/10
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Although the Citroen C4 Picasso is very well equipped the 5-seater isn't cheap by small MPV standard. The 7-seater is better value and compares well to rivals. 1.6 HDi running costs will be lowest and it will return the most money at trade-in time.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
3/10 |
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The C4 Picasso is a disappointment in terms of build quality - the plastics are cheap and it doesn't feel terribly robust - or refinement - it's ride is choppy and unsettled and it wallows along quite sloppily. The suspension is loud, too.
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Equipment
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Score:
7/10
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All C4 Picassos get ESP, a panoramic windscreen, cruise control and hill start. Ambience models add 2-zone A/C. Dynamique adds alloys, armrests and a leather steering. Privilege adds climate control, park aids, 17-inch alloys, auto lights and wipers.
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Bad
Flimsy feel
crashy ride
not cheap
Good
Handsome
versatile
superb visibility
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