The second generation CitroenC4 Grand Picasso has been revealed by the French automaker and features a stretched wheelbase – the longest in its class – and a radical new design that is sure to polarize opinion. A new range of engines claims incredible efficiency with reduced CO2 emissions.

No decision has yet been made as to whether or when the new Citroen C4 Grand Picasso will be available in South Africa, but our guess is that it will be seriously considered for local introduction.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso boasts low fuel consumption

Engine Specs and Capability

At launch in Europe, the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso will be available with a choice of three turbodiesel engines including the 66kW e-HDi 90 Airdream unit which emits 98g/km of CO2 at an average of 3.82-litres/100 km.

The 85kW e-HDi 115 engine will emit just 104g/km of CO2 emissions (105g/km for the manual version) with a combined fuel economy of 4.02-litres/100km, while the new Euro 6-compliant, 110kW BlueHDi 150 with selective catalytic reduction is rated at 110g/km.

All diesel-powered Citroen C4 Grand Picasso models are fitted with Stop & Start technology as standard, and can be connected to a six-speed manual or a new 6-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox that modulates gear change speeds more precisely based on driver input for improved performance and comfort.

Internal and External Design Features

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has been designed to offer a revolutionary balance between interior spaciousness and flowing body styling.

The loft inspired interior is fitted with a standard-fit panoramic windscreen that stretches back into the roof and white LED lighting throughout the cabin.

The dashboard features two full-digital displays – a 7-inch touchpad and a 12-inch panoramic HD screen. It’s further covered in satin chrome and gloss inserts which blend in with laser-engraved patterns on the door trim inserts, while the asymmetrical front seat is upholstered to look like a sofa. The second row has three independent seats with sliding bases and tilting backs.

Additionally, the new Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is distinguished by a revised front fascia, distinctive taillights, a unique roof rack that blends into the D-pillar and sleek headlights which contribute to the high-tech appearance at the front. The model also features a panoramic glass roof and 16 to18-inch alloy wheels.

Also claimed to be unique in this segment is a set of air vents for the rear-most passengers, and at a minimum of 645 litres, the boot is 69 litres bigger than its predecessor.

The optional Lounge Pack comes with front massaging seats and a ‘Relax’ mode passenger seat, as well as ‘Relax’ head restraints for all the seats.

Safety Features

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is packed with safety equipment, which includes:

Radar guided active cruise control in the front bumper to maintain a constant distance to the vehicle in front, using acceleration or engine braking to reduce or increase vehicle speed.An anti-collision warning system that also uses the front radar to alert the driver when the vehicle is too close to the vehicle in front, with three alert systems depending on the risk; visual, sound and seatbelt pressure.Keyless entry and start, a reversing camera, an electric tailgate, 360 Vision using four cameras placed around the car to give the driver a bird’s-eye view, a rear view or a panoramic into a tight parking space, whether parallel parking or reversing straight back.Active seatbelts for the driver and front passenger which automatically pull tight in the event of danger, additionally the driver’s seatbelt works with the lane departure warning system and vibrates as a warning if the car inadvertently crosses a white line without signalling.An image-processing function for the miniature camera in the interior mirror manages the automatic high-beam function, dipping the headlights according to lighting and traffic conditionsUltrasonic blind spot monitoring that uses an orange light on the door mirrors to warn the driver if a vehicle is present in their blind spot, monitoring the area up to five metres behind the rear bumper and 3.5 metres on either side.