New Citroen C4 Picasso review

As a medium-sized five-seat MPV, the new Citroen C4 Picasso is exceptionally wholesome. Yet online reviews of MPVs rarely set the internet alight, so forgive us for looking for a different angle on this story.

Citroen C4 Picasso introduces Peugeot-Citroen's new platform

The C4 Picasso marks the debut of Peugeot-Citroen's completely new platform: the concealed combination of floorpan, chassis, mechanical components and electrical systems that will progressively underpin the French group's forthcoming medium and large cars. That includes hatchbacks, coupés, estates, convertibles, saloons, crossovers and everything in between. Peugeots, Citroens and DS models. And, through the company's joint venture with GM, certain Vauxhalls as well. Millions of vehicles and billions in business therefore rely on it being successful.

So what does the Picasso reveal that can be applied to all of those models? First, it uses weight very efficiently. Although it is stronger externally and roomier within, this Picasso weighs 140kg less than its predecessor. Revised crash structures, together with new front suspension, have allowed the front wheels to sit nearer the front bumper. The design team has consequently been given more latitude, and the car no longer has that long-overhang Cyrano de Bergerac appearance.

See more pictures of the new Citroen C4 Picasso here

It feels solidly built, too. A sporting car needs a stiff body shell to make its handling accurate, while a comfort-focused car needs the same rigidity to ensure a calm ride. The Picasso meets that requirement, floating over most imperfections with pleasing suppleness and producing very little tyre roar or crashing. Tremors through the body and steering column are rarely noticeable.

The engines are similarly hushed. I drove the 115bhp diesel, which is only just sufficient for a car of this size and therefore had to be worked hard. Even when pushed like that, it stays acceptably subdued. The 155bhp 1.6 turbo petrol is both the more appealing and more refined choice, while its fuel consumption is far from embarrassing.

Efficiency and refinement

Fuel economy is one of the Picasso's strengths. That is helped not only by the engines and reduced mass, but also by careful work to cut drag beneath the car. Aerodynamics through the body have also received attention, with relocated radiators and grille shutters that close once the engine is sufficiently cool.

The Picasso has been tuned to be soft, cosy and comfortable, so its suspension allows a reasonable amount of roll and vertical movement when it is hurried through bends. It is not quick-witted, then, but it is dependable in the manner of a much-loved pet. There is useful feedback, too. This suggests the platform should be capable of delivering a more engaging drive if it is retuned accordingly.

See more pictures of the new Citroen C4 Picasso here

There are a few further tuning shortcomings, however. The steering is overly light just away from centre, meaning that holding a motorway lane demands more attention than it ought to. Modulating the brakes smoothly is another problem, as the pedal has too little initial bite. The clutch and throttle pedal travel also make a rapid first-to-second gearchange less easy. Still, engineers developing other cars on this platform should be able to resolve all of these issues.

The C4 Picasso and the new Peugeot 308, the second car to use the platform, feature a control system that depends heavily on a touch-and-swipe display to operate electrical functions. Its consistent logic and clear graphics make it work well enough, although it can occasionally be slow to respond. The Picasso additionally has a large 12-inch television-like display for its instruments.

Citroen C4 Picasso space and MPV comfort

Returning to the C4 Picasso in its role as an MPV, its key qualities are space and comfort, which suit its soft and quiet manner on the road.

The expected MPV flexibility comes from adjustable seats, alongside a vast selection of storage compartments and entertainment input and output plugs and sockets. Its domed windscreen and deep side windows provide every occupant with an excellent view out. It is a superb car in which to travel as a passenger.

Externally, its styling makes no attempt to masquerade as either a crossover or a sporting hatchback. It is contemporary and carefully detailed, but above all its appearance fits the character it displays on the move. It looks entirely at ease with itself. Successive generations of Picassos have shown that Citroen understands this formula: it need not be a driver's champion to sell in tens of thousands. Nor does it need to become an internet phenomenon.

See more pictures of the new Citroen C4 Picasso here