Brian Joss –
Automatic transmission fitted to flagship.
The Citroën C4 Picasso, an award-winning five-seater MPV, has introduced a third, turbo petrol-powered derivative, which also becomes the new flagship of the range. The new range-topper links Citroën’s e-THP four-cylinder turbo petrol engine to a refined six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6-litre unit’s power output is 121 kW at 6 000 rpm, accompanied by a full 240 Nm of torque at just 1 400 rpm. The introduction of an automatic version is the direct result of customer feedback, and adds the convenience and safety of an automatic transmission to the C4 Picasso formula for the first time.
The result is a spacious, luxurious MPV with ample pep and an extensive list of standard features. Impressively, the top-flight e-THP 121 kW Auto weighs in at just 1 310 kg, which is 12 kg heavier than the e-HDI 85 kW models. Like all current-generation C4 Picassos, the low mass is the result of Citroën’s advanced EMP2 platform, which allows compact exterior dimensions, but with more interior space, Citroën said.
In line with its range-topping status, the list of standard equipment is extensive. Everything is included in the asking price, greatly reducing ordering complexity and ensuring a high-value offering. Highlights include auto-activating headlights and windscreen wipers, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS, EBD, ESC and SIX airbags, a reversing camera, and navigation. The infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity and a 8 GB hard drive-based Jukebox.
The addition of the new C4 Picasso e-THP 121 kW Automatic coincides with a realignment of the range, which now consists of three models – two powered by 85 kW e-HDi Turbodiesels, and the new 121 kW turbo petrol.The range starts with the C4 Picasso e-HDI 85 kW Seduction Manual. The 1,6-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet has a rated maximum output of 85 kW at 3 600 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 270 Nm at just 1 750 rpm. The gearbox is a six-speed manual.
Next up is the e-HDI Intensive Manual, which employs the same turbodiesel drivetrain, but together with the enhanced specification associated with the Intensive package. Wheels on the Seduction model are 16-inch, while the Intensive gains 17-inch alloys.
Another hallmark is the presence of dual displays – a 7-inch touch-screen display that centralises all core vehicle functions for convenient, intuitive access, and a configurable 12-inch display (on Intensive model
only) that replaces conventional instrumentation and can be customised in a variety of ways to suit personal preference or lifestyle. The EMP2 platform’s efficient packaging allows up to 537 litres of boot space, while the reduced weight has both environmental and dynamic benefits.
The result is a vehicle that is more agile, yet offers the refinement and comfort Citroën cars are famous for.
The new C4 Picasso models can be ordered in a choice of five colours:
Polar White, Ruby Red Metallic, Arctic Steel Metallic, Teles Blue Metallic and Shark Grey Metallic, Inside the Seduction model the Ondulice cloth in two-tone black/Ardoise grey is standard, while the Intensive versions feature a black/pearlescent grey colour scheme.
