Review: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen’s excellent Grand C4 Picasso has become more upmarket thanks to a recent facelift. This majors on appearance and equipment, with a wide-ranging media and navigation system now standard on all models.

The cabin was already good and it still is. Space abounds, as do good quality trim materials and opportunities to stash your stuff, but more than anything else what impresses is how configurable it all is. The second and third rows of seats can be set up almost any way you want, making this much more than just a box full of room.

The multimedia and 3D nav system is the one big change from before. It kits you out with Mirrorlink and CarPlay phone functionality, as well as all the traffic monitoring, voice recognising, pinching-and-swiping stuff you’d expect from a vehicle that’s striving to be more premium.

Also new is an enhanced suite of safety systems. As you drive, the Grand C4 Picasso will be scanning road signs, watching white lines and checking to see if you’re nodding off.

Outside, there’s a freshened-up look for the front end as well as revised tail lamps. The model range is new, too, with a trio of trim levels marked out by things like integrated roof bars and diamond-turned rims.

Under the bonnet, the range of engine and options is unchanged save for the addition of an auto option with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine. We tested a diesel, however, in the shape of the 148bhp 2.0 HDi, which is willing and refined at urban speeds but a bit vocal and not exactly urgent when you turn up the wick. For £1200 less, the 118bhp 1.6 HDi means lower consumption and running costs – it’ll be the biggest seller, and we’d say the people who make it so will have got their reasoning spot-on.

Ironically, the Grand C4 Picasso’s chassis is at its best where the engine in our test car is at its worst. Ride quality is unsettled around town as you tramp endlessly over crummy bumps in the road, but out where it’s fun the combination of assured grip, lively steering, confident body control and skilful ride quality makes it an absolute pleasure to drive.