Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is vast, with seven seats, a big boot and a well laid out interior. It's also very comfortable to drive and is perfect over long distances.
Pros
- Spacious interior with a good layout
- Comfortable ride, especially on long journeys
- Cost-effective to run
Cons
- Not the most fun to drive
- Slightly cramped third row seats
- Automatic gearbox is rather clunky
Summary
“Boldly styled, it has an extremely roomy interior and is one of the most comfortable cars in its class.”
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is the perfect choice for growing families, thanks to its spacious interior, impressive comfort and useful storage options. It also has big windows that create a bright and airy atmosphere.
It's a full seven-seater with front and middle row seats that offer plenty of space. While the third row is a little cramped for adults, you can fold them away into the boot floor which leaves loads of space for luggage.
It also looks good with distinctive styling that helps it to stand apart from more sensible rivals. If you want something a little smaller, there’s also a five-seat C4 Picasso version.
All the petrol and diesel options deliver brisk performance and low running costs. It’s not the most fun to drive, but the Grand C4 Picasso’s soft suspension makes it a comfortable and relaxing choice.
The second-generation model arrived in 2013 and was subtly updated in 2015. In 2019, the Grand C4 Picasso’s name was changed to the Grand C4 Space Tourer.
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso interior
“With a big, light-filled interior that’s packed with bold design, it's a great place to spend time. It can also carry up to seven people.”
The Grand C4 Picasso is a people carrier which means that it’s spacious and versatile. It also has plenty of handy storage which is great for holding all the family’s essentials.
A vast panoramic windscreen stretches above the driver and front seat passenger, allowing light to flood into the interior. Ahead of the driver is a minimalist dashboard featuring a central touchscreen infotainment system that controls everything from the radio to the climate control. Above this is a large electronic instrument cluster for the speedometer and rev counter.
The middle row of seats features three full size chairs that slide and recline. Each seat has its own ISOFIX mounting which helps you to safely secure a child’s car seat. The third row of seats fold effortlessly from the boot floor, but while they’re fine for children, adults will only be able to tolerate the slightly cramped layout for short journeys. If you fold these seats, you free up between 632 and 793 litres of boot space, so it can hold two large and two small suitcases.
The rest of the interior is packed with storage, including two large lidded cubbies on top of the dashboard, a large sliding box between the front seats and some hidden underfloor trays.
There’s also lots of standard equipment, including climate control and a touchscreen infotainment centre.
What’s it like to drive?
“Citroen has prioritised comfort over driving excitement, meaning the C4 Picasso is relaxing and quiet, particularly over long distances.”
Citroen understands that this type of car is aimed at families, so the soft suspension means relaxation is guaranteed on the move. It handles bumps and potholes well.
There are a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, plus five and six-speed manual gearboxes and a couple of automatic transmission options. Earlier cars had a choice of turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engines, both of which are smooth performers. From 2015, these engines were replaced by a more efficient 1.2-litre unit.
However, the diesels are a better bet for most people, thanks to their efficiency and low speed pulling power which is particularly important when carrying lots of people and luggage. The 2.0-litre delivers strong acceleration, but the smoother and quieter 1.6-litres aren’t far behind and are more frugal.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Steep depreciation means affordable used prices, while the diesels offer decent fuel economy and low tax.”
Demand for off-roader-inspired SUVs is still high, which means that more practical MPV models like the Citroen C4 Picasso aren’t as popular. This means that most MPVs have poor depreciation when new, which is great news for used buyers.
As for running costs, the diesel versions are hard to beat. The 1.6-litre HDi will manage up to 74.3 mpg and even the 148 hp 2.0-litre HDi will comfortably get to 60 mpg. The 1.6-litre petrols struggle to manage 40 mpg, so to keep costs down opt for a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol for nearly 60 mpg.
Servicing costs for the Grand C4 Picasso are reasonable, as are parts. Most will go 18,000 miles between services.
How reliable and safe is it?
“It has a strong safety record, but owners reckon the Grand C4 Picasso could be better built and more reliable.”
Customer satisfaction surveys reveal that owners love the Citroen’s space, comfort and low running costs, but that build quality and reliability could be better. Electrical faults are the biggest issue.
When Euro NCAP tested the very closely related five-seater C4 Picasso it awarded the car five stars. The Grand C4 Picasso has all the same kit, including six airbags and electronic stability. All versions feature ISOFIX mountings on each of the three middle row seats - most rivals only have two.
Which one is best for you?
Best for economy - 1.6 e-HDi
Best for families - 1.6 HDi VTR+
Best for fun - 1.6 THP
There are numerous trim levels to choose from on the Grand C4 Picasso, but the VTR+ model was popular when new and delivers all the kit you’re likely to need. Entry-level models, such as the VTR and Feel, miss out on some family-friendly features but you’re likely to find a better deal.
Diesel has had a poor reputation recently, but if you’re doing an average annual mileage (around 12,000) the HDi versions of the Grand C4 Picasso are your best bet. If you’re looking at post-2016 cars, the 1.2 PureTech petrol is a desirable option.
