Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $43,990
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 7th Feb 2014
The French seven-seater will arrive on local shores with one engine and transmission option only, as Citroen’s local importer Sime Darby endeavours to simplify its local line-up.
The stylish family hauler will come with PSA’s new 2.0-litre BlueHDi turbo-diesel engine that pumps out 110kW and 370Nm (between 2000 and 2500rpm), matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Citroen claims fuel economy of 4.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, equating to CO2 emissions of 117 grams per kilometre. This fuel use figure is only 0.1L/100km more than Toyota’s petrol-electric Prius V hybrid.
The new model shares its 4590mm overall length with the outgoing car but the wheelbase has been stretched by 100mm to 2840mm, yielding more cabin space.
Citroen has also cut 100kg from the kerb weight thanks largely to the new architecture, shared with the forthcoming Peugeot 308.
Luggage space is up by 69 litres over the previous model, to 645L with five seats up. Citroen also claims the Grand C4 Picasso has the widest boot in its category, with 1170mm of space between the wheel arches.
Australian versions will get a standard 360-degree camera and standard self-parking, while blind-spot monitoring and a 12-inch panoramic HD screen with 7-inch multifunction touch screen will either be optional or standard – it’s not yet clear.
“We’ve very excited to introduce the all new Grand C4 Picasso in Australia,” said Citroen Australia national marketing manager Manuel Tyras.
“It’s a people-mover that drives like a car and looks very stylish, But it’s also supremely practical with ample space, high levels of safety and technology.”Citroen’s C4 Grand Picasso sales fell 52.4 per cent in Australia in 2013 to just 61 units. Sales targets for the new model are unknown at this stage.
GoAuto will attend a media event for the car in late-February, where more details will be revealed.
In addition, Sime Darby is considering complementing the Grand Picasso by launching the smaller and slinkier C4 Picasso five-seater. Watch this space...
| 2014 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso* | |
| 2.0l Blue HDi | $43,990. |
