Citroen lobs tweaked C4 Picasso twins

CITROEN has refreshed its C4 Picasso tall-boy hatch and its larger Grand C4 Picasso seven-seat people-mover sibling, adding new technology and driver aids to the French duo.

Set to arrive in Australian showrooms in 2017, the five-seat and seven-seat Picassos have been given a subtle make-over, with a uniform front end design for the first time, replacing the existing model's noses which are similar but have subtle differences.

The three-tiered light structure is maintained and the slim-line daytime running lights are now more integrated into the chrome lines that stretch to form the central double-chevron Citroen badge.

The headlights are slimmer and wider and the grille is now separated in two parts by the body-coloured bumper, it is set lower and a lower air intake features a chrome C-shaped motif.

At the rear there are new tail-lights, with entry variants gaining 3D-effect light guides, while higher grades retain the 3D LED lights. There is the availability of a two-tone roof as an option for the C4 Picasso only, which also comes with gloss black exterior mirrors.

There is also a new silver roof arch that is a design signature of the Grand C4 Picasso, while a the C4 Picasso gains new 17-inch five-spoke diamond-finish alloy wheels. New colours for the five-seat model include Lazuli Blue, Sand and Steel Grey.

New driver aids for the C4 Picasso include a fatigue warning, an active lane-departure warning system, active blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system.

The new 7.0-inch tablet has capacitive touch-sensitive technology, while the 12-inch HD screen features Citroen Connect Nav 3D touch-operated, real-time connected sat-nav system and an improved Citroen Connect Radio system.

A new engine will be introduced for the C4 Picasso in Europe, but it is unclear if it will make it to Australia at this stage.

The new PureTech 130 S&S three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is Euro 6-compliant and consumes 5.1 litres of fuel per 100km on the European combined cycle, while emitting 115g/km of CO2. It delivers 97kW and 230Nm.

All specification, powertrains and pricing will be revealed closer to the Australian launch next year so it is unclear if the C4 Picasso will retain its 121kW/240Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with average fuel use of 5.6L/100km.

The Grand C4 Picasso people-mover uses a 110kW/370Nm BlueHDi 2.0-litre four-cylinder' diesel unit with fuel economy of 4.5L/100km.

Citroen is offering four different 'design schemes' for the cabin, including a standard look that has a grey dash and doors, the Wild Blue that includes blue cloth trim, chrome-plated dash, airvents and door sills, a flat-folding passenger seat and massaging front seats.

The Dune Beige scheme includes the Lounge Pack that has a 'relax' headrest and 'semi-relax' passenger seat with extra comfort, and also includes grey cloth trim, special protective mats, a fragrance dispenser and optional two-tone Nappa leather combined with beige highlights.

Finally the Hype Grey scheme includes sun-blinds, rear-seat reading lights, grey dash and grey/black cloth trim.

The seven-seater went on sale in early 2014 and competes against strong-selling models such as the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey. Last year Citroen's Australian distributor Sime Darby Motors Group sold 254 units, 10 more than 2014. It is priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs.

Arriving exactly one year after the seven-seater, the $40,990 C4 Picasso found just 104 sales in 2015 and competes against rivals including the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

So far this year both models are down on the same period last year, with just 40 of the larger of the two sold compared with 28 C4 Picassos.