The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

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Diesel powered private vehicles that isn’t a 4×4 is still rare in Malaysia which is why whenever we hear news of one going to be released soon, we perk up a bit. Such is the case with Citroen where limited ready stock units of the new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso in its diesel variant are currently available for pre-booking at all Citroen outlets nationwide. But the engine is just half the story; the Grand C4 Picasso is equipped with an array of modern technology both inside and out that makes any Alphard look like a Symbian handphone compared against a present day smartphone

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Design

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The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso looks far better than the frumpy predecessor it replaces. Up front, the most prominent feature is the split headlight where the LED Daytime Running Lights sits on top and the main beams (which is recessed into the lower front bumper to create a 3D effect) below it. The entire front appears as aerodynamic as a bullet train. Measuring 4,597mm in length, 1,826mm in width and 1,634mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,840mm, the new Picasso offers plenty of space for the family of 7 (or more appropriately 5 adults + 2 child)

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Possibly the most stylish stock 18″ alloy rims on an MPV sold here.

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3D rear tail lamps like the DS3. Signal and reverse lamps are in the middle and they’re all LED.

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Performance

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Offered with a 2.0 eHDI turbo diesel direct injection engine with a power output of 150PS @ 4,000rpm and torque of 370Nm @ 2,000rpm, the new Picasso reaches 100kph from standstill in 10.2 seconds and the engine is paired to a regular 6-speed automatic gearbox. Maximum speed is 207kph and fuel consumption is rated at 4.6litres/100km in a combined driving cycle.

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Interesting place, where they choose to put the gear controller.

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The new Picasso is based on the Efficient Modular Platform (or EMP2 for short), PSA Peugeot Citroen’s global platform for C and D segment vehicles and is expected to be used on half of the entire group’s future launches. So far, the only other model that uses this platform is the new 308

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Cabin Convenience

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There’s a little bit of DS3, DS4 and DS5 in the new Picasso that makes it one of the most modern MPVs on the market today. The main party piece not found on the DS line but here is a 12″ digital info cluster which makes you iPad look very small. Aside from displaying critical driving information, it will also display GPS navigation and reverse camera. Incidentally, there are 4 cameras on board that allows you to have a 360 degree view surrounding the car. The air conditioning controls are touch sensitive panels instead of buttons; keeps everything neat and tidy.

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In case you’re wondering what that silver knob in front the of screen is, it’s a fragrance diffuser.

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The steering looks as chubby as the DS4‘s but has aluminium inserts like the one found in the DS5‘s.

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No longer a feature unique to the DS4, the Picasso also has sliding panoramic windscreen. Look at the picture above closely and you’ll see the tracks exposed on the driver’s side when retracted. You can do the same for the front passenger’s side too.

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Shifting the transmission gear to the front of the steering wheel frees up lots of space in the center where you’ll find a huge storage compartment and 2 cupholders in front.The full leather seats has massage function in driver and front passenger’s seats.

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The 2nd row seats (as well as the 3rd) can be folded flat and when they’re up, it’s a nice place for the rest of the family. You get a 12V socket in the center, rear air conditioning vents on the B pillars and sunshades.

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Not forgetting a huge panoramic moonroof which cannot be opened. Still, it’ll give the cabin a very airy feel when they’re open.

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Even the 3rd row gets dedicated air conditioning vents which, like the tray tables at the back of the 1st row seats looks like they’ve been taking from a bus or a plane.

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You get 632litres of space with the 3rd row seats folded and if the 2nd row are pushed further front, that boot space would increase to 793litres. I can imagine not worrying about not finding a hotel room late at night since with both rear rows folded, you can effectively get a bed. Btw, the tailgate is electric powered and there’s a rechargable torchlight which also acts as the boot light when docked at the compartment on the left in the picture above.

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Safety wise, expect the complete slew of features such as ABS, EBD, EBA, TCS, Dynamic Stability Control and more.

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The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso strikes an ideal balance between agility, response and unequalled comfort that is low in fuel and high in specs.   The stylish and spacious Techno MPV has won a slew of honours including ‘Best Seven-seat People Carrier’ in the Fleet News Awards, ‘Family Car of the Year’ in BBC Top Gear magazine, ‘Best in Category’ in the Automotive and Transport section of the Good Design Awards, ‘Family MPV of the Year’ in Autobild Golden Steering Wheel 2013, ‘MPV of the Year’ at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2014 and ‘MPV of the Year’ in the UK Car of the Year Awards.

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The price? Like anything Citroen launched in Malaysia nowadays, we wouldn’t call it cheap. Estimated to be between RM190k to RM195k, it would be the most expensive Citroen model to date. Still, considering the amount of tech they put in, it’s certainly worth the price tag …. particularly when compared to what it replaces.

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So call 1800 222 808 visit the official website www.citroen.com.my for more details on Citroen in Malaysia. Log onto the Citroen Malaysia Facebook page and subscribe to the monthly Citroen e-Newsletter to never miss a beat about Citroen.