Euro Motors, the exclusive distributor of the Citroen brand here in Malaysia has launched the all-new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Diesel variant concurrently with the new Citroen Puchong outlet. The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso isn’t exactly ‘new’ new here in Malaysia since it has been previewed in June this year and we did a coverage on it HERE.
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Design
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While design is largely a subjective thing, the Grand C4 Picasso (let’s just call it the Picasso henceforth) would easily stand out as one of the more sophisticated MPVs around. Sleek and bold, the LED Daytime Running Lights flanking the Citroen logo and highlighted with chrome stands out when viewed from the front. You’ll also find front fog lights with cornering function
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Sitting on the EMP2 platform, the Grand Picasso has a wheelbase that’s lengthened considerably and this results in a larger cabin and bigger boot space.
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The Picasso is the fourth model launched by Naza Euro Motors so far and is the first non-DS range in the fleet. Having said that, it’s no less stylish as its “Different Spirit” fleet with beautifully polished 18″ EOLE alloy rims.
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On top, you’ll find a 1.2 m² huge panoramic moonroof, taunted as the biggest in its class.
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The 3D rear tail lamp cluster is so beautifully engineered, I wouldn’t mind spending a bit more time cleaning it out.
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Performance
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The Grand Piscasso isn’t the first MPV that transports seven and above in good comfort but it is one of those rare ones that features a turbodiesel engine. At first I thought it was the only MPV with a diesel engine until I realised there’s the Hyundai Starex. The 2.0litre direct turbo injection diesel engine in the Grand Picasso is capable of generating 150ps @ 4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 370Nm @ 2,000rpm, enough to propel the MPV from zero to hundred in 10.2 seconds up to a maximum speed of 207km/h. You don’t buy a Grand Picasso for speed, you buy it for its torque; with so much available from a low RPM, you won’t be needing to floor the pedal much to get it moving and this translates to better fuel economy – as low as 4.6litres of diesel for every 100km travelled in a combined cycle. That’s about 1,000km per full tank of a maximum of 55litres. Impressive, no?
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Ride and Handling
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The diesel engine is paired with a 6 speed automatic while it has MacPherson for front suspension while the rear suspension features flexible transverse beam. We should all go for a test drive to see how chuggable it is at corners.
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Cabin Convenience
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Living up to its hallmark of ‘creative technologie’, the Picasso is elegance personified and comes with modern features such as 7-inch touchscreen driver interface, 12-inch HD panoramic screen with navigation system and many other modern amneties.
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Check out the number of skins you can make with the 12″ display! Probably the only thing it can’t show is your Kuda, Toto and Magnum draw results.
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Of course, no MPV article can ever be complete without talking about the seats. Here, you can see how the Grand Picasso can house seven comfortably and luxuriously – provided the two sitting on the last row are short and skinny. A few things to note:-
- The 3rd row can be folded down and it’s done very easily and conveniently.
- The 2nd row cannot be folded down so don’t bother go looking for the lever. It can fold in a somewhat slanted position and slid forward to increase cargo space
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Being a person who’s comfort oriented, this was the first thing I tested when jumping into the car. The front passenger has a pad that can be extended to support the calf. Reclining this seat with this out makes it feel like a dental chair. Sadly, this seat cannot be reclined fully into supine position so it can’t be an operating table but still, from the angle it can be moved, it’s deliciously relaxing for the long journey back to your hometown.
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With the 3rd row folded, you’ll get 632 litres of space when the 2nd row is slid back and can be improved to 793litres if the 2nd row is pushed forward (remember that the second row cannot be folded flat).
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Safety
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The Grand Picasso has the following active and passive safety features:-
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- Two front airbags
- Two side airbags
- Two curtain airbags (total 6 airbags)
- ABS (Anti-Blocking System)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
- ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
- Traction control (ASR)
- Lane Departure Warning system (LDW)
- Active Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Indicator (as seen below)
- 360 degrees vision system
- Rear view camera
- Push Start Button
- Park assist
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Ownership and Maintenance
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With an annual target of 120 – 140 units per year, the Picasso is the first non-car to be launched by Citroen Malaysia. The 4th Citroen model launched to-date, the Picasso retails for RM189,888 on the road inclusive of insurance and is available in 4 different colors: Noir Onyx (black), Blanc Banquise (white), Blue Teles and Rouge Babylone.
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Yes, it may not be the only MPV around that runs on diesel but with the level of technology and amnesties found in the Grand Picasso, I feel it’s well worth the price. Not to mention with the increasing rising cost of fuel, getting more mileage out of every tank is becoming paramount. The only thing I don’t feel comfortable about diesels is the queue one has to make with other diesel users such as trucks whom I may not feel comfortable having my mum or SO refueling ….. at night ….. alone (well, you get the idea) and the not-so-uncommon out-of-quota signage we see at petrol stations towards the end of the month. Still, nothing planning ahead can’t solve.
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Oh, did we also mention that Naza Euro Motors also launched the Citroen Puchong outlet in Puchong, bringing its total network to six outlets nationwide so far.
At 4,000 square feet, Citroen Puchong is a 1S showroom centre equipped with facilities such as a DS lounge, discussion rooms and free Wifi.
Owned and operated by Naza Euro Motors, Citroen Puchong will serve markets in the Klang Valley, namely Kajang, Cheras, Semenyih and Sungai Besi.
“With the launch of Citroen Puchong, our representation in the Klang Valley is steadily growing to meet the market’s demand and stay competitive,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer of Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd.”
Citroen Puchong joins Naza Euro Motors ever-growing network whose other five outlets are Citroen Glenmarie in Shah Alam, Citroen Penang Island in Island Glades, Citroen Juru Auto City on the mainland, Citroen Johor Bahru and NAZA Automall in Petaling Jaya.
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The outlet is located at Lot 18, 19 & 20 GF, IOI Business Park, Persiaran Puchong Jaya Selatan, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
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