Citroën C4 Grand Picasso uses the same space-saving EMP2 platform as its five-seat brother, set to go on sale early 2014
Citroen's new C4 Grand Picasso has been revealed. Set to go on sale early next year, the car is expected to cost from £19,000.
The latest seven-seat C4 Grand Picasso uses the same new mid-sized EMP2 platform as the latest-generation five-seat C4 Picasso. However, Citroën says it has been able to extend the wheelbase of the seven-seat car by 11cm to 2.84 metres, while making the overall length match the previous-generation model. The platform has also allowed Citroën to lower both the engine bay and the floor to offer more space inside.
Vertically positioned shock absorbers have now been added to the suspension, while the reduced weight is said to improve roadholding and comfort. The new C4 Grand Picasso is over 110kg lighter than the outgoing model, primarily thanks to using a new composite rear floor material alongside traditional aluminium and steel.
At the moment Citroën has only released details of three diesel engines which will power the C4 Grand Picasso – although there will be at least one petrol option at launch as well. The entry-level e-HDi 90 Airdream engine is the most frugal of the diesel units - emitting 98g/km and achieving 74.3mpg.
The biggest seller of the range, however, is expected be the e-HDi 115, which can achieve 70.6mpg while putting out 105g/km of CO2.
A Euro6 compliant BlueHDi 150 engine fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction technology, billed to reduce NOx emissions by up to 90 per cent, is also available and has a 110g/km of CO2 emissions figure.
All engines can either be specified with Citroën’s six-speed clutchless manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic version.
On the outside, a new roof bar design – set to become a signature on new Citroën models – joins a new front end design and 3D-effect rear LED lights to create a more distinctive exterior than the outgoing model.
The interior of the C4 Grand Picasso is built around an uncluttered approach, says Citroën. A new Panoramic windscreen is standard across all models, while higher trim levels can also benefit from a large glass sunroof.
The car is built to take up to seven people, but it is front passengers only who can take advantage of Citroën’s new Relax option – which extends front legroom for longer journeys.
A new dashboard layout in the C4 Grand Picasso features two fully digital displays. A seven-inch touchpad controls the usual function,s including navigation and audio – while a 12-inch HD screen can be configured to show other driving data as well as driving aids.
Both active and passive safety measures are built into the new car, including an anti-collision warning system, which uses front radar to warn the driver of tailgating vehicles in front above 18mph.