C4 Picasso not on Citroen’s Oz radar

CITROEN has released official images of its new-generation C4 Picasso compact people-mover after they leaked online yesterday.

The images reveal a production car virtually identical to the Technospace concept that was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in February, with everything down to the wheel covers remaining faithful to the concept.

Citroen Automobiles Australia general manager John Startari confirmed last week that the C4 Picasso is not on the agenda for Australia, instead preferring to wait for the next-generation Grand Picasso.

“We will only be taking the seven-seater,” he said. “We will wait for the Grand Picasso which will be sometime next year.”

The C4 Picasso is the first vehicle to be built on the PSA group's new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) with the upcoming 308 from sister brand Peugeot the next cab off the rank.

The French car-maker's iconic chevrons dominate the front of the C4 Picasso before flowing around to LED daytime running lights separated from the main head-lights, while the front bumper houses the vehicle's fog lights.

Tail-lights, similar in design to those of the current generation Volkswagen Golf but said to be inspired by Citroen concept cars, create a 3D-like effect.

Citroen has included C-shaped chrome outlines around the front and rear windows, which the French car-maker says “adds personality to the side profile”.

The cabin of the C4 Picasso features a “loft style” high-roof cabin, panoramic windscreen and a large glass roof.

Despite the car’s smaller dimensions compared with the previous generation, interior space has increased.

Citroen claims class-leading boot space of 537-litres - a 40-litre increase over the previous model – and 630 litres with the rear seats down.

A pair of screens dominates the centre stack, including a seven-inch touchpad that controls air conditioning, sat-nav and audio, and a 12-inch high-definition screen displays driving information. It can be configured to include a personal photo as a backdrop.

A “Lounge Pack” is available that includes front massage seats, a special “relax” headrest on each seat giving more neck support, and a “relax” seat that allows the front passengers to stretch their legs out.

The new-generation C4 Picasso is 140kg lighter than the outgoing model thanks to the new underpinnings and the use of aluminium panels, and will be powered by a choice of two diesel engines including a “BlueHDi 150” powerplant that meets Euro 6 emission standards.

Safety takes a step up with a “360 Vision” feature that uses four cameras to provide a view of everything around the C4 Picasso.

A blind-spot monitoring system, active cruise control and active front seatbelts that automatically pull tightly in the event of danger are also included.