New C4 Picasso paints a new picture for fleet buyers – less cylinders is more
The new Citroen C4 Picasso fiver-seater and Grand Picasso seven-seater MPV has a range of new technology and features that might be worth considering as a fleet vehicle for those dirt-free fleet requirements.
Besides renewed styling in all accounts, front to back, the C4 Picasso five-seater has a 121kW turbo petrol four-cylinder heart paired to a six-speed auto; the Grand Picasso seven-seater has a Euro-6 compliant 110kW diesel connected to the six-speed ‘box. The new EAT6 automatic gearbox can be controlled directly from the steering wheel.
The Frenchy’s new PureTech 130 S&S three-cylinder turbocharged engine also meets new Euro-6 pollution standards. Fuel consumption is quoted at 5.1l/km and CO2 emissions have been reduced to 115 g/km.
Pricing and final specification is yet to be confirmed.
Features on the new car include Vision 360, Park Assist and adaptive cruise control (with stop function) and a fully tactile driving interface with a 12-inch HD panoramic screen. A nifty 3D sat nav system is included in a seven-inch touchscreen system displaying arrows and lane guidance as well as speed limits. You’ll find voice recognition and SMS readability, plus a range of other practical interior options.
Second row seats split and fold in a variety of ways including flat for extra boot storage to 630 litres from 537, plus storage compartments throughout. There’s a hands-free tailgate, audio jacks, USB port, and 240-volt sockets for Australian cars.
Coffee break alert displays a coffee cup symbol after prolonged driving times, active lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and collision risk alert will all help keep you in one piece. Auto hazard lights, hill-start, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA) are all standard on the previous model and are expected to remain.
Citroen’s “Créative Technologie” system puts all controls within driver’s reach including driving aids. Air-con, telephony, with Bluetooth technology (contact access and call-waiting management), multimedia, with music stored on smartphones and apps that can duplicate from tablets via the Mirror Screen all help keep your hands on the wheel and eyes forward.
Citroen’s 2015 model year specifications have offered an impressive six-year unlimited kilometer warranty with capped price servicing and roadside assistance – all of which are expected to carry over to the new C4 Picasso and C4 Grand Picasso.
