Is this is a work of abstract art?

Citroën went to great lengths to make their new C4 Picasso a real work of art – has it succeeded in painting a great family/business travel vehicle, or is it abstract?

The company designed their new C4 Picasso to be capacious modern interior for family or business travel use, well equipped with high-tech equipment, and strikingly styled outside for a distinctive avant-garde appearance (steering well clear of any boxiness or dullness).

The local Citroën C4 Picasso is available in Seduction, priced at R 325 000, and Intensive grades – the unit on test was the highly-specced Intensive, which costs R 345 000 and includes plenty of extra and perhaps unexpected luxury items.

Both models have a dominant 7-inch touch-screen, placed within easy reach high up on the centre console, housing 7 touch-sensitive controls for all in-car functions including satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, audio system and Bluetooth – it is comprehensive, though the menu can become a maze, which could distract the driver.  When trying to enter a destination, the menu meant scrolling down or typing onto an on-screen keyboard, which would have been fine if it allowed simple destination entry.  When connecting to Bluetooth, the system kept showing the same name/contact for incoming calls, despite different people calling, which could cause some awkward situations.

A 12” panoramic HD screen displays essential driving information, sitting deep in the centre of the dashboard.  This displays a rev counter or for example navigation, and a speedometer – the problem is one needs to go through a menu to get the rev counter back, and while selecting navigation it shows the map on both screens.  Unnecessary.  Citroën describes these screens as a “full digital driving interface”.

From a normal seating position the long dashboard and steep windscreen means it is not possible to see the front corners of the C4 Picasso, so front and rear park distance control is a welcome essential.  The Intensive spec also adds Park Assist, which can parallel-park or even alley-dock (not available on all park systems) by means of automatic steering.

Storage spaces include 2 beneath the floor of the 2nd row of seats – ideal for packing away small items out of the way and out of sight.  Rear tray tables fold down, creating useful work or play space.  The Intensive model adds integrated retractable side window blinds, and a conversation / child-minder mirror for the driver.  Everyone liked the massive open-air feel of the optional panoramic roof.  Intensive models also have a removable rechargeable boot light/torch, and interior mood lighting.

The optional front seats with a massage and seat warming function, while the front passenger can also stretch legs and kick back lazy-boy chair style, using the extending seat squab.  The front passenger enjoyed relaxing on this comfy seat, while teenagers in the back loved their own private stretch-out space.  All the seats are fitted with relax side-support headrests to provide optimum neck support.  The optional Nappa leather seats was super-soft and luxurious, but be careful not to scratch the smooth leather.  It is like travelling Business Class!

In an effort to create a low-emission low-consumption family / human transport vehicle, Citroën fits the local C4 Picasso with a 115 HDi engine (where 115 indicates power output of 115 horsepower equaling 85 kiloWatt).  The engine size is 1.6 litres, and manages good torque of 270 Newton metres which peaks at an early 1750 revs.  If you’re patient, this engine is OK for driving, but we had driver and adult up front with 2 teenagers in the back, which required frequent gearshifting to 5th or even 3rd gear sometimes just to bring the engine power up… this actually detracts from an otherwise comfortable driving experience.

The claimed combined-run fuel cycle is a frugal 4.0 litres/100km, and in testing which included an open-road 700km round-trip, the average was just about 5.  It could have been nearer the claimed figure if the engine coped better with people and gradients.

Front wheels drive through a 6-speed manual – the only current gearshift option.  And this is a problem.  The gears engage smoothly enough, and the top gear allows for low-rev cruising at national speed limit speed, which adds to a relaxing drive.  But in this type of vehicle an automatic is definitely preferred.  The lack of low-down power means one can easily be stuck in a dead spot in traffic – taking a corner in 2nd gear or mounting a harsh speed hump can kill the engine power, requiring a slip of the clutch or shift to 1s gear to get revs up.

Split front lamps (with headlamps in the bumper and LED daytime running lights in a separate cluster above the bumper) create a fresh new look.  The styling is so bold, this could well have been a product from Citroën’s DS style brand. 

Intensive models also have LED front indicators, kerb lighting / puddle lamps in the exterior mirrors, bigger high-sheen 17-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring system.  Options limited to the Intensive models include lane departure warning (which vibrates the driver’s safety belt (instead of vibrating the steering wheel or seat as in other cars) if crossing a solid line or changing lane without signaling) and xenon headlamps, electric tailgate, keyless access & start, and 360-degree cameras including top-view.  Options fitted to the test Citroën totaled R 86 620.

Your Citroën dealer will deliver your C4 Picasso with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and 5-year / 100 000 km service plan, and the option of purchasing Citroën Freedrive which is extends the warranty by 2 years (to 5 years).

On the “cons” side, the digital interface is just flawed and over-complicated, the engine is underpowered, and the manual gearbox doesn't suit this vehicle – Citroën SA really needs to offer a more powerful diesel or a turbo petrol, or at least an automatic option.  On the “pros” side, the engine is frugal, the vehicle looks good, it is sure to remain exclusive, and all were impressed by its superb comfort.

So is the Citroën C4 Picasso a work of art?  It has the looks and the packaging to make it unique without being weird – well drawn, without being abstract.  With a better engine/gearbox combination, this could be a winner.  For passenger comfort, this is Business Class travel at an Economy ticket price.