Subtly Different Siblings

The new Citroen "C4 Picasso" is available in two body lengths, with the longer one beingGrand C4 Picassocalled the "Grand C4 Picasso," and the shorter one the "C4 Picasso." While the Grand C4 Picasso has a 3-row, 7-seater capacity, the C4 Picasso is a 2-row, 5-seater. The Grand C4 Picasso is 169mm longer and 21mm taller. Its wheelbase is 55mm longer.



The C4 Picasso lacks roof bars, but its chrome-plated door sills on the front and rear provide visual accents, making it instantly recognizable. The exterior differences between the two models are more pronounced than in the previous generation.

A Minivan Unlike Any Other

Meanwhile, although the front and rear profiles are similar, they are just as distinctive as the side views.

The front face features the Citroen "Double Chevron" emblem, enlarged and extended across the width of the grille, with LEDs embedded at its outer edges. These are daytime running lights, with the headlights positioned below them. Further down, the fog lights are separate.

Historically, the grille and headlights have defined a car's front face. Until the mid-1980s, the size of the grille and the diameter of the headlights were almost proportional to a car's price and status.



Even today, with projector headlights and aerodynamic bodies being common, the grille and headlights still hold significant presence. However, the Grand C4 Picasso aims to minimize this presence. It's a truly futuristic design that leverages the efficiency of LEDs, suggesting, "Headlights don't need to be large anymore; LEDs are bright even when small." This is very much in the Citroen spirit.

Furthermore, the Grand C4 Picasso extensively uses LEDs in its taillight units, which are said to be shaped like Citroen's "C" logo. Upon closer inspection, they feature intricate detailing.

These unique design details make the Grand C4 Picasso and C4 Picasso wonderfully distinctive, unlike any other minivan in the world.

Creating an Extraordinary Experience

The new Grand C4 Picasso utilizes the new "EMP2" platform, allowing it to maintain the same body length as its predecessor while extending the wheelbase to a segment-leading 2,840mm.

As a result, the second and third-row seating areas also offer the largest space in the segment. Similarly, the trunk capacity has increased by 69 liters. Sitting in the second-row seats, there is ample legroom and knee room, providing a very comfortable experience.



The third row offers sufficient headroom, but because the floor is higher than the second row, even my short legs had to be bent, though not quite in a "seiza" (formal kneeling) position. It's best considered for children or short journeys.

While the folding mechanisms for the seatbacks and cushions lack the lightness and smoothness found in Japanese cars, their robust construction inspires confidence.

Both the Grand C4 Picasso and C4 Picasso feature interiors that are as bold and unique as their exteriors. The traditional instrument panel is absent from the driver's direct line of sight, instead being located in the center of the dashboard.



The contrasting leather upholstery also features a bold, asymmetrical design, contributing to the sense of an extraordinary experience. This is a significant departure from Japanese cars, which tend to exude a sense of everyday life and practicality.

A Natural Driving Experience

The most significant mechanical advancement is the adoption of a 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin AW. Upshifts and downshifts are executed intelligently, anticipating the driver's intentions. The 1.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine is a carryover, but its performance is enhanced by the combination with the 6-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates the substantial body with surprising vigor, making its displacement hard to believe. Particularly, there's no lack of punch in the acceleration range around 70 km/h, common on European roads. Paddle shifters are also available when needed.

The shortened front overhang by 116mm without changing the overall length, and the lowered engine mounting position by 50mm, contribute to agile yet stable handling, leaving a positive impression. The ride comfort is also soft and very pleasant.




These two models can be considered a long-and-short combination born from the same EMP2 platform, and the differences in performance, handling, and ride comfort attributable to body length were within expectations.

The distinctive interior and exterior design, premium interior, and natural driving performance are its key attractions. While we await the final specifications for the Japanese market, these two models are certainly worth considering for those seeking a minivan that offers a distinctly different experience from domestic offerings. And both are likely to meet those expectations.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Body Dimensions | Length 4,597 x Width 1,826 x Height 1,634 mm
Wheelbase | 2,840 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,581 / 1,584 mm
Engine | 1,598 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC
Max Output | 115 kW (156 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 240 Nm / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Torsion Beam
Tires Front/Rear | 205/55R16
Trunk Capacity | 645 Liters
Seating Capacity | 7 Persons
*Data from European market


Citroen C4 Picasso
Body Dimensions | Length 4,428 x Width 1,826 x Height 1,613 mm
Wheelbase | 2,785 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,581 / 1,584 mm
Engine | 1,598 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC
Max Output | 115 kW (156 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 240 Nm / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Torsion Beam
Tires Front/Rear | 205/55R17
Trunk Capacity | 537 Liters
Seating Capacity | 5 Persons
*Data from European market