Citroen's MPV, the New C4 Picasso, Now Available | Citroen
CAR / NEWS
December 16, 2014

Citroen's MPV, the New C4 Picasso, Now Available | Citroen


Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Citroen C4 Picasso



Citroen MPV, New C4 Picasso Launched in Japan



Peugeot Citroen Japon will introduce the fully redesigned MPV model, the Citroen "C4 Picasso," to Japan starting October 25th. With this model change, the new 7-seater will be renamed "Grand C4 Picasso," while the 5-seater, previously not available in Japan, will be released as the "C4 Picasso."




Text & Photographs by OHTO Yasuhiro




5-Seater Also Introduced to Japan for the First Time



Last year,Tokyo Motor Showannounced for introduction in Japan at the Tokyo Motor Show, the new "C4 Picasso" will go on sale starting October 25th. In the new model, similar to the lineup in its home market, the 7-seater will be called the "Grand C4 Picasso" and the 5-seater short-body model, which had not been released in Japan until now, will be introduced as the "C4 Picasso" for the first time.

The new "C4 Picasso" series is a model developed based on the concept car "Technospace Concept" announced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. It debuted in Europe in April last year, and its introduction to Japan comes about a year after its unveiling late last year.



The powertrain introduced for the Japanese market is exclusively a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine with a start-stop system, jointly developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën, paired with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, the third generation. It delivers a maximum output of 121 kW (165 ps) and a maximum torque of 240 Nm (24.5 kgm). The shift lever, located behind the steering wheel, which pays homage to the classic DS series and enables front-seat walk-through, remains as in the previous generation. Paddle shifters for manual gear selection are also included.


Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen C4 Picasso


The dimensions of the new Grand C4 Picasso are 4,600 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. Compared to the previously available 7-seater model, the size difference is within approximately ±15 mm.



While the overall size remains similar, the adoption of PSA Peugeot Citroën's new-generation platform, "EMP2" (Efficient Modular Platform 2), aims for reduced weight, a lower center of gravity, and an efficient interior layout. Despite the addition of the latest safety equipment, the weight is 1,550 kg, a reduction of 50 kg.



The wheelbase, extended by 110 mm without significantly altering the overall length, and the improved spatial layout offer a maximum cargo volume of 645 liters for the Grand C4 Picasso with the third row folded, and 2,181 liters with the second row folded flat. With the front passenger seat folded flat, items up to 2.75 meters long can be stored.



Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Citroen C4 Picasso



Citroen MPV, New C4 Picasso Launched in Japan (2)




True to "Picasso"



While the C4 Picasso is an MPV that demands utility, it is given an avant-garde exterior befitting its name and logo, inspired by the artist Pablo Picasso. Uniquely, it achieves a sense of overall commonality while incorporating distinct designs for each, rather than simply differentiating the 5-seater and 7-seater models by body length alone.



The front fascia differs in the shape of the lower grille and the finish of the chrome line that extends horizontally from the Citroën "double chevron" emblem to the slim LED headlamps, creating distinct impressions.


Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso


Citroen C4 Picasso

Citroen C4 Picasso



The side view is further differentiated. On the Grand C4 Picasso, a bold line, inspired by the model line's "C," extends dynamically from the A-pillar, over the roof, to the tailgate. In contrast, the C4 Picasso features a chrome line that encircles half of the glass area. The four pillars, which converge in an arc like the cross-section of an onion—a characteristic of its direct ancestor, the "Xsara Picasso," introduced in 1999 (and in Japan after a minor update in 2004)—are also inherited by the 5-seater C4 Picasso.



The most significant difference, however, lies in the rear form, equipped with 3D LED lamps. Each model has a distinct character, even more so than the front fascia. The Grand C4 Picasso features uniquely shaped lamps inspired by the model line's "C," while the C4 Picasso is fitted with sporty, wide, square-shaped lamps.



Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Citroen C4 Picasso



Citroen MPV, New C4 Picasso Launched in Japan (3)




Panoramic Windshield and Large Glass Roof Create a Sense of Openness



The interior has evolved to be even more modern than the previous generation. The cabin, designed with a loft-like concept, features a super panoramic windshield with excellent visibility that extends above the front occupants' heads. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof, measuring 5.7 square meters (5.3 square meters for the C4 Picasso) and spanning the entire roof, brings a bright and airy atmosphere to the interior.



The cockpit has been significantly revamped into a futuristic design. The driving interface is intuitively controlled via the 12-inch and 7-inch full digital screens located in the center.


Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen C4 Picasso


The upper 12-inch monitor displays information such as the speedometer, tachometer, and images from the front and rear cameras. The lower 7-inch screen allows for touch control of the air conditioning, audio system, and, with the optional navigation system, its functions.



Furthermore, all seats are individual, including the asymmetrically designed front seats, allowing each occupant to find their preferred seating position and enhancing the comfort of travel expected from an MPV. While all models come standard with fabric seats, two-tone Nappa leather seats are available as an option.



Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Citroen C4 Picasso



Citroen MPV, New C4 Picasso Launched in Japan (4)




Equipped with the Latest Safety Devices



A notable feature of the new C4 Picasso is the adoption of the latest driving assistance and safety systems, introduced for the first time in a Citroën vehicle. These include "Active Cruise Control" to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, "Distance Alert" which measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and warns if it becomes too close when driving above 30 km/h, "Lane Departure Warning" to alert of lane departures, "Blind Spot Monitor" which indicates approaching vehicles in the mirror's blind spot, and "360° Vision" which displays a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings.




As there is only one powertrain option, the grades are configured into two types, differing in equipment. Compared to the entry-level "Seduction" model, the luxury "Exclusive" model comes standard with bi-xenon headlights, intelligent high beam, Active Cruise Control, and the aforementioned Distance Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Additionally, only the Exclusive model offers the Nappa leather seats as an option.

Prices including consumption tax are 3.47 million yen for the Grand C4 Picasso Seduction and 3.78 million yen for the Exclusive. For the C4 Picasso, only the Exclusive model is available at 3.57 million yen. Sales begin on October 25, 2014.


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Click here for the overseas test drive review of the new Citroen C4 Picasso

080507_eac_spec
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Body Size | Length 4,600 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,670 mm

Wheelbase | 2,840 mm

Tread Front/Rear | (Seduction) 1,580 / 1,590 mm (Exclusive) 1,575 / 1,585 mm

Weight | 1,550 kg

Engine | 1,598 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection Turbo

Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 85.8 mm

Max Output | 121 kW (165 ps) / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque | 240 Nm (24.5 kgm) / 1,400-3,500 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed AT

Drivetrain | FF

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs

Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam

Tires | (Seduction) 205/60R16 (Exclusive) 205/55R17

Minimum Turning Radius | 5.5 meters

Minimum Ground Clearance | 135 mm

Seating Capacity | 7 persons

Steering Position | Right

Price | (Seduction) 3.47 million yen (Exclusive) 3.78 million yen



Citroen C4 Picasso

Body Size | Length 4,430 x Width 1,825 x Height 1,630 mm

Wheelbase | 2,780 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,580 / 1,590 mm

Weight | 1,480 kg

Engine | 1,598 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection Turbo

Bore x Stroke | 77.0 x 85.8 mm

Max Output | 121 kW (165 ps) / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque | 240 Nm (24.5 kgm) / 1,400-3,500 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed AT

Drivetrain | FF

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs

Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam

Tires | 205/60R16

Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 meters

Minimum Ground Clearance | 135 mm

Seating Capacity | 5 persons

Steering Position | Right

Price | (Exclusive) 3.57 million yen



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