Citroën C4 Picasso e-HDi 115 ETG6 road test (exterior design, interior and load capacity)

The Citroën C4 Picasso continues the design of its predecessor, a rounded, compact and authentic line, the trademark of the model and of the brand, but there is something that changes substantially, the front end. The look of the new C4 Picasso does not go unnoticed, and it was already the subject of analysis when we brought you the first spy photos of pre-production units circulating around Vigo.

Bold and modern exterior lines

This front end is dominated by more daring lines, faithfully represented by its new headlights, with a radically new layout, split light clusters with the main headlights separated from an upper line featuring an additional strip of lighting LED and turn signals that converge towards the central grille thanks to a chrome line running above them.

In addition to this radical change in design, we see how the glazed surface area has increased compared with the previous model, especially at the front, which undoubtedly benefits visibility when driving and lighting as an element of comfort for enjoying the cabin of the Citroën C4 Picasso. The vehicle as a whole offers a proportionate, modern and elegant appearance.

We also see a somewhat ‘daring’ solution in the A and B pillars, between which a small window has been placed that adds an extra advantage in diagonal visibility when tackling a bend or needing to perform a manoeuvre or turn in confined spaces. One element that draws attention is how the pillars, from the A-pillar onwards, increase in thickness, which lends elegance at the front and strength at the rear.

The D-pillar is the most elaborate, thanks to the chrome detail, surface finish, angle and thickness, which gives great solidity to the rear without losing that elegance I mentioned. At the rear we see new lights, of generous size and elevated position, which protrude slightly from the shoulder line, right where the D-pillar rests, an area with great strength and elegance.

Continuing with the rear, we find more features that make the C4 Picasso easier to use and more practical, in this case the boot lid, with automatic opening and closing, providing a generous loading aperture at a practically ideal height for anyone who wants to load any kind of object, and undoubtedly making the most of the boot’s full capacity.

The exterior colours, chrome details and wheel design are characteristic elements of Citroën which undoubtedly enhance the style of several of its models, and the C4 Picasso is one of them. Without losing that touch of a modern and technological car, it also leaves room for an extra touch of elegance and a more formal style. Once again, we find balance in the design aspects of the Citroën C4 Picasso.

A comfortable and technological interior

Once inside, we confirm the innovative character and the change the C4 Picasso has undergone compared with its predecessor. We find plenty of legroom, both in the front and rear seats. The driving position is very spacious; perhaps the steering wheel is slightly large and thin, but that is a matter of personal taste. Another aspect to highlight is how uncluttered the dashboard looks.

And this is a premise of the new C4 Picasso: fewer distractions for the driver. Hence everything is concentrated on a huge 12-inch screen located in the central area of the dashboard, which displays information such as speed, gears, revs, temperature, etc., and which can be customised in terms of information and colours, presenting this information with great clarity.

Below, we find another screen, supporting the main one, from which we can manage the radio, GPS navigation, external media, Bluetooth connectivity, among other functions, as well as the air conditioning, whose controls are digital, so we see few controls and buttons around this screen; on the central console we find a dozen buttons for specific functions, no more.

At the rear there are 3 full seats with independent adjustment for depth and recline, a flexible area with maximum comfort for occupants of any age, not just children. This is the advantage of the C4 Picasso: although it is a family car, 5 adults can travel very comfortably with sufficient luggage, a versatile vehicle. Other details include a 12V socket and side sunshades.

The glazed surface, in addition to contributing to safety (the C4 Picasso has achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating) thanks to excellent visibility, creates an atmosphere with plenty of light inside, which feels bright and calm. In short, balance, technology and comfort are the terms we can use to understand the design, both exterior and interior, of the new Citroën C4 Picasso.

Storage and load capacity

Storage is another of the strong points of the interior design of the Citroën C4 Picasso. On the central console we have a versatile space, two USB ports, a power outlet, as well as a cigarette lighter socket, all illuminated, an ideal spot for charging the phone or the kids’ portable games console. The glovebox is also a good size, but between the CD changer and the instruction manual, it is rather limited.

To this we must add a central armrest for the front seats with space for other items, and the compartments in the floor of the rear seats, so there will be no shortage of places to store and organise things on board the C4 Picasso. Other details worth highlighting are the adjustable air vents on the C pillars, as well as the folding tables with LED lighting, which are very good, by the way, for 100% comfort on board.

As for the boot, which, as I mentioned above, can be accessed very conveniently thanks to the electric tailgate and a loading lip at a good height. The load capacity is 537 litres with all the seats in use, which increases to 630 litres with the rear seats moved forward, sufficient capacity for a family’s luggage and undoubtedly one of the great assets of the C4 Picasso.