car news new: Citroen C4 Picasso 5seater

A few months ago, thanks to a cell-phone and a “pesky” French worker we revealed a video and a couple of uncovered pictures of C4 Picasso’s shorter brother. This version does away with the 7 seater “soccer-mom” arrangement in order to satisfy those who prefer a more compact and prettier version Citroen’s mid-size MPV. Now, we’ve got the official images of Citroens brand new 5seater edition of the C4 Picasso which in our opinion looks much sleeker and sportier. If our info is correct, the new version of the C4 Picasso will be unveiled at the Geneva Show in March.

Apart from the shorter rear overhang and the re-designed rear end, the 5seater C4 Picasso also gets a new front bumper and a less “clunky” looking roofline. Although there are no interior shots as of yet, we suspect that there will be no changes in this area in comparison with the 7seater edition.

Since we’ve driven the C4 Picasso let us say that we like its funky design and its practical interior which material-wise, is up to standards. Still, it let us down with its driving capabilities, as it leaves you with a “mushy” feeling that’s completely unappealing to the enthusiast driver. In the US this might not matter at all but in Europe, it does count even when it comes to MPV’s.

UPDATE - PRESS RELEASE

First details have been announced of the exciting new five seat C4 Picasso, which will be launched internationally in the first quarter of 2007, making Citroën the only manufacturer to offer a choice of three compact MPVs.

With its distinctively different styling, the five seat C4 Picasso slips naturally into Citroën’s compact MPV range between the established, best-selling Xsara Picasso and the award-winning seven seat version, which will now be known as the Grand C4 Picasso. With three compact MPVs and the full-size C8 people carrier, Citroën now boasts the broadest MPV range in its history.

The new five seat C4 Picasso benefits from the same forward thinking that shaped the design of the recently launched Grand C4 Picasso, with outstanding all-round visibility, a light and airy interior, leading cabin and boot space, incorporating a new version of Citroën’s Modubox folding trolley, and the use of high quality materials. The easy-to-use and flexible interior lay-out combines with the uncluttered interior space and the highest levels of comfort to ensure that travelling is a pleasurable experience.

Citroën’s newest model sports a fresh, dynamic look, with a body style that is at once compact, flowing and eye-catching. The assertive-looking front end features a new-style bumper with oversized air intakes covered in black mesh, while the unique wave of the waistline, highlighted in chrome, creates an attractive side profile.

However, it is at the back where the five seat C4 Picasso’s distinctive personality and styling really shines through. The rear pillars are masked by the quarter-lights and, combined with the rest of the huge glazed area, give the impression that the upper half of the vehicle is completely surrounded by glass. The saloon-style rear end features lights with a unique horizontal design.

The interior of Citroën’s newcomer is refreshingly light, with outstanding visibility provided by the huge windscreen, slim pillars and optional panoramic sunroof. Artificial lighting also plays a major role with the availability of various useful features, such as automatic welcome lights under the door mirrors, a portable torch in the boot and reading lights on the back of the front seats, all designed to make journeys easier.

The exterior dimensions (4.47m long, 1.83m wide and 1.66m tall) give the C4 Picasso an extremely spacious interior. This feeling of space is enjoyed by all passengers, with those in the front benefiting from the simple, uncluttered design of the dash, and those in the back from three individual, full-size seats and a flat floor. The innovative seating design, first seen in the Grand C4 Picasso, allows the rear seats to be quickly and easily folded flat into the floor.

When all five seats are in use, the new model leads the class with 500 litres of boot space underneath the luggage cover, extending to a maximum 1,734 litres once the rear seats are folded down. Helping to keep the boot tidy, the five seat C4 Picasso can also be equipped with a new version of Citroën’s renowned Modubox. This innovative, removable trolley makes it easy to divide boot space and to transport objects outside of the vehicle.

The new five seat C4 Picasso provides a relaxing journey for all occupants. Suspension comfort can be further enhanced by the optional pneumatic rear suspension, while laminated acoustic side windows can be specified to make it even quieter inside. An automatic electronic parking brake and Hill Start Assist are fitted as standard and make everyday driving easier.

Thoughtful extras such as individual air flow controls for back seat passengers, an air quality sensor and a scented air freshener can all add to the pleasant onboard atmosphere. A high quality stereo system and folding video screens in the back of the front seats are also available to keep passengers entertained.

Developed on the same platform as the Grand C4 Picasso, which scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests, the new C4 Picasso meets the most stringent criteria for occupant protection, offering the likes of four Isofix seats, audible seatbelt warnings for all seats and seven airbags as standard.

The five seat C4 Picasso is available with a choice of four fuel efficient engines: 127hp 1.8i 16V and 143hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, and 110hp 1.6HDi and 138hp 2.0HDi diesel powerplants, both fitted with Diesel Particulate Filter Systems. Dependent on engine there is a choice of gearboxes: manual, automatic or a 6-speed electronic gearbox system with paddleshift gearchange.