SECTOR MPV   PRICE €22,400–€32,500 (approx.)   FUEL 3.8–6.25l/100km   CO2 98–145g/km 

A hint of what was to come was given by the Citroën Technospace concept at the 2013 Geneva Show. After some seven years in production, the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso has been replaced by a new model, following the five-seat C4 Picasso replacement last year.

The Grand C4 Picasso concept was always a good one. Taking its cue from the Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, which packed seven seats into a smaller MPV platform than full-size seven-seat MPVs, the Grand C4 Picasso provided a light, flexible format seven-seater with an interior designed around the needs of a family.

Citroën has kept all that was good about the original model and, now based on the PSA EMP2 platform, shared with models such as the new Peugeot 308, the latest model is lighter than its predecessor by an average of around 100kg and has a lower centre of gravity. Although it is around the same length as its predecessor, the wheelbase has been extended by 110mm to provide more space for passengers. There’s more luggage space too, with between 632 litres and 2,181 litres according to Citroën. Compared to the five-seat model, the rear wheels have been moved back by 55mm, helping to give what Citroën claims as the most space in the rear two rows in the segment, with 217mm of legroom in row two and 108mm in row three. Citroën claims the best access to row three seats and the widest boot in the category with 1,170mm between the wheel arches. Third-row passengers also get their own air vents.

Standard equipment includes a seven-inch touchpad in the dashboard with touch-sensitive buttons to control functions from the dual-zone air conditioning to navigation, audio and driving aids.

Citroën says that CO2 emissions have been reduced by 30g/km on average. The engine range includes 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and a range topping 2.0-litre diesel. In VTi form the 1.6-litre petrol engine delivers 120hp or 155hp (THP 155). Diesel power ranges from 92hp or 114hp from the 1.6-litre diesel to 150hp from the 2.0-litre diesel. The lowest emissions come from the e-HDi 90 Airdream low emission model, which with the six-speed automated gearbox returns 3.8l/100km on the combined cycle and 98g/km of CO2. Even the 2.0-litre diesel with conventional automatic transmission returns 4.4l/100km and 117g/km, compared with 4.2l/100km and 110g/km.

Unless you have a need to keep CO2 emissions below 100g/km, the e-HDi 115 Airdream offers a bit more performance for a minimal increase in emissions and fuel consumption, with 105g/km from the manual version. And it’s a very pleasant car to drive, with the familiar hum of the PSA/Ford 1.6-litre diesel engine, now driving through a six-speed gearbox. Not surprisingly the 2.0-litre automatic is the pick of the bunch with an excellent automatic gearbox and effortless performance.

Noise levels are low and the spacious, light interior is a good place for family travel, especially with more legroom available. Nice touches include a stowage space for the luggage cover when the rear seats are in use.

Verdict:

The Grand C4 Picasso shows fine build quality, impressive road behaviour and an interior that’s even better thought out than it’s predecessor. Plenty of fleet appeal.