The new Citroen C4 Picasso is a step into the future
With attractive design, thoughtful exterior dimensions and a functional interior, the C4 Picasso has become one of the most popular compact minivans. Not surprisingly, when creating the second generation, Citroen decided to stick to the patterns developed by its predecessor, adding to them a handful of modern patents. Instead of revolution, the French gave us evolution, and we must admit that it hit the bull's-eye.
To find out that new C4 Picasso is a development of its predecessor, just look at both machines. If they were covered with masking sheets, the differences between them would be difficult to notice - in both cases we are dealing with a body with an almost solid silhouette, an arched line of side windows and compact dimensions. The details work to create a stylistic distinction - with striking chrome and futuristic lamps, the new model brings a clear breath of freshness.
The impression of communicating with an improved version of the current Picasso does not disappear when we look inside. As before, there is a wide instrument panel in front of the driver with an electronic clock placed in the center, and additional windows on the sides for easier maneuvering. We should be glad that the designers abandoned the steering wheel with a fixed center, and moved the air conditioning control to the traditional place. However, the smaller number of compartments on the front can be a concern.
Following the stylists of the exterior, the interior designers did not forget to give it a more modern look than its predecessor. They did this primarily by installing two screens on the center console - a 12-inch screen that acts as a set of instruments, and a 7-inch touch screen that replaces the buttons that control the car's functions. The former has been described as "impressive" and for good reason - it has a very high resolution, delivers information effectively, and is highly customizable.
Side new displays, on board C4 Picasso II. generation there are other elements of equipment that emphasize its modernity and make it more enjoyable to use. A 220V socket was installed in the center console, the passenger seat was equipped with a stand straight from luxury cars, car maneuvering was simplified through the use of a parking assistant and cameras showing a view around the body, and safety was increased by offering buyers active cruise control, a system that warns of an unintentional change lanes or automatic high beam on/off system.
In pursuit of the richest equipment, Citroen, fortunately, did not forget about the interior attribute, which acted as a magnet for buyers in the first generation of the car. It's all about capacity, of course. Despite the fact that, contrary to popular trends, the new minivan is smaller than its predecessor (4,43 m long, 1,83 m wide and 1,61 m high), thanks to a wheelbase increased to 2785 mm, it offers passengers such The same freedom of movement and even more freedom in packing luggage - the trunk now has 537-630 liters (depending on the position of the rear seats). In addition, the cabin is carefully glazed and equipped with many functional compartments, lockers, shelves and handles.
For interior design creators C4 next generation Picasso you should get five plus. Engineers receive the highest mark of "excellent". Why? Thanks to the use of an aluminum hood and a composite trunk lid, and most importantly, the use of a completely new technical platform EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the designers managed to reduce the curb weight compared to its predecessor by ... 140 kilograms. ! However, this magnificent result is not the last word of the French - the new floor slab will be widely used in various models of Citroen and Peugeot.
In addition to the slimming treatment, the new Chevron minivan has also received other treatments to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Efforts were made to improve the aerodynamics of the body (the CdA coefficient was equal to 0,71) and the power units themselves. The result is the most economical and environmentally friendly version of the e-HDi 90 with a 92 hp diesel engine. and 230 Nm, consumes only 3,8 l / 100 km according to the manufacturer and emits 98 grams of CO2 per kilometer. However, taking care of the wallet and nature comes at a price – the car in this version takes almost 14 seconds to accelerate to the first “hundred”.
For those looking for better performance, there are three other engines to choose from. The more powerful diesel has 115 hp, accelerates to 100 km / h in about 12 seconds, can reach 189 km / h, and consumes only 4 l / 100 km. The remaining versions of the engine run on gasoline. The weaker one - marked with the VTi symbol - has 120 hp, acceleration to "hundreds" takes 12,3 seconds, accelerates to 187 km / h and consumes 6,3 l / 100 km. At the top of the offering is the THP variant, which thanks to turbocharging can generate 156 hp. and thus break the barrier of 100 km/h in 9 seconds after the start and reach 209 km/h. Its combustion was set at 6 liters.
engines new Citroen C4 Picasso They were combined with three manual transmissions - a 5-speed was intended for the weakest gasoline engine, and two 6-speed (with one or two clutches) for the rest of the units. "Automatic", also with 6 gears, will be added to the offer in the first half of next year. It is worth noting that the French novelty was equipped with an electric power steering, which, combined with a turning radius of 10,8 meters and compact body dimensions, should have ensured efficient movement in city traffic.
Despite a more futuristic look, improved interior and much more modern technology, the second batch of the family friend from the Seine follows in the footsteps of its predecessor. Since the latter has gained great popularity (including in our country), we predict a considerable success of the new model. There is only one condition - a reasonable approach of marketers to the issue of prices.
