Most striking MPV on the market
THROUGHOUT decades of policies of rationalisation, understatement and committee thinking in some automotive marques, Citroen boldly went ahead powered by its own DNA and flair.
And today the company produces a range of cars that, in the finest traditions of the company are very individual.
Take the Grand C4 Picasso as an example.
This is the successor of that absolute brainwave from Citroen, the Xsara Picasso MPV which in turn was born of the Xsara saloon.
The original Picasso became the darling not only of families, but also private hire taxi companies which found it ideal for their purposes.
But after the old model drove into history in 2016, Picasso regenerated into a supremely stylish seven-seater which is now hailed as the most striking MPV on the market.
It is a larger and more imposing vehicle than the original and seems to be possessed of a built-in magnetism that has already netted major sales successes and a raft of major awards.
This car was the Grand C4 Picasso Flair Blue HDi 150 automatic which delivered a recipe of airy French opulence wrapped in a stylish body with a massive raked windscreen which puts the Grand Picasso truly in the premium league and leaves behind any vestige of utility-derived motoring.
And it is not only about looks because there’s also a clever use of space.
Three full-sized middle row seats slide forwards and backwards and recline independently, while two more in the boot fold into the floor when not in use.
It is full of good ideas including airline-style tables behind the front seats and many storage solutions.
Attractions include a panoramic sunroof with electric sliding blind, a seven-inch touchscreen interface and a 12-inch panoramic HD central display all part of the impressive specification list.
This screen replaces the traditional instrument binnacle and adds a distinctive, high-tech feel to the cabin.
Power is from a 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel via a six-speed automatic transmission which provided 150bhp, more than enough to whisk this lounge quality people mover to a maximum speed of 129mph and from 0-62mph in 10 seconds.
A definite bonus is the combined fuel economy readout of 64.2mpg and the ride quality is very smooth indeed.
Although there is plenty of power on tap, this is a vehicle for supremely comfortable motoring and speedy cruising rather than out and out dash.