Family favourite

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso keeps the balance between the needs of family motoring and driving pleasure. Simon Davis reports

Only a particularly keen eye would be able to tell the difference between the new Grand C4 Picasso and 2013’s secondgeneration model. Its exterior retains the familiar shape of the old car, but features a number of subtle tweaks that help keep it looking fresh. As you would expect from a car designed purely for carting vast numbers of children to and from school and sports practice, it can be specified with a raft of safety systems.

Large MPVS aren’t the best looking cars on the road. However, the Grand C4 Picasso is definitely one of the better-looking people movers available. Changes include a redesigned front end, 3D-effect rear lights, rear chevrons finished in gloss black with chrome surrounds, and 18-inch alloy wheels. They add up to a marked improvement over the older car.

This is the Grand C4 Picasso’s piece de resistance. A sevenseat layout means you’ll be popular with other parents on the school run, and should help prevent any squabbles on longer journeys. The middle row of seats can fold down flat to increase boot space, and can also slide back and forth to allow for more legroom in the third row. The two third row seats fold down into the boot floor, allowing for an extra 645 litres of storage space when the second row of seats are in their forward-most position. The Grand C4 Picasso isn’t a small car but masks its size well. Thanks to plenty of