During Christmas break of 2008, we test drove the Citroen C4 Picasso and after 5 days with it, we had little to complain. Some of our test drive issues were the hard plastics that sat on the lower half of the cabin. They easily got scratched and looked rather low rent. Then there was the 2-liter engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox which was not the best of marriages in the drivetrain world. It did however perform superbly as a family vehicle hauling all of us around the city in absolute comfort and with some style as the looks were class leading next to the obvious alternatives from Japan. Today we are test driving the updated C4 Picasso which has been given a new heart and some added goodies.
First the interior. The low rent plastics have disappeared and instead, the cabin looks and feels premium. Textured dash top and sides give a premium feel. Hard wearing cloth seats are nice to feel.
The MP3 ready CD player is hidden under a flap on the centre dash and all instruments sit on the centre dash flanked by two storage bins. Sound system is good and system is easy to use.
Now comes the best part. Under the hood is a 150hp, 230Nm, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a semiauto 6-speed box. With 0-100km/h taking just 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h, it felt lively and engaging on the highway, refined and light in the city.
In city traffic this new 6-speed box will start getting on your nerves at first as you need a day or two to understand why there are slight jerks between early shifts. Once on the move along traffic, the situation changes and shifts are smooth and buttery. Paddle shifters sit behind the steering wheel and if you decide to use them, you will find them to be light, easy and very easy to work within city heavy traffic. This is something many other paddle shifters fail to provide.
Parents take note. This is the safest MPV in its segment and maybe a segment higher also. Three (3) ISOFIX seats in the rear. Nine (9) airbags, dash indicator to show if any child is NOT wearing their seatbelt. All this for RM158,000.00
(the competition, Honda Stream and Toyota WISH (pictured above) may be priced a little lower but they offer so much less in safety, features and also interior versatlity) . It is also fuel efficient and offers best in class space. 3rd seats fold completely flat. 3rd seats have a/c vents. Middle passengers have their own a/c controls. Middle row seats are easily moved fore and aft and also removable. Handling is better than the segment leaders like the Stream and WISH and offers way more occupant safety and drive comfort.
Only issue is depreciation in the first 3-4 years which is higher than segment leaders at a possible 35-40% but then it holds some ground for the next 3-4years. Warranty is 100,000 kilometres or 2 years. After sales is good and parts pricing is reasonable at between RM 250-300.00 for servicing. Test drive one today and decide for yourself. OH, Must also mention the full length moonroof with power sliding cover that the kids and you will love.
