first drive Review Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

The C4 Grand Picasso was already one of the very best MPVs, and these changes have only served to cement that position. Sharper-looking and better equipped, but still as practical and good to drive as ever, it should be on the shortlist of anyone looking to buy a seven-seat MPV.

Need to know:

• Facelift and revised interior for Citroen’s seven-seat MPV…
• accompanied by new technology and extra engine/gearbox combinations
• On sale now, with prices from £21,935

At the same time, the company has increased the possibilities for buyers to personalise their cars, as well as introducing new interior colour ‘schemes’ on all but the entry-level models. There are also some new engines and gearboxes, as well as some new safety features. Last but not least, Citroen has also upgraded the car’s infotainment and connectivity, with a new touch-screen, TomTom mapping and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for better smartphone integration. 

This is the mid-life revision for Citroen’s largest MPV, with the same changes also being applied to its smaller brother, the five-seat C4 Picasso. Unlike some facelifts, which involve little more than a remoulded light here and there, the changes to the Citroen are rather more substantial. The front end now shows off a decidedly Citroen look, with new surrounds for the lights, as well as 3D-effect rear lights. 

For our first experience of the new model, we’re trying the top-of-the-range version, the BlueHDi 150 with the optional six-speed automatic gearbox, which costs £29,360. 

Answer somewhat frivolous is The New Grand C4 Picasso is very much like a big old C4 Picasso - which is due, in terms of how to drive and how practical it is, nothing has changed.

That said, the new Picasso certainly looked like a very different beast from the outside. Its new front end and a combination of various colors make the car a very distinctive among rivals, which many buyers are only too happy to dismiss as a van with windows.

Inside, it is true that not much has changed in terms of the way everything is laid out, but the variety of color schemes that raised the perceived quality of what is on show. The driving position is high-set comfortable, and not only did windscreen up-and-over provides a view of the road ahead, it helps to create a bright and airy cabin for everyone inside.

It takes a little time to get used to seeing, and control information, 12.3-inch screen centrally mounted which is standard on all but the most basic model. Not only the new touch screen requires some encouragement highly accurate, it is sometimes a bit slow to react. But, only a short time, you'll have no problem finding your way around the cabin and use all its features.

As before, the Grand C4 Picasso is one of the most practical seven-seat MPV. Not only would take seven on-board - well, as long as you just want to put the kids in the third row of seats - you very quickly learn how to swap talent between the various permutations of seating. boot is a generous size with a car set in mode two or five seats, and even with all seven seats upright, there is enough room for two or three shopping bags behind.

Likewise, nothing has changed in terms of the way the car drives - but that was no problem as far as we're concerned. The BlueHDi 150 engine gives what is quite a large car very decent turn of speed, and the only disappointment came with an automatic gearbox, which can be a little slow to respond, especially when pulling away and when you want to kick down.

These machines work more effectively with a manual gearbox, and we think this is a better machine than the choice of gasoline, as an added attraction at low revs. This makes diesel engines more responsive, and easier to live with the results.

Around the city, despite it being quite a big car, Grand Picasso is easy to maneuver, thanks to its light steering. That means there is not much feedback when you are on the open road, but in a car like this, it's a compromise we were very pleased with.

For MPV, Grand Picasso doing all the important things right: it was fine on speed, comfortable ride, and despite the soft suspension, controlling body motions well. If you want a sporty drive, it might consider a Ford S-Max, but if comfort is priority number one, you can not do a lot better than this big Citroen.

Key facts:

• Model: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Flair BlueHDi 150 auto
• Price: £29,360
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel, six-speed automatic
• Power/torque: 148bhp/273lb/ft
• 0-62mph: 10.1secs
• Top Speed: 129mph
• Economy: 64.2mpg
• CO2/BIK tax liability: 115/23%
• Boot space (with seven/five/two seats upright): 165/793/2181 litres

Also consider:

Ford S-Max

Combines a spacious, practical and versatile cabin with a genuinely entertaining driving experience

Seat Alhambra 

When you’ve got a bunch of people and stuff to carry, there’s no substitute for size – and that’s why the Alhambra is one of the finest MPVs 

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

There are more practical MPVs, and there are cheaper MPVs, but this could well be the most desirable

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