2008 Citroen C4 Picasso Road Test Review

It feels very eager under the toe, swallows highway kilometres and hills effortlessly and will push that pregnant armadillo shape to a very respectable top speed of 195 kmh. And, on the open road, return a very family-friendly fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100 km. Combined fuel use is claimed to be 6.1 l/100 km, though we averaged 8.1 l/100km on a ‘tight’ motor. (Such a thing would have been unthinkable just five or ten years ago.)

As a bonus, that HDI mill is one of the better sounding diesel units you’ll come across in a day’s driving. Clatter... there is none. When working hard it emits a tuneful, rounded groan. On the highway, just a pleasant hum tells you it’s there.

The soft suspension and high centre of gravity means there is a fair whack of body roll when pushing on. But it’s a bit like older Citroens (and Renaults) here: it can take a lot of ‘corner lean’ before it feels unstable. Some reviewers haven’t twigged to this (or have never driven a Dyanne or Renault 16). But let’s face it brothers and sisters, we’re not talking sports handling, but we are talking a competent handling package for a car of such versatile function.

Wherever you choose to take them (and the Picasso has seating for seven), you will get the family there capably. There are stowage boxes and cup holders everywhere; door bins; sun screens cleverly integrated into the passenger doors; rear luggage cover, and, if you need to carry some serious luggage, the capacity of the back rises to 1951 litres with the seats folded away.

In summary, there is a lot to like about the Picasso. It’s an intriguing car – no doubt you’ll get used to its quirks: its slightly oddball lines, the unusual dash, the unfamiliar ergonomics, its low-speed ‘bumps’ and soft ride. You’ll get used to them, because you’ll enjoy driving it.

Its price though, at the upper-end of its segment, is likely to make the going tough in the showroom. At $39,990 for the 2.0-litre petrol, and $44,990 for the HDi 2.0-litre turbo diesel, the Picasso is competing against the likes of Territory, Commodore Wagon, and Kluger. Citroen will have to sharpen the pencil here.

Of course, for families, the value proposition is helped by the five-star adult occupant rating (Euro NCAP testing), dual front, side and curtain airbags as well as a driver's knee airbag, traction and stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist.