Citroën will bring a new engineering focus to mini-MPV models with lightweight body construction and more economical engines in an all-new Citroën C4 Picasso, revealed to the public at the Frankfurt motor show.
Based on the new PSA Group ‘EMP2’ platform that will also underpin the new Peugeot 308, the C4 Picasso features high-tech weight-saving measures like alloy body components and a composite rear floor to save up to 140kg in kerb weight model-for-model.
Included on the weight-saving menu is an aluminium bonnet and composite tailgate, which together contribute to 70kg of reductions. Citroën says the new C4 Picasso has a similar weight to the current C3 Picasso, which tips the scales at between 1089kg and 1271kg, depending on engine type.
The new EMP2 platform also brings a usefully wider, shorter footprint. It recasts the C4’s proportions with a 40mm shorter overall length and a 70mm shorter front overhang, yet wider tracks, 83mm bigger at the front and 31mm at the rear. Interior space is boosted by the 55mm longer wheelbase and the boot space is more than 530 litres.
Practical in-service features in the interior include a fold-forward front passenger seat back that extends carrying space to 2.5m for objects like surf boards or lengthy DIY loads, while the second row of seats features fore/aft adjustment.
New or revised HDi diesel powertrains are aimed at cutting tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption. At this stage Citroën has only confirmed three diesels — two 1.6-litre variants and a 2.0-litre.
Citroën is also joining the ranks of car-makers who use ‘blue’ to denote a green model. The BlueHDi 150 features a 2.0-litre diesel with NOx emissions brought under control by a new SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) cat and promising low CO2 emissions .
A conventional six-speed automatic transmission will also become an option, but possibly not at launch in the summer.
The French manufacturer hasn't confirmed the price structure for the new range, but it isn't expected to be dramatically different to that of the current car, which starts at £18,205.
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New Citroen C4 Picasso
I currently own the present model and am very happy with it, except the wiper on the passenger side doesn't clear high enough on the windscreen for the passenger's eye line. I hope they've rectified this. Looks good!
I like it.
And it's good to see Citroen getting back to lightweight designs. The AX and BX were very light and had great performance/economy/ride as a result.
Citroen back on form
I like the new C4 Picasso, I like it a lot. It's refreshingly different from the usual choices and so much more stylish than the previous generations. I'd have this MPV over anything from Ford, Vauxhall, VW etc. Whatever a mojo is or does, Citroen lost theirs for a while. They've found it again now. Well done them.
Really? I'm surprised people
Really? I'm surprised people think Citroen lost their way. Personally, I think they've been delivering some really bits of kit over the last few years. It's Peugeot & Renault that have been struggling. Some Peugeot's have been down right Pug ugly (sorry)...