Citroen's latest generation of C4 Picasso people mover has arrived in Australia, delivering a surprise blow for other companies marketing either diesels or seven-seat wagons here.
According to the importer, the latest Citroen – known formally as the Grand C4 Picasso – is the first diesel vehicle sold in Australia to be rated five stars by the Green Vehicle Guide, with effect from March 1.
The so-called BlueHDi engine powering the vehicle emits 90 per cent fewer NOx particles and additionally keeps fuel consumption low with an auto-stop/start facility. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, the turbo-diesel develops 110kW and 370Nm, yet uses just 4.5L/100km in combined-cycle testing, with CO2 emissions rated at 117g/km for the same test.
Key to the new engine's environmental credentials is the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which operates in three steps to clean up exhaust emissions. In the first step an oxidation catalyst combines CO2 with unburned hydrocarbons to produce water and residual CO2. Step two mixes 'AdBlue' with NOx (nitrogen oxides) to produce more water, with some residual nitrogen – an inert gas. The third and final step involves the diesel particulate filter trapping 99.9 per cent of exhaust particulates.
While the 2.0-litre engine is pivotal to the new Citroen's lean fuel consumption, the manufacturer also claims that the lighter weight of a new platform, wind-cheating aerodynamics and a more advanced transmission all play their part in the low fuel consumption and CO2 figures.
The six-speed automatic weighs 2kg less than the previous model's EGS unit, and boasts lower internal friction, faster shifting, reduced NVH and longer ratios in the higher gears – for relaxed touring and lower fuel consumption.
Citroen, renowned for its technical innovation over the years, has combined the Euro 6-compliant drivetrain with its PSA Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which is new to Australia.
Through a series of improvements, but principally by adoption of the new platform (about 70 per cent of the weight saving measures), weight of the Grand C4 Picasso has been shaved by 100kg. Aluminium and high-strength steel in the platform contribute around 37kg, while a smaller fuel tank – for the same range – and revised cooling and braking systems account for the other 33kg. For the remaining 30 per cent, Citroen engineers looked to the body-in-white, reducing the height, specifying a tailgate of composite material, an aluminium bonnet and high-strength steel for cabin reinforcement.
The new architecture has allowed Citroen to package the Grand C4 Picasso for improved roominess, without detriment to luggage space. At 4.6m, the new model is the same length as the previous model, but the wheelbase has been stretched 11cm to 2.84m – making it one of the longest in the category, Citroen says. The sleight of hand comes from reducing front overhang by 11.6cm, offsetting the extra wheelbase. There's more knee room in both second and third-row seating, Citroen advises, but the luggage capacity has also increased by 69 litres to 645 litres according to the VDA standard (and with the third-row seat folded flat).
Development of the new platform was critical to the Grand C4 Picasso, with the new model tested over six million kilometres. In all, Citroen has filed 116 patents associated with the new car. And the company highlights the amount of effort put into making the new Picasso a properly finished product. Engineers focused their efforts on ensuring plastic parts were sufficiently robust and met a set standard for tactile quality, and that doors and tailgate open and close with a solid feel to them. NVH reduction was an important KPI for the new car also, as were such elements as anti-static finishes for the plastics, new paint coatings to prevent scratching and flaking, and a new chrome finish that's resistant to calcium deposits. Citroen's target was for the Picasso to feel 'new' after three years or 45,000km.
New technology fitted as standard in the Exclusive variant includes a 360-degree camera, keyless entry/start, self parking, auto headlights/rain-sensing wipers, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, blind spot monitoring, satellite navigation, tyre pressure monitoring, fold-in electric mirrors (dipping for reverse), a 12-inch panoramic HD screen for the driver's instruments, and a seven-inch touch screen for infotainment.
Australian buyers can order the Grand C4 Picasso with a host of options, including 18-inch alloys ($1500), electric tailgate ($1000), adaptive bi-xenon headlights ($2000), part leather upholstery ($2500) and full leather ($5000 with lounge pack, electrically adjustable/heated seats). Chief among the options is the Drive Assist pack, worth $2000. This bundles together lane departure warning, smart beam headlight function, active cruise control and anti-collision system.
On sale here in just one ('Exclusive') variant, the Grand C4 Picasso is priced at $43,990. While that's a $4500 increase, by the importer's estimate the new Picasso represents a $9000 gain in value, such is the advance over the previous model.