CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso : A Masterpiece design for Family - TheWackyDuo.com - Singapore Wacky Digital Underground Outpost

CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso : A Masterpiece design for Family




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As a family man, it is always a pleasure to indulge in some fun when it comes to parenting. Thus when the offer came to drive the new CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso MPV, it was just what the doctor ordered. As I had been thinking about switching my sedan ride to an MPV or SUV to suit the growing family, the opportunity to test drive the latest MPV is simply too hard to refuse.


Combined with a sporty outlook and practical features, this car exceeded the expectation of a demanding Daddy in search of the ideal family car. But, can one car ignite a driver's passion and fulfil family needs simultaneously?

This would be like having the cake and eating it simultaneously. An impossible thought?
Getting ready to take the CITROËN for a ride
The CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso comes close.

This was one ride that the WHOLE family enjoyed. Here are the 10 reasons why this Masterpiece is made for the family.
1 Grand Design
Hey Good Looking
When one mentions MPV, the image that would conjure is one massive, boxy, bland and probably odd-looking vehicle given its configuration. In fact, the words van and bus are often interchangeable with MPV. This is perhaps why a practical MPV lies lower on the shopping list of a family guy compared to the more stylish SUV or the evergreen sedan.

When my eyes first met the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso ( a mouthful here, so from henceforth, it will be referred to as the GC4P), all the above-preconceived notions about the image of the MPV were thrown out the window.

The GC4P is no monster; it is a beautiful work of art. The car I test-drove came in an inviting Polar White. The colour compliments the styling of the CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso perfectly. Every curve and outline was beautifully etched on this White Beauty. The CITROËN logo in front, and the tiny LED clusters, provide a futuristic grin that one would be delighted to meet in the morning.
17-inch wheel
Fitted with 17" avant-grade AQUILLION wheels, the GC4P looks proportionately built. It does not make like a beast but resembles a combination of French Flair and German sturdiness. This is one car a Daddy and Mommy would not mind being seen in.
3 D backlights
The futuristic theme extends with intricate backlights that give a 3D effect when the brake is on. The badge Picasso is rightfully placed on the boot.

This is indeed a masterpiece.

2 Acres of Space
GC4P side view
Understandably, when purchasing an MPV, one primary consideration is size. After all, the need for a bigger car will drive one in the direction of an MPV.
On the surface, the GC4P looks deceptively tiny to be in a decent size MPV class. However, open the doors, and you will be surprised by the acres of space within. This 7-seater would seat 7 adults comfortably, with much fewer kids.

The first row boosts comfortable Nappa leather-clad seats, and the 2nd-row seats are all evenly fitted to seat 3 adults. The back seats have enough ample head and leg room to accommodate 2 adults ( although we suspect most kids will claim the 3rd row as theirs)
Space.
The space is so generous that the children can climb in between seats if given free rein (not allowed during rides, ok ! ). If given the green light, they would treat this car as their 3rd playground.

The vast 7-seaters would also equate to many excursions with grandparents, cousins and friends.
The Wackies are totally in love with the thought!

3 Storage
Storage
The great thing about the GC4P vs an ordinary sedan is the amount of storage space in the car. You may be wondering why we need so much storage space. For those with young children, you may be aware that a trip out usually involves a big tote bag filled with toys and goodies to entertain or distract the children.

Finding an odd bag of chips or some Lego mini-figures hidden in the car would not be surprising. However, with the GC4P's ample storage from the removable centre console to the passenger side pockets, these will come in handy to store those essential goodies.

Just remember to clear them out once in a while.
Lots of storage

4 Boot Delights
Boot space
Since we are on space, the other deciding factor that most would consider for an MPV is the size of the boot. After all,, a more prominent family usually means the need for more boot space when it comes to a family outing. Unfortunately, with all seven seats up, the boot space is limited to 2 gliders or probably 5 shopping bags full of groceries.


The best test for space is a trip out to IKEA. This is where one can buy furniture packed into flat-pack packages, typically oversized for ordinary sedans. We stuffed an Expedit bookshelf and a Cupboard with a length of up to 1.5 meters into the boot with the back row seats down. Initially, we were doubtful that it would fit, but to our delight ( and relief), it did!

No one needed to take a cab back, too, as there was enough space for the 4 of us. Not surprising, really, since the GC4P has one of the most considerable boot spaces in its class thanks to its 632-litre boot. If you need more space, just fold down the second row for another whopping 218 litres of space behind,

And the upside to this entire boot space - No more transportation free.

5 Kid's Friendly Features
The GC4P is built with children in mind. Or they probably had a focus group with parents to decide what features would be helpful for families with children.
Useful features
The GC4P comes loaded with practical and safety features to ensure a smooth ride for the family.
  • Watch to watch an iPad? You have the fold-down trays on the second row for that.
  • Sun too hot? Just pull up the window shades on the second row. Self-controlled air condition vents are also on all 3 rows.
  • Need a torch? There is a detachable one on the back row.
As for safety, the second-row seats are fitted with ISOFIX. In addition, there is a small view mirror that allows the driver to keep a watchful eye on the back passengers. The GC4P also comes equipped with an automatic height-adjustable tailgate, a boon for those parents with their hands full of grocery bags and kids.
Safety features
6 Let there be light

Panoramic extra-wide windscreen
When you are in a monstrous cabin with kids, the last thing you need is to feel trapped in a dark space. Rest assured, this will never happen with the GC4P. Instead, the place feels spacious, especially when the glass roof is exposed. Together with its extra wide panoramic windscreen, this would mean the whole area is bathed in light. Once inside, you would feel refreshed. No more claustrophobic rides with the GC4P. Oh, the glass roof is also excellent for star gazing in the evening.

Glass roof
The only gripe, the glass roof does not open up. But how often do you see someone popping their heads up the car roof while driving? None... So that settles the 'issue'.

7 The Driving Experience
After oozing about the grandness of the GC4P, you would be wondering how it drives by now. Before proceeding with my experience, there is one thing to note about MPV owners. Most had put speed and exhilaration below size and comfort when purchasing an MPV. It does not make sense if you want a car to go from 0-100 km in 7 seconds WITH kids in it. Neither does cornering at 90km/h, a norm for MPV drivers.

With that in mind, its drive is likely the weakest link to the GC4P. Somatic car, meaning the ride could be jerky as it shifts gears at acceleration. However, this would be mitigated manually, whereby you can drive it using Sports car-inspired paddle shifts. Pickup is much better, with less jerkiness in manual mode.

In addition, the GC4P comes with a gearstick located at the top of the steering wheel instead of the conventional gearstick in the centre console. This takes a while to get used to, but once accustomed, it is helpful as it allows quicker change of gears on the wheel.

Seats-wise, it is firm. However, It comes with sports seats for additional padding and comfort. In addition, it may come as a facelift option in the future.
Navigator
Being one who loves bringing my children out for an adventure, the built-in navigation unit with maps for Singapore and Malaysia comes in handy. In addition, controls for several functions are on the wheel and the touchscreen media unit ( we will explore that further). It is a boon if you can master it, but it may be challenging to handle while you are newly accustomed to it.

Oh, did I mention that it has other features such as keyless entry/start, automatic tailgate, telescopic & height adjustable steering wheel, reverse camera, cruise control, automatic headlights, electronic brakes and mood lightning that are often found only in high-end cars models?
And if you opt for the premium model, which costs slightly more, you can get more goodies such as front and back parking sensors, Park Assist with a 360-degree camera, and blind spot monitoring system. How that is a list, most drivers would appreciate.

The ride does not inspire me to be a speed demon, but with built-in luxuries akin to a limousine ride, it is a comfortable ride that triumphs over speed.

8 Futuristic Dashboard / Media unit

For a gadget man like me, one thing that intrigues me is new technology. The GC4P surprisingly embraces technology with not one but 2 full digital, touch-driving dual-screen interfaces. In addition, it comes with a 7 " touchpad centre console that controls most functions and a gorgeous 12" panoramic HD screen that hosts the GC4P information, such as speed and fuel usage.
12 " screen
For car control, it can be done via the 7" touchscreen. Car settings, phone functions, music functions, air conditioning and navigation are all at your fingertips.

All these gadgets are a blessing for the technology savvy. Admittedly it does add up to the driving experience. However, as with most devices, it takes time to master it. Technology may be a hindrance instead. For example, lowering air condition functions will need at least 3 touches on the screen compared to a simple turning of the knob. As a result, It may mean less attention on the road. Nonetheless, with familiarity, these shortcomings could easily be overcome.
7 " touchscreen

9 Connect to the world
In addition, the C4 aims to bring the world of connectivity to the car. USB ports and 12 V sockets are under the console, allowing you to connect or charge any iPhones, iPads or iPods. In addition, 12-volt sockets are back at the 2nd and 3rd rows to charge your devices on the go. That means you can always stay connected even when you are on the road without the fear of running out of batteries.
Connections in the GC4P

10 Fuel Efficiency

Last but certainly not least, this unit we drove had a fuel-efficient 1.6-litre turbo- Diesel engine. This means more significant savings with a S$15,000 rebate, reduced fuel cost, improved mileage and a special tax rebate of 40 cents per cc per year. In addition, the GC4 is tested to drive up to a whopping 25 km/l. On top of it all, the turbo-diesel model comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty.

This just meant one thing. More money is saved for future education, toys and vacations for the family.
Going places : CITROËN Grand C4 Picasso

The Verdict
Taking the family for a ride
Drives like a van, shape like a bus and is massive and boxy. Throw everything you know about a typical MPV; the above is different from what the GC4P is all about.

Before the driving experience, the CITROËN had never been featured on my wish list. However, since this exciting weekend, the GC4P would feature near the top of it. It was love at first sight, and after driving it for 3 days, it has been on my mind since. The last time this happened, I married my wife.

Could this be our next permanent ride?
With Cat A COE looming at $70k, this car is a steal at $150000 (as of April 2014). However, the supply of COE is expected to increase by more than 30 % in the coming months! So Therefore, there is a good chance of getting a better deal in the next few months.

In the meantime, do take my review with a pinch of salt. Trust me, it will be better if you test-drive one yourself. It could be just the Masterpiece you have been looking for.

Test Drive at
CITROËN showroom
239 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159930
Or call 6479 2792 to book an appointment


CITROËN @ Alexandra Road

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for your car insight. I booked the car at price $118k with new automatic gearbox by aisin. The car changes gear smoothly. I test drove previous gearbox as what you said jerky.
    The ride, the looks of interior and exterior really hard to resist. My family loves it. Our car is ready for collection.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's a pretty decent price! Congrats on your ride and I am glad that they made the change on the gearbox : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just received my new Citroen the blueHDI with EAT6 Gearbox. It was smooth gear changing. Yes, Citroen has changed to aisin gearbox full automatic gearbox.
    You are right, the Picasso has a lot of torque. I drove few adults in the car and the car has no sluggish at all.

    My family love the 2nd row space (my wife and children can easily walk from one side to another side and the beautiful moon roof. The dashboard is simple and contemporary.
    With japanese car cheaper by $10k-$15k, Picasso features like cruise control, speed limiter, pedal shift, moon roof, engine start stop, powerful torque of equivalent to a 3litter car, touch screen and dashboard display are more than enough for the additional cost. Not to mention the package I have listed below.

    The only thing I find not used to it, is the gear stick and auto handbrake. I keep looking for my conventional gear and handbrake.

    The rest is just superb and that is the only motivation for me to drive a MPV. As I am a sedan guy, having to drive a mid size MPV need some good gadgets for me to move over. Been comparing a few cars Stream, Wish, Peugeot 5008, Mazda 5, Touran. By far, Picasso looks modern and updated and most equipped.

    Wow, thanks again for your recommendation. I got mine April 2016 with package of 5yr warranty PLUS 5yrs servicing or 100k, car mat, umbrella, Citroen USB drive, Huper Optic solar film for whole car include moon roof, 1yr road tax (Diesel road tax is more expensive) and next 3yrs $300 reduction upon renewing of insurance and BlackVue DR650GW front and back 32GB micro SD.

    I never get so happy indulging in free gifts before.

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