C4 PICASSO

NEW VISIOSPACE WITH AN ASSERTIVE PERSONALITY

UNIQUE STYLING EXUDING VITALITY AND APPEAL

The styling of the C4 Picasso is distinguished by its original, flowing and dynamic lines. Its sophisticated body style is at once compact, flowing and elegant. Citroën’s new MPV is an eminently attractive and dynamic vehicle from all angles.

The wide angle panoramic windscreen and large quarter-lights framed by slim pillars immediately leap to the onlooker’s attention and underline the vehicle’s identity as a Citroën visiospace. The rear pillars are masked by the rear quarter-lights, bringing extra flight to the roof and giving an uninterrupted all-glass look.

The new visiospace’s assertive-looking front end features a bumper with oversized air intakes covered in racing-style black mesh. The gutsy look of the front end is accentuated by briskly styled headlamps and, depending on the trim level, chrome-stripped fog lamps, while brand identity is signalled by wide chevrons on the grille that extend out in chrome strips to the headlamps.

The protective waistline suggests robustness, while the wave-shaped recess adds rhythm to the styling of the sides at the rear of the vehicle and creates a flowing, graceful ensemble. This fluid styling is enhanced by a chrome strip, depending on the trim level. The car’s elegant profile is made more elegant still by the plunging roof line that extends into the spoiler.

The range is available with a choice of two new alloy wheels, 16-inch or 17-inch, that completely fill the wheel arches, underscoring the elegance and vitality of the new visiospace. The 18-inch alloy wheels fitted on the C4 Picasso, as on the Grand C4 Picasso, are now also available with chrome finish.

 The C4 Picasso sports a saloon-style rear end and rear lights with a horizontal design in the shape of hockey sticks, highlighting the stance and width of the vehicle and underscoring its dynamic persona. The new lights are split between the body and the tailgate and do not encroach upon the wide boot aperture. The light set at the back is rounded out by a third, ultra-long stop light with light guides, fitted in the spoiler.

The flowing design and purely drawn lines of the body result in outstanding aerodynamic performance for this segment (Cd of 0.31 and Cd.A of 0.81). 

A total of 12 body colours are available from launch. Two of these are new: Tivoli blue, a bright and dynamic shade exclusive to the C4 Picasso, and Brun Show red, which is also available on the Grand C4 Picasso.

VISIOSPACE ASSETS: exceptional visibility and generous interior space

The visiospace is a mix of exceptional visibility (“visio”) and generous interior space (“space”) with easy-to-use modular design.

Outstanding visibility and light

As in the Grand C4 Picasso, all the passengers in this new MPV have a commanding view of the outside world, thanks to a vast glazed area featuring an innovative, wide angle panoramic windscreen measuring 2 m², large front quarter-lights framed by narrow pillars, and generously sized side windows.

This outstanding visibility enhances driveability and makes a valuable contribution to safety by considerably reducing the front three-quarter blind spot, doubling the angle of visibility at the front and providing excellent side and rear three-quarter vision. The wave-shaped recess of the body line below the windows on the rear doors increases the angle of side visibility by 4° for rear passengers. The C4 Picasso has the best side visibility in row 2 in its segment, which is a boon for children, whose major activity while travelling is still looking out the window at the world going by.

The C4 Picasso, like the Grand C4 Picasso, has the largest glazed area in its category – 5 m² without and 6.2 m² with the panoramic sunroof. This glass surface increases visibility for all passengers while flooding the cabin with light.

Roomy front compartment

The new layout of the driving position and the uncluttered dashboard creates a sensation of increased space and comfort.

Innovative driving position

• Steering-wheel mounted gearbox controls (6-speed electronic gearbox system and automatic)

The driving position, associated with the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system or automatic transmission, completely frees up the centre of the dashboard by grouping the gearbox controls on the steering wheel.  This layout completely does away with the central console, which traditionally houses the gearbox controls. The controls are now steering wheel-mounted, with a mode selector and gearshift paddles. Built into the steering column, they adapt to adjustments for height and reach. These upgrades free up space for a large cooled central stowage compartment.

• Fixed-centred controls steering wheel

The fixed hub brings the main comfort functions and driving aids within easy reach of the driver. This ergonomic feature groups the controls for easy use.

• Automatic electronic parking brake

The automatic electronic parking brake with fascia-mounted controls does away with the mechanical hand brake between the front seats.

• Air-conditioning controls at either end of the dashboard

The air conditioning uses new exchangers and is therefore more compact in size. The controls are placed at either end of the dashboard – within direct reach of the occupants – thus freeing up the central console.

Standard-setting interior space

This new MPV measures just 4.47 m long, 1.83 m wide and 1.66 m high – 12 centimetres shorter that the Grand C4 Picasso – but offers standard-setting interior space thanks to its intelligent architecture. It can transport five adults in total comfort.

Row 2 features a strong point of all Citroën compact MPVs: three independent and identically sized seats (45 cm wide), along with a flat floor that offers each of the three rear passengers equal comfort. All three of these seats are equipped with Isofix anchorage points, as is the front passenger seat.  Each of the seats in row 2 features fore-and-aft adjustment over 13 cm and a comfort position with seatback and cushion adjustment. Knee room is the most generous in the segment, with between 70 cm and 95 cm depending on the position of the front seat, while side passengers benefit from optimal head room.

• In terms of elbow room, the C4 Picasso is the leader in the 5-seater MPV category (along with the Xsara Picasso). This space is well balanced between the front (1.51 m) and the rear (1.50 m).

• The front seats slide over a distance of 21 cm. Like the driver, the front passenger can raise the seat by up to 50 mm. Raising the seat changes the height from a hatchback-level driving position (height of 32.5 cm) to a high driving position (up to 37.5 cm). Depending on the trim level, these seats are available with electric controls and the driver’s seat with positions that can be memorised.

• The uncluttered dashboard and innovative layout of the driver’s station, which groups all the controls, emphasise the feeling of comfort and space on board. The space freed up between the front seats makes it easier for occupants in the front and rear to communicate with each other. It also provides greater visibility for the person in the middle back seat, who can enjoy the view through the panoramic windscreen.

Large and practical boot with the new Modubox

Providing C4 Picasso passengers with this impressive interior space has had no detriment on boot volume, which is a segment benchmark.

• Minimum boot capacity under the parcel shelf is 500 litres (VDA), with the rear seats pushed back as far as possible.  With all rear seats folded away, maximum capacity is 1,734 litres (VDA).

• The C4 Picasso also has the widest space between wheel arches in its category (1.17 m), which makes it easier to transport wide, rectangular objects.

• Load length totals 1.87 m with the front passenger seat pushed forward to the maximum extent.

• With some 57 cm under the parcel shelf, the C4 Picasso can transport bulky objects out of sight. The boot becomes even more practical with the addition of the new Modubox. 

• The C4 Picasso can be fitted with the new Modubox, which makes it easier to organise space in the boot or transport objects outside the vehicle. The Modubox is a removable trolley made up of a solid frame (maximum load: 22 kg) and a soft bag in removable canvas, with capacity of 40 litres, or 37.5 l for the insulated version. It has an ergonomic design (high-position, solid handle, easy to open and close, etc.), can be used both inside and outside the car, and is highly versatile. It can be used as a trolley (frame plus bag), a cart (frame only for carrying heavy objects) or as a simple bag. Exterior use is enhanced by large-sized wheels with rolling strips in rubber.  Folded up, it can be strapped to the right-hand side of the boot.

• The boot can be equipped with a reversible protective mat, with a carpet side and a rubber side. The rubber side is easy to clean and highly practical when transporting dirty objects.

• The C4 Picasso comes with an opening rear window that facilitates access to the boot when the car is parked in a tight spot.

• A stowage net can be arranged in a wide range of configurations (flat on the floor, under the luggage cover, etc.) using the eight hooks provided in the boot. An optional load restraint net can be used to maximise load volume behind the front seats without compromising passenger safety.

Easy-to-use modular design

As in the Grand C4 Picasso, the ingenious seat-folding function allows occupants to quickly and easily change the interior without removing the seats from the cabin. 

• The three identically sized rear seats can be folded away into the floor without having to remove the head rests, with a quick tug on the strap next to the seat back.

• With the seats folded away, the C4 Picasso has a loading surface extending to the back of the front seats and a maximum volume of 1,734 litres (VDA).

• Equipment for onboard comfort and well-being rarely found in the segment

• The C4 Picasso is available with a broad range of equipment for onboard comfort and well-being rarely found in this segment.

• Class-beating suspension comfort

• Suspension quality – a constant priority for Citroën – is outstanding on all versions of the C4 Picasso. According to trim level, the metal suspension can be replaced with pneumatic suspension on the rear axle (except for models fitted with the 1.8i 16V engine). This system offers several, complementary advantages:

• • It enhances comfort for all passengers by making the suspension smoother and damping the force applied to the vehicle over irregular road surfaces.

• • It also maintains a stable vehicle attitude, irrespective of the load. Comfort, driving pleasure and, as a consequence, safety are thus maintained, regardless of load.

• • Pneumatic rear suspension also makes it possible to lower or raise the boot sill when the car is stationary, making it easier to load objects. The driver simply presses a button in the boot, keeping it pressed down for the required time. The system emits a sound signal while the sill is being raised/lowered.  The height of the boot can thus be varied by between 48 and 62 cm with respect to the ground. Once objects have been loaded, the sill can be returned to its original position in two ways: automatically, when the car starts and is moving at a speed of over 10 kph, or manually, by pressing the button twice. The boot also includes a button to disable the function. This will block the suspension when a wheel is being changed, for example.

• The pneumatic suspension system comprises:

• • an electronic control unit (ECU),

• • an "air-supply" unit with a compressor and three solenoid valves,

• • two height sensors,

• • two pneumatic cushions.

• The height sensors measure the distance with respect to the stop. If they detect a change in distance, i.e. a change in vehicle height, they report it to the ECU. The ECU then orders the compressor to correct the deviation and return the vehicle to the right height.

• If the vehicle is too low, the solenoid valves that control the air flow will open and send air to the pneumatic cushions. The cushions then expand to return the vehicle to the correct height, re-establishing the correct distance with respect to the stop.

• The system can also let air out in order to cope with a lightening in the load. The information is conveyed in the same way, and a solenoid valve draws air out of the pneumatic cushions.

• The height sensors function independently to measure what is happening on both sides of the vehicle. The solenoid valves are managed independently, enabling a finely tuned adjustment of vehicle height on both sides.

• For safety reasons, the automatic height correction function is disabled when a door is open.

Top-level acoustic comfort and vibration control

Citroën has paid close attention to achieving the best levels in acoustic comfort and vibration control, notably by using:

• innovative structural inserts (composite assemblies made of polyamide and structural foam) in the main nodes of the vehicle body, which prevent the deformation of box sections and thus improve vibration control by reinforcing body stiffness,

• new hydraulic mounts on the rear axle bushes, which limit road noise and impact noise when driving over obstacles,

• laminated acoustic side windows (optional), equipment rarely found in this segment, which add to the qualities of the standard-fitted acoustic windscreen.

Wind noise is also minimised by the flowing design lines of the vehicle body, combined with the double-seal barrier on the doors and the acoustic windscreen.

Excellent thermal comfort

The C4 Picasso is equipped with the new air conditioning system introduced on the Grand C4 Picasso. The air conditioning uses new exchangers and is therefore more compact in size. The controls are placed at either end of the dashboard – within direct reach of the occupants – thus freeing up the central console.

With four-zone automatic air conditioning, rear passengers can adjust air flow individually with controls positioned halfway up the pillars on the right and on the left. A "rest" function featured on the automatic air conditioning system keeps the ventilation running with the engine off during short stops (up to eight minutes, depending on the battery charge).

Depending on the country, the C4 Picasso also comes with additional air conditioning allowing rear passengers to automatically adjust temperature and flow on each side and to direct air to the boot.

Also depending on the market, the new vehicle can be fitted with an additional heating system to cope with the cold. On diesel versions, this system also recovers exhaust heat. This additional heating increases the cabin temperature more quickly and speeds up defrosting when the weather is particularly cold. Designed to respect the environment, this innovative system recovers the heat released by the exhaust using a water circuit wrapped around the exhaust system.

The C4 Picasso also features original and efficient protection from the sun, with:

• two innovative sliding sunblinds, one for the driver and one for the passenger,

• a one-touch electric shutter blind associated with the panoramic sunroof (rare to the segment),

• tinted windows and sunblind curtains on the rear side windows and the rear window (depending on trim).       

Depending on the level of trim, the windscreen is heat-reflecting to improve heat insulation and provide greater protection against solar radiation.

Warm ambient light and useful lighting

Light, be it natural or artificial, is an integral feature of the visiospace, as seen in the Grand C4 Picasso. Particular attention was given to night lighting. The vehicle is available with up to 30 cabin lights that create a warm interior ambience and make life more practical at night:

• Driving and comfort information is grouped on a single screen in the centre of the dashboard, thus limiting the number of display areas. Depending on trim level, this screen can be personalised in terms of the colours and information displayed, and light intensity can be adjusted day and night, with two independent control ranges, for optimum screen visibility.

• For greater onboard comfort, conventional light sources are backed up by other lighting functions: reading lights on the back of the front seats, stowage compartments in the door panels that light up automatically as soon as passenger stretches out a hand, a portable, rechargeable flash light in the boot, and automatic side lights positioned under the rearview mirrors.

• Light guides under the central fascia strip, in the door panels and in the roof diffuse a soft indirect light that can be adjusted using a button on the bottom part of the dashboard. The cabin also features small LEDs in the door-opening controls and the front roof light.

Air quality sensor and scented air freshener

To maintain air quality in the cabin, the vehicle can be fitted with an air quality sensor and a scented air freshener.

• A pollutant sensor located upstream of the cabin air intake monitors the quality of the air outside the car. If necessary, it closes the air intake flap and automatically activates the air recycling function. Fitted as standard according to trim, this system detects hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide and prevents them from entering the cabin when air pollution outside reaches a certain level.

• The C4 Picasso features a scented air freshener, fitted as standard depending on the level of trim. Styled to match the interior, the system diffuses a pleasant, subtle fragrance in the cabin through two central air vents. Five fragrances are available, including an anti-tobacco scent with an active ingredient to trap odours. 

Hi-fi pack and video pack

For an even more enjoyable journey, an optional hi-fi pack and video pack are also available.

• Together with the Grand C4 Picasso, the C4 Picasso is the only compact MPV to offer a complete hi-fi system. Developed with Philips, this system provides high-level acoustic performance. The hi-fi pack comprises eight specially designed loudspeakers placed around the cabin, a powerful 350-watt digital amplifier and a subwoofer. It is also able to read MP3-format CDs. 

• The video pack comprises two independent video screens and a DVD drive with a double connection plate located in a specially designed console. The rake-adjustable screens at the top of the first-row backrests retract behind the aircraft-style trays.

Numerous convenient stowage compartments

Alongside conventional stowage compartments – notably in the inner door panels – and the new Modubox in the boot, numerous highly practical storage areas are located around the cabin.

Models equipped with the driver’s station associated with the 6-speed electronic gearbox system and the automatic gearbox feature four large stowage compartments on the dashboard, two in the upper part and two in the lower part, with a large-capacity refrigerated compartment in the centre (for a 1.5-litre water bottle or two 0.5-litre bottles).  The lid of this compartment includes two can-holders and a small tray.

The backs of the front seats are equipped with storage nets and can also be fitted with aircraft-style trays stylishly integrated into the shape of the seat backs and with a strap to hold small objects in place.

Additional stowage compartments are also available (depending on the trim level and equipment): a low console between the front seats, stowage compartment under the front right-hand seat, two flaps under the floor in row 2, closed storage space in the right-hand side of the boot, etc.

Driving pleasure

The C4 Picasso delivers all the driving pleasure suggested by its dynamic styling.

Four high-performance engines with minimal environmental impact

C4 Picasso is available from launch with four smooth, high-performance engines, each compliant with Euro IV standards. Both diesel engines are fitted standard with a particulate filter.

Petrol engines

127 bhp DIN 1.8i 16V at entry level

The entry-level petrol engine is a 1.8i 16V unit developing maximum power of 92 kW EEC (127 bhp DIN) and torque of 170 Nm at 3,750 rpm.

Responsive from the lowest engine speeds, it is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox. The gear lever for the manual is located on the dashboard, similar to that in the Xsara Picasso.

143 bhp DIN 2.0i 16V

The second petrol engine in the range made its debut on the C5 in September 2004. This 2-litre 16V unit develops power of 103 kW EEC (143 bhp DIN) and maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It features continuously variable valve timing (VVT) to optimise filling of the combustion chambers at all engine speeds.

It can be mated to the 6-speed electronic gearbox system and, depending on the country, a 4-speed automatic.

Diesel engines 

HDi 110 DPFS: powerful and compact

The 110 bhp HDi is fitted as standard with a particulate filter (DPFS). With 1,560 cm³ capacity and a 16 valve cylinder head, it develops 80 kW EEC (110 bhp DIN) and torque of 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm. Torque can be bumped up to 260 Nm with the “overboost” function that increases turbo pressure for short periods.

The HDi 110 DPFS can be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or the 6-speed electronic gearbox system.

HDi 138 DPFS

The 138 bhp HDi engine, fitted standard with a particulate filter (DPFS), develops 100 kW EEC (138 bhp DIN) at 4,000 rpm. Mated to the 6-speed electronic gearbox system, it gives maximum torque of 270 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This figure rises to 320 Nm with the 6-speed automatic – and up to 340 Nm for short periods using the overboost function.

Like the HDi 110 DPFS, the HDi 138 DPFS features a second-generation injection system and a variable-geometry turbocharger.

A broad range of gearboxes rounded out by a 6-speed automatic

These engines are matched to a broad range of gearboxes, which has been rounded out for the C4 Picasso – as for the Grand C4 Picasso – with the 6-speed automatic unit associated with the 138 bhp HDi DPFS.

Already available on the C4, C5 and C6, this 6-speed automatic unit provides exceptionally smooth gear changes and low fuel consumption, and continuously adjusts to driving style and road conditions. The electronic control unit chooses from 11 shift patterns the one that is best adapted for the situation.

As with the 6-speed electronic gearbox system, vehicles equipped with automatic gearboxes feature an innovative driver’s station with all gearbox controls (a mode selector and paddles for manual shifting) grouped on the steering wheel.

In automatic mode, the driver can change up or down temporarily using the paddles behind the wheel, without leaving the automatic setting.