Citroen Grand C4 Picasso petrol 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Citroen's facelifted Grand C4 Picasso range gains a new entry-level turbo-petrol variant checking in at $38,490 plus on-road costs.

While the updated people mover was first unveiled in France nearly two years ago, the Australian arrival was delayed as a result of local PSA distribution duties changing hands from Sime Darby to Inchcape Australasia.

The mid-life facelift brings revised head- and tail-lights, restyled bumpers, updated interior trim and multimedia systems, more driver-assist technology, a hands-free electric tailgate and a new petrol powertrain option.

First used in the now-discontinued C4 Picasso hatch, the Euro 5-rated 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine produces 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque.

Drive is sent direct to the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, accelerating the Grand C4 Picasso from 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds. 

The petrol-powered people-mover is claimed to 6.4 litres per 100km on 95 RON premium unleaded for the combined cycle with a CO2 rating of 149g/km.

The 1.6T Exclusive brings the Grand C4 Picasso's starting price down to $38,490, with the oil-burning 2.0 HDi Exclusive model continuing at $44,490 plus on-road costs.

Unlike its diesel sibling, the 1.6T Exclusive does not offer auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control or idle stop/idle start. 

The Grand C4 Picasso was the first of its kind to be built on the EMP2 architecture, which means MacPherson-style struts up front and a torsion beam rear end.

Citroen also offers 18-inch alloy wheels and 'Leather Lounge Pack' options.

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The mid-life facelift brings revised head- and tail-lights and restyled bumpers.

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Inside, the facelift brings four new customisable interior design schemes and a new 7.0-inch touchscreen.

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Tipping the scales at 1505kg, the new machine is 46kg lighter than the 2.0 HDi, but shares its dimensions at 4602mm long, 1862mm wide, 1644mm high with a 2840mm wheelbase.

In terms of cargo space, the seven-seat Citroen varies from 165 litres to 2181 litres with the two rear rows folded down.

Inside, the facelift brings four new customisable interior design schemes, a new 7.0-inch touchscreen, and the standard sat-nav now includes speed sign recognition.

The 1.6T also gets sliding second-row seats, six airbags, active lane departure warning, active blind spot monitoring, 12-inch panoramic HD central display with three selectable themes, 360-degree vision parking, reversing camera, hands-free tailgate activation, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, DAB digital radio, a panoramic windscreen with sliding sun blinds and panoramic sunroof, and 205/55R17 alloys with a space-saver spare.

Citroen also offers 18-inch alloy wheels and 'Leather Lounge Pack' options, including cowhide, electric/heated front seats with massage functionality, an electric footrest for the front passenger and rear tray tables.

The facelifted Grand C4 Picasso is available now, though Citroen Australia has confirmed it will soon drop the Picasso name in favour of the new 'Spacetourer' moniker, and is considering releasing it within the next 12 months with an all-new eight-speed auto.

Citroen Australia is considering releasing the new 'Spacetourer' within the next 12 months.

It has been reported that PSA Group decided to give up the Picasso nameplate to save on the cost of paying royalties to the family of the famed artist, Pablo Picasso, though Citroen declined to comment on the matter. 

“We will gradually move to the Spacetourer name in line with global markets … but it will not happen immediately in Australia,”  said Peugeot Citroen Australia (PCA) product planner Justin Narayan.

Does the addition of a petrol engine add to the Grand C4 Picasso's appeal? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.