Used Citroen C4 Picasso review: 2007-2009

Quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen. The company has always produced cars that don't fit in the box, they have sometimes been groundbreaking and innovative, but they have always been challenging.

Rusted-on Citroen buyers revel in the quirkiness of their cars, they celebrate the things that separate them from the mundane pack. For others not so committed to the brand and being different, buying a Citroen is a leap of faith. It's particularly so when it comes to peoplemovers, which are dominated by the big Japanese brands.

The C4 Picasso is a seven-seater peoplemover based on the mid-sized, front-wheel drive C4 hatch. Unusually for a Citroen its looks aren't challenging.

DESIGN

The Picasso is a sleek, attractive vehicle, particularly in its class, which pretty much determines what it will look like.

It's inside that the Picasso comes alive with a mix and match cabin layout that can be adjusted to carry pretty much anything you want, from seven people, to oodles of sports gear, camping equipment, even a spot of cargo if the need demands.

There is also a large array of features to get used to, from a second rear view mirror to keep track of the kids out back, an in-dash chiller bin, a plug-in torch in the boot, picnic tables, power points, heaps of storage options, and even drop-down sunshades to cut the glare from the sweeping windscreen.

You also need to get used to the steering wheel that twirls around a stationary centre boss, a tiny gearshift in the steering column, and the automatic park brake.

If quirky is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Citroen then comfort must surely be the next. Citroens have always been supremely comfortable, in seating and in ride, and the C4 Picasso is similarly so. The ride is supple, the seats plush.

TECHNOLOGY

The engine choices were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that boasted 103kW and 200Nm that delivered reasonable if not scintillating performance, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW and 270 Nm that gave great fuel economy.

DRIVING

Out on the road the C4 Picasso rides comfortably and shows good performance, but isn't the greatest handling car around. For those concerned about visibility and being able to see out of a car the Picasso is great with very good all-round visibility.

IN THE SHOP

Citroens are not exactly thick on the ground in this country so there isn't a lot of accumulated data about them. Generally they are well built and that seems to stand them in good stead, but buying one is a leap of faith. The other issue is that dealers aren't located on every street corner, so it's worth working out where you will have it serviced and repaired should you buy one.

IN A CRASH

Five stars from ANCAP is suggestion enough to tell you the C4 Picasso is a safety leader. Not surprising given that it came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety goodies, from front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control.

UNDER THE PUMP

Under test by CarsGuide the C4 Picasso diesel averaged 8.4L/100km, well above the claimed average of 7.4L/100km, but still impressive given the size and shape of the beast. The petrol version was claimed to average 8.9L/100km on the recommended 95-octane Premium unleaded. To save a few bucks Citroen says you can use E10 ethanol blend fuel.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $39,990 to $48,990
Engines: 2.0-litre petrol, 103 kW/200 Nm; 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 100 kW/270 Nm.
Transmission: 4-speed auto (petrol), 6-speed auto (diesel); front- wheel drive.
Economy: 8.9 L/100 km (petrol), 7.4 L/100 km (diesel)
Body: seven-seat peoplemover
Variants: Base and Exclusive
Safety: 5-star ANCAP
Expect to pay: $20,000 to $25,500 for the base petrol model; $22,500 to $28,500 for the diesel; add $2000 to $2500 for the Exclusive.

VERDICT

Not as good as the Tarago, but has a great cabin with lots of useful features for the family. Definitely worth a look.