Currently Citroën offers a wide range of minivans, consisting of the still existing Xsara Picasso (still in production), the new C4 Picasso 5-seater, the Grand C4 Picasso 7-seater and the C8.
The C4 Picasso maintains the large glass surface and the panoramic 2 m2 windshield. This windshield design is highly efficient, reducing dead angles, expanding the driver's field of view and thus providing greater safety for passengers. Large side windows increase brightness and visibility for passengers, especially in the rear seats.
The engine options of the Citroën C4 Picasso include two naphtha-fuelled boosters and two diesel engines, all of which are 4 cylinders with 16 valves. The nafteros are offered of 1,800 cm3, 127 hp and 170 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm, plus 2,000 cm3 of 143 hp and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Diesel engines have 1,600 and 2,000 cm3 cylinders. The first “1.6 HDi FAP” supercharged with a variable geometry turbocharger delivers a power of 110 hp and a torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 rpm, as well as being equipped with the particulate filter (FAP) as standard. The other diesel “2.0 HDi FAP” with the same turbocharger develops a power of 138 hp and a torque of 270 Nm at 2.000 rpm. It is also equipped with particle filter.
The transmissions are equipped with 5-speed manual gearboxes, a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual gearbox activated by rear wheel cams. The special manual gearbox is a real alternative to conventional manual and automatic gearboxes, since in manual mode it eliminates the clutch pedal and has great speed of running through the steering wheel cams. While in the automatic position fuel consumption is up to 5% lower than with conventional automatic boxes.
Another novelty for the Citroën C4 Picasso is the replacement of the previous rear suspension with a pneumatic one that presents advantages such as the possibility of lowering the loading plane of the trunk when loading it with objects, not to mention all the advantages that of course gives in the ride of the cocjhe.
An interesting detail is the implementation of a double barrier of joints at the level of the doors and the windshield to reduce aerodynamic noise. Another innovative component is the automatic and electric handbrake as standard. The brake is automatically actuated when the engine is switched off. It is then disabled (automatically) when sufficient torque is reached for the vehicle to move.
Inside, the center console is much clearer by incorporating controls on the steering wheel. The transmission, both manual and automatic, is also operated from the steering wheel by means of cams (similar F1). Centralizing drive of comfort elements on the steering wheel, the driver has everything at his fingertips without having to be distracted by looking for buttons on the center console.
The habitability is optimal, especially considering the use of the length of the C4, which measures 4,470 mm long (120 mm less than the Grand C4 Picasso). The rest of the measures are 1.830 mm wide and 1.660 mm high. The second row of seats has three independent seats of the same size (45 cm wide). The legroom in the rear seats is the largest in its category (between 70 and 95 cm depending on the front seat position).
The equipment includes 7 airbags as standard for all versions of the C4 Picasso. The driver has a knee airbag.
Finally, the Citroën C4 Picasso values range from €19.150 (LX Plus naphta 1.8) to €25.750 (CMP Exclusive 2.0 HDi).
© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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