Citroen's gamble: C4 Picasso priced at $41K

Citroen's C4 Picasso has joined the importer's local product range priced just $3000 lower than its longer, seven-seat stablemate, the Grand C4 Picasso.

At $40,990, the high-spec five-seater is arriving in the market priced higher than expected. But the pricing strategy allows Citroen to sell the new mini-MPV in a semi-prestige segment, distancing the C4 Picasso from affordable rivals such as Kia Soul and the Toyota Rukus.

The C4 Picasso will, however, go up in direct competition with the Mercedes B-Class and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The importer claims that the Citroen offers "a 7-9 percent specification advantage over its key rivals" at that price point.

"The C4 Picasso arrives at a time when this segment is growing, but it is a very strong proposition in terms of vehicle features, warranty, service and support," said Citroen Australia General Manager, John Startari.

"Picasso is neither an SUV, nor an MPV or wagon. We believe it will appeal to a wide variety of Australian buyers looking for a modern, flexible and innovative vehicle that is great to look at and easy to live with.

The C4 Picasso is built on parent company PSA's lightweight (aluminium) EMP2 platform and chopped back 174mm in overall length from that of the seven-seater. Underpinnings are MacPherson struts at the front and trailing-arm IRS behind, with steering handled by an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion set-up.

Power is derived from a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine – four-cylinder – rated at 121kW and 240Nm. This engine was developed jointly by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW. It has done duty to date in MINI models as well as Peugeot and Citroen models.

According to the manufacturer, the engine has been upgraded for C4 Picasso and is Euro 6-compliant, consuming just 5.6L/100km of fuel in combined-cycle testing. The engine – an award recipient in its class for 2014 International Engine of the Year – drives through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Standard equipment fitted includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic fold-in electric mirror with dip for reverse function, cruise control/speed limiter, electronic handbrake with Hill Start Assist, second row window blinds, second row panoramic mirror, individually folding second row seats with ISOFIX, and a leather-bound steering wheel.

The infotainment system of the C4 Picasso runs through two TFT (Thin-Film Transfer) display screens, one measuring 12 inches and the other – a touch screen – measuring seven inches in the lower part of the centre fascia. Other standard features comprise satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, panoramic glass roof, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights with cornering function and 3D rear lights.

In addition to sophisticated comfort and convenience features as standard, the C4 Picasso is equipped with advanced safety items – among them 360-degree monitoring, self-parking and blind-spot monitoring – and offers a six-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (including capped-price servicing/roadside assistance). Six airbags fitted as standard consist of dual front, dual side-impact (front-seat) and side curtain units.

"In keeping with Citroen's commitment to innovation, C4 Picasso offers a range of segment-leading features as standard – each designed to enhance the safety, security and experience of owning a Citroen," Startari said.

"The C4 Picasso offers a compelling value package and we are certain it will surprise and delight customers looking for an innovative, practical and value-packed family vehicle.

"With its standout exterior and interior design, combined with its on-board features, the C4 Picasso also proves practical doesn't have to mean boring."

Five exterior colours are offered: Rouge Rubi (red), Blue Kyanos (dark blue), Blue Teles (light blue), Noir Onyx (black), Gris Aluminium and Gris Shark (dark grey), and one solid colour, Blanc Banquise (white). The cabin is upholstered in a combination of Tissu Ondilulice/Gris Ardoise cloth trim (contrasting black/grey), and the C4 Picasso can also be optioned at extra cost in Mixte Cuir/Tissu Finn Gris Ardoise (Black cloth/Grey leather) trim, or full leather Cuir Nappa Bi-ton (black/beige leather). Vehicles ordered in full leather are also supplied with electric seat adjustment.