| C4 - DS4 Owners :: Forums :: Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso (B78) 2013 onward :: Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso (B78) Road Tests and Model Reports |
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Grand C4 Picasso - first month |
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erikthevogon
 
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  Member No: #44574
Joined: Apr 24 2016Location: Sydney, Australia |
Thought I would share my thoughts. I'm an Australian purchaser. Australia is a pretty small market for Citroën. We're a market dominated by Mazda, Toyota, Holden (GM), Ford, and VW has made big inroads recently. Citroën has always been a pretty small outfit here. In the past couple of years, the Peugeot/Citroën business has changed hands to a new company Sime-Darby, who have made great inroads in improving the dealer network in Australia. Even so, I would be surprised if much more than 100 or so Grand Picassos were sold in Australia in a year. I was attracted to the car for it's MPV qualities. Basically, there is nothing else on the Australian market that quite straddles that line between a "small people-mover (7 seater)" and a large station-wagon. The Grand Picasso straddles those two classes neatly and stylishly, and the fuel efficiency is very attractive too. Sealing the deal for me (aside from just falling in love with the look and features) is the 6-year warranty offered here in Australia. No other manufacturer offers such an impressive warranty (except Kia that offer 7 years.) It's part of Citroën's push to overturn the cliched image Australians have of Citroëns - lemons that break down all the time. Basically nobody in Australia drives French cars - and fair enough, why would you when reliable Mazdas are churned out and parts for Japanese cars are so cheap and plentiful here? That's all slowly changing though as local manufacturing of Ford/Mitsubishi/Holden etc closes down, so will the cheap parts start to disappear. Anyway, on to the car. Citroën only offer one version of the Grand C4 Picasso in Australia; the Diesel BlueHDi 6-speed dual transmission, a version of an Exclusive I think, with glass sunroof and various bits of technology as standard. Included in the packaged price recently has been a "tech-pack" meaning all the various self-parking, 360-vision, lane monitoring, electric tailgate, xenon headlights etc are all included in the base price. About the only thing this car didn't have included was leather seats (I'm perfectly happy with the cloth, despite how beautiful the leather is my budget just didn't stretch there), and the various heated seats (unnecessary in Aus), seat massaging (sounds unpleasant) and seat-tray lights (I rather miss them, I thought they were pretty nifty.) So the thing drives like a dream. I mean, I'm not a car person, and I don't expect it to feel like a sports car. But I have test driven a bunch of 7-seaters, like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Kluger, most of which feel like driving a van or even a minibus! The Picasso drives like a car, and a very very smooth and comfortable drive at that. It is so much quieter in the cabin compared to my old Mazda. I love the individually adjustable seats in the middle row. And, having a baby seat installed, the amount of space is just wonderful. It's a bigger car than I am used to for navigating the windy and hilly streets of Sydney, but all the various technology makes it so comfortable. And weirdly, despite its apparent size, it's actually shorter than my old Mazda sedan! The cameras are clear and useful, the self-parking works effortlessly every time, and the various warning beeps are generous. The top-down 360 view seems like a gimmick on first viewing but has proved very useful in a couple of situations. The blind-spot monitoring is also a well implemented, effective but unobtrusive feature. But I have just recently driven from Sydney to Melbourne (about 950km), and it is here the car has come into its own. The active cruise control is a dream, and I found I was able to drive for an hour at a time without touching either the accelerator or brake. So smooth and comfortable. And the seatbelt that jiggles if you lane-drift is a welcome and effective safety addition. The view, as you owners all know, is unparalleled - all that glass! This is Australia, so in the sun we tend to close the sunroof when the sun is overhead, and I pull the windscreen sunshields forward a fair bit if the sun is beating down. But the air conditioner keeps up with no problems, I don't feel we're overheating, and it's worth it for the view. The fuel economy hasn't been stellar at first, of course - new engine, almost entirely stop-start city driving up and down hills; my average speed after 1000km of driving was 17km/h (10mph for you guys.) But the trip to Melbourne opened up the engine and, for the door to door journey from my house in Sydney to apartment in Melbourne, the fuel economy was 5.4L/100km (about 52mpg) which is pretty respectable I think. In fact, I made the entire journey on one tank of petrol. Which, compared to my 20+year old Mazda, is pretty insane. Cheapest Sydney-Melbourne trip I've ever done. So, being quite aware that my real-world figures will never reach the advertised "best case" scenarios, I'm pretty happy with this - and that's a car that has a stuffed-to-the-gills boot, so packing quite a bit of weight.. Oh yes - so much space, it is effortless to do long distance travel and pack what you need, baby strollers and all. The display system I have found very very intuitive, clear to follow, buttons easy to find and press. I haven't really played around with it too much or customised much, but it works neatly with my phone via bluetooth. Everything seems to work. The navigation system I don't use - frankly, I find the maps displayed on my iPhone much clearer to follow and easier to use. I know Citroën haven't implemented Apple CarPlay on this model, and I imagine they won't either as I can't see how it would really work with the dual display in this car. No problems, although I would be interested to use it if it ever were implemented (next model I imagine.) The electric tailgate is a godsend (it seems quite heavy on models that don't have it); and thankfully I realised it was programmable, as we have a low garage that it was at risk of crashing into. I now have to duck a bit whilst loading the car - but the boot shall remain scratch free. Hopefully we'll move house to somewhere with a bigger carport. Problems? Criticisms? I really founder here. It's only a month, but everything works. I would say the sound system is disappointing - it's not a cheap car, and it seems that one bit of corner cutting is using pretty cheap speakers; a pity given how quiet the cabin is, it could be a car with excellent sound. I really like the automatic engine-shut-off whilst idle at traffic lights - but it is frustrating when trying to park in a narrow space, where you have to go forwards and backwards and the engine keeps stopping; but I just turn it off when I can see I'm parking somewhere tricky. I have a great fear that my friends will be proven correct, and that this car will cost me a lot of money in repairs over the years - "like all French cars." But frankly, I think that is all rather overblown. And I don't know a single person who owns a Volkswagen from the past ten years that hasn't had major headaches with problems and breakdowns, so hopefully I can beat that record at least. The six-year warranty is at least some defence against that. And keyless entry is the best thing since sliced bread. Here it is in all its white glory (white is cheaper!) in a vineyard in Victoria. - Click Here - |
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AndrewM
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  Member No: #34563
Joined: Mar 04 2014Location: Swansea UK |
Great report - thank you 
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Eeeps
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  Member No: #44054
Joined: Mar 09 2016Location: Macclesfield |
Nice review erikthevogon. I must admit that some of the features like the 360 vision and cornering headlamps are surprisingly useful. You mentioned the sound system being a little disappointing. I'd say that the rear speakers are a little low on base but the fronts seem really good (and that's with a 'flat' setting on the boosts). What aspect is disappointing for you? White does seem to be the favourite colour - just seems to go so well with the graphite roof rails and tinted windows. Cheers, Ian |
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gmerry
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 Member No: #11625
Joined: Nov 30 2009Location: aberdeen |
In many ways, I find the Citroen offering better quality than Merc and BMW (father in law has a tractor diesel in his 3 year old BMW). How long do you intend to own the car. Is it yours or the lease company's. Private ownership justifies spending a little more on maintenance in the short term for long term gain - sorry you are probably not thinking of that right now with a brand new car. I would get yourself a clone interrogation system ASAP because it will pay for itself a hundred times over, fixing trivial and major issues and more importantly making any dealer repairs quick turnaround affairs and keeping it on the road/out of the garage. Basically all new cars these days are computer networks on wheels interfacing with the sharp end of the real world (ie roads and other road users)!! Off on a tangent, remember the original Toyota Previa: horrible and dated now but when 1st new, these were miles ahead of the opposition, a bit like the GP. Regards G |
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FrankBullitt
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  Member No: #19238
Joined: Apr 12 2011Location: Cambridgeshire |
It is interesting you get a 6 year warranty, I think the French market gets the same now - Citroën would do well to introduce that in the UK! I do like the new Picasso although have no need for such a large vehicle and I have to say our stereo's in both the old Picasso and DS4 have lousy sound quality - my A2 is substantially superior as was my old Fiat Punto from 2002! It's one gripe I have about the Citroën cars we have owned. |
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bluehdi
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 Member No: #2617
Joined: Mar 02 2008Location: Essex |
Excellent write up and I agree with your points. Thanks for that thorough summary. A six year warranty would be very nice here in the UK, we have to make do with a 3 year one. I still hope other manufacturers (such as Kia) will eventually convince Citroen to change. The issue is giving you too long a warranty means you hang onto the car longer and don't buy a new one (affecting their sales!). A quick check over on the Citroen Australia website confirms they only sell the 2.0 BlueHDi 150bhp engine. The engine really is strong and the full auto gearbox smooth. I do love the way the car drives, accelerates and the full turning circle is almost small car like. |
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s60r
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Member No: #43715
Joined: Feb 12 2016Location: West Sussex |
Great write up and some interesting points - particularly the 6 year warranty! I really echo the points about the sound quality, if it was my daily driver and not the wife's I would upgrade the speakers and add a sub/amp... so not a deal breaker. The turning circle coupled with the flat bottomed steering wheel continue to shock me when I drive it..... I think it must be one of the most manoeuvrable cars out there! Easily the best turning circle of any 7 seater out there. 
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erikthevogon
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Member No: #44574
Joined: Apr 24 2016Location: Sydney, Australia |
Eeeps wrote ... Nice review erikthevogon. I must admit that some of the features like the 360 vision and cornering headlamps are surprisingly useful. You mentioned the sound system being a little disappointing. I'd say that the rear speakers are a little low on base but the fronts seem really good (and that's with a 'flat' setting on the boosts). What aspect is disappointing for you? White does seem to be the favourite colour - just seems to go so well with the graphite roof rails and tinted windows. Cheers, Ian Thanks Eeeps! Re the speakers: I am firstly comparing with my old Mazda626, which for some completely unknown reason had a very impressive speaker system installed - I'm sure it was upgraded by someone before I bought it, and not standard kit. Loads of bass, but more than that a very clear and present sound that could go very loud without becoming tiring. Secondly, I'm a classical music listener. So I'm pretty discerning about the sort of sound get, and poor speakers just sound nebulous, wide and hissy, and get very tiring on the ears very quickly at any volume. And the louds are too loud and muddy and the softs inaudible. I mean the speakers in the Citroën are ok - I've certainly heard worse - but they just seem pretty subpar in what is otherwise a high quality car with good quality fixtures and generally amazing technology. Admittedly I could spend a bit more time customising the sound and see if I can improve it - I have fiddled it a bit and not been able to make myself happy yet. If anyone has any recommendations of appropriate upgrades let fly - although I suppose I don't want to be invalidating my warranty, so I guess I will be living with the standard speakers. I can cope, but it is the only thing from my previous (old) car that feels like a step backwards. And whilst I got the white because it was cheapest (I was a bit tempted by red) I have to say the white looks really striking and I'm very happy with it indeed - in retrospect I think the red would've been a mistake! |
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erikthevogon
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Member No: #44574
Joined: Apr 24 2016Location: Sydney, Australia |
gmerry wrote ... In many ways, I find the Citroen offering better quality than Merc and BMW (father in law has a tractor diesel in his 3 year old BMW). How long do you intend to own the car. Is it yours or the lease company's. Private ownership justifies spending a little more on maintenance in the short term for long term gain - sorry you are probably not thinking of that right now with a brand new car. I would get yourself a clone interrogation system ASAP because it will pay for itself a hundred times over, fixing trivial and major issues and more importantly making any dealer repairs quick turnaround affairs and keeping it on the road/out of the garage. Basically all new cars these days are computer networks on wheels interfacing with the sharp end of the real world (ie roads and other road users)!! Off on a tangent, remember the original Toyota Previa: horrible and dated now but when 1st new, these were miles ahead of the opposition, a bit like the GP. Regards G Thanks Gmerry. I intend to have the car for a good ten years I reckon. I had the opportunity presented to me with a bit of helpful cash to buy a new family car. I think in three (or six) years time I won't be in the position to trade in and buy new. So I'm rather just hoping this thing lasts. Resale value of Citroëns in Australia is pretty poor. As for a clone interrogator - I have no idea what you mean, can you explain?! Thanks! |
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gmerry
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Member No: #11625
Joined: Nov 30 2009Location: aberdeen |
my "Clone Interrogator" is just a Chinese version of Diagbox plus the physical interface into your ODB2 port. Regards G |
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erikthevogon
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Member No: #44574
Joined: Apr 24 2016Location: Sydney, Australia |
bluehdi wrote ... Excellent write up and I agree with your points. Thanks for that thorough summary. A six year warranty would be very nice here in the UK, we have to make do with a 3 year one. I still hope other manufacturers (such as Kia) will eventually convince Citroen to change. The issue is giving you too long a warranty means you hang onto the car longer and don't buy a new one (affecting their sales!). A quick check over on the Citroen Australia website confirms they only sell the 2.0 BlueHDi 150bhp engine. The engine really is strong and the full auto gearbox smooth. I do love the way the car drives, accelerates and the full turning circle is almost small car like. Hi, thanks. Like I said, the six year warranty appears to be a deliberate campaign by Citroën to overcome a generally negative view that Australians have towards French cars and Citroëns in particular. The six year warranty is their way of saying "we stand by what we have built, we trust it won't give you problems." Pretty much every auto dealer offers a standard three year warranty, and occasionally a bonus fourth or even fifth as a special promotion. Six is pretty unusual. Oh yeah, I forgot about the turning circle - that certainly is impressive on such a "big" car. |
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Eeeps
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Member No: #44054
Joined: Mar 09 2016Location: Macclesfield |
erikthevogon wrote ... Re the speakers: I am firstly comparing with my old Mazda626, which for some completely unknown reason had a very impressive speaker system installed - I'm sure it was upgraded by someone before I bought it, and not standard kit. Loads of bass, but more than that a very clear and present sound that could go very loud without becoming tiring. Secondly, I'm a classical music listener. So I'm pretty discerning about the sort of sound get, and poor speakers just sound nebulous, wide and hissy, and get very tiring on the ears very quickly at any volume. And the louds are too loud and muddy and the softs inaudible. I mean the speakers in the Citroën are ok - I've certainly heard worse - but they just seem pretty subpar in what is otherwise a high quality car with good quality fixtures and generally amazing technology. Admittedly I could spend a bit more time customising the sound and see if I can improve it - I have fiddled it a bit and not been able to make myself happy yet. rospect I think the red would've been a mistake! I'm no audiophile but I have a bit of a technical ear for various distortions and the like. I've managed to prise the keys from the Mrs so I'll be taking the car to work tomorrow. I'll give the ICE a bit of exercise. I'll probably start a thread in the ICE section to follow up rather than posting here. Out of interest, do you have the ICE version with one or two USB sockets; also do you have the jukebox function? Cheers, Ian |
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bheart
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 Member No: #30765
Joined: May 18 2013Location: Hampshire |
Hi erikthevogon Love the car and your review! We bought a new Grand Picasso in August 2013 - it's not the updated model that you have but, the model before. Nevertheless, it's the 1.6 semi automatic version and it's a great car with plenty of room and gadgets. Our 3 years warranty expires this August and over the last 3 years, we have had no problems so, fingers crossed, we hope our car will continue to give us trouble free motoring for the foreseeable future! Our previous car was also from Citroen, a 2002 Xsara Picasso 1.6 and we had it for 11 years before we traded it in for our present Grand Picasso and, the only issue we had was the clutch which was replaced in early 2013 so, the clutch lasted 11 years and that's not bad! Anyway, good luck, happy motoring and drive safely in your new Grand Picasso. |
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