Citroen C4 Picasso test drive since 2007 Minivan

Semeter Visiospas

The emergence of the new Citroen Picasso mini-van has become one of the events of the Parisian salon Mondial de Lotonomor. The brand new C4 C4 Picasso not only flaunted at the stand, but also actively ply on the territory of the exhibition, demonstrating to everyone that it was not some kind of concept there, but a completely real car. Soon I was lucky and tested myself under Toulouse myself.
More than Picasso
The new Citroen C4 Picasso did not replace Ksara Picasso, but in addition. What happens? Ksara is forgiven a long and happy life on the conveyor until 2010. And all this time in the Picasso family, a larger mini-ven C4 will have to get along (more precisely, compete) with Aunt Xara, in the love of which more than 2 million people have already signed in different countries. Yes, it will not be easy for a beginner. However, in addition to the advantages in the dimensions, he was endowed with other advantages.
A huge windshield and an option in the form of transparent inserts in the roof gave reason to argue that C4 Picasso marked the appearance of a new type of improved visibility of visual spas (from French words vision and Espace space).
I don’t know if a new term will take root in the automotive language, but I can boast that in the first Visiospas I already drove behind the wheel. The impression is that the world has become brighter. The viewing angle in the vertical plane doubled against the usual one, and thanks to the huge side glasses, his lush also extended. If the inspector stops you in such a car, it will not be easy to explain to him that you have not noticed a sign or traffic light.
The huge windshield of Citroen Picasso forced to go to some adjustments in the cabin. The central guide appeared (the rear view mirrors are also attached to it) for solar visors. They now have to work in a wider space. The handrail over the right door disappeared, for which it is so convenient to stay with maneuvers.
Nevertheless, an enlarged glass is a wonderful thing. Even from the third row of seats, intended more for children than for adults, you can clearly see what happens ahead.
By the way, about the third row. You can accommodate there, of course, to two adults, only the knees will elapse into the chin. But, you see, the opportunity to take seven passengers warms the soul to the owner of C4 Picasso, and this distinguishes his car from Xara.
Behavior and vision
In C4 Picasso, comfortable chairs with pronounced side support, which you often meet in family mini-wen. You feel calmly and confidently in them: even if you do not get in moderation of an active driver, it will not wind from side to side. I note that this fully applies to the seats of the second row. I visited a passenger in a car with a 1.8 liter engine and a mechanical box, and a two -liter rolled myself. The latter is interesting with a 6-speed robotic mechanical gearbox, which gives a head of a 4-speed machine with the same motor, providing better dynamics and efficiency.
The first kilometers behind the wheel of C4 show that by behavior it gravitates to C8, the largest of the Sitroen mini-wen, rather than the lighter Xara Picasso. A tall and rather heavy car (full weight of more than 2 tons) accelerates unexpectedly briskly, vividly reacts to the movements of the steering wheel, without noticeable rolls enters the turn. The box works clearly, without delay: electronic control of mechanics is being improved.
The largest Picasso is distinguished by the little things that are pleasant to the driver. The handbrake lever replaced the button under the central display: pressed and the car was fixed. Touching, it is not necessary to reach for it again: with the beginning of movement, the electronics will unlock the pads. Useful thing is an intellectual brake. On the slope, when the pedal is released, the car is held for a couple of seconds to transfer the leg to the gas. The gas tank plug is mounted in the folding cover: just open the lid from the cabin and you can pour fuel.
The new Citroenovsky mini-ven is seen to me a very spacious, modern family car with an original appearance and friendly character. But he is a little more than that car in which it is familiar to drive alone.

Oleg Son (Oleg Son),
chief designer of the gamma Citroen C4
The segment of compact mini-wenes is developing, the time has come for seven-seater machines. They are bought by very rational people who know exactly what they need. They think more about the family, children and a little less about the pleasure of driving. They are important with a stylish car that does not limit anything, a car in which there is a place for all friends, their children, I will go.

The avant-garde appearance, the capacity and modularity of the internal space, the adjustable air suspension C4 Picasso raises the bar of requirements for modern mini-wenes.

 
 

 

 

 

Vladimir Solovyov
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"