Citroen C4 Picasso

Driving
Citroen expects a large proportion of C4 Picassos to be sold with one of the firm's HDi diesel engines. As such, we tested the 2.0-litre HDi, which is smooth and quiet on start-up, and certainly provides enough pace on the move. Power delivery is linear, too, but it's lethargic at times. This is down to the Electronic Gearbox System (EGS), which, for all Citroen's talk of convenience, can be jerky at times. The set-up is no match for a manual. More generally, the engine is happiest when it's not being rushed, and this is reflected in the relaxed driving experience. While the Citroen isn't particularly thrilling, it's safe and confident in corners. The steering is responsive as well, and delivers a decent amount of feel. Unfortunately, the brakes are extremely grabby, and while there's a dash-mounted electronic parking brake, the switch for this is a stretch. Ride quality is first rate, however - and a self-levelling system on certain models adds to the car's composure when laden.

Marketplace
One of the most stylish MPVs on the market, the five-seat C4 Picasso features a different tail design to the larger seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso model. It shares the same front end as the Grand, but every panel from the B-pillar back is different. This is highlighted by the wave-shaped waistline, which rises towards the rear. By offering such distinctive five- and seven-seat alternatives, Citroen reckons it can better cater for particular customer's specific needs, and we applaud the approach. Five-seat rivals include the Ford C-Max, SEAT Altea and Renault Scenic, though the C4 Picasso's list prices also see it treading on the toes of the seven-seat Grand Scenic, Volkswagen Touran and Vauxhall Zafira.

Owning
A huge glass area means the C4 Picasso feels light and airy, while visibility is excellent. The panoramic windscreen and ultra-thin pillars add to this ambience. Yet the cabin is not only spacious, but well laid out. There's plenty of cubby room too, including a cooled locker on the centre console. And a modern edge is typified by the trademark Citroen fixed-hub steering wheel. It's had a mixed reaction since launch, but our main gripe here is the gearshift paddles attached to the steering column, rather than the wheel itself, which takes some getting used to. But the Citroen has an edge in the rear. Not only are the back seats comfortable, the also fold flat cleverly to create an even load space. Luggage is well catered for in the 500-litre boot, though the sloping tailgate limits the maximum volume. However, a big stumbling block could be costs. The C4 Picasso isn't cheap - the brand may be trying to move upmarket, but unless its legendary deals are forthcoming, Citroen could find it's pricing itself out of the reach of its core market. A high kerbweight dents fuel economy and the servicing quotes we sourced were steep too, though 20,000-mile intervals soften the blow. Retained values are, however, competitive.