Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vs Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

These days, a great MPV needs more than just space; it has to be refined, stylish and good to drive. So while the seven-seat Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is smart and solidly built, up to now it’s been hampered by a dated 1.7-litre diesel.

• Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review

• Vauxhall Zafira Tourer review

Can an all-new 1.6-litre CDTi engine help it take the fight to the class-leading Citroen Grand C4 Picasso?

The Citroen scores with its bold looks and modern cabin, and the 2.0-litre HDi model has already beaten the Renault Grand Scenic and Kia Carens. Now we test the efficient 1.6 e-HDi for the first time.

Both high-spec MPVs cost just over £23k and promise nearly 70mpg. Which is in the box seat?

Head-to-head

Engines

Vauxhall's new 1.6-litre diesel debuted at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, and meets Euro VI emissions rules. It’s the first in a raft of powertrain upgrades from the brand, and will launch in other models soon. It has more power and torque than the Picasso’s e-HDi, at 134bhp and 320Nm, although the Citroen engine is cleaner. And on our test, it proved more frugal, averaging 35.9mpg.

Family life

Nothing tests a car’s durability more than family life. The Zafira’s cabin materials look and feel a bit tougher than the Picasso’s. But with parent-friendly features like a child view mirror, wipe-clean tray tables and electronic child lock control, the Citroen is also well suited to family use.

Gadgets

Our Citroen featured the optional self-parking system. This scans spaces and remotely operates the steering, parking the car for you. But the operation is slow – you’re better doing it yourself with the standard reversing camera.

1st place - Citroen

Excellent running costs and a practical cabin make the Citroen a class leader. With low emissions, great economy and just enough performance, the 1.6 e-HDi is the pick of the range. Exclusive trim is well equipped, while the eye-catching styling only adds to the appeal.

2nd place - Vauxhall

This new 1.6-litre diesel has given the Zafira Tourer a real boost. Comfortable and refined, it’s a quality MPV. But it doesn’t have three full-width middle row seats and isn’t as practical as the Citroen. It’s not as modern inside and out, either, so the Vauxhall just comes up short.