2015 Citroën Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 e-THP Launched: Priced At RM179,888

Naza Euro Motors has launched the new petrol-powered 2015 Citroën Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 e-THP which now sits alongside the previously-launched diesel variant.

Buyer’s Guide:

For those interested, the petrol variant is identical in terms of spec with the diesel save for the difference in engines.

The Grand C4 Picasso has always received a generous spec sheet and with the introduction of the petrol variant, all that was found in the diesel variant can still be had here which is good news considering the price tag of RM179,888 (OTR with GST) which is cheaper than the diesel variant's asking price of RM184,926. However, it is a give and take situation especially when performance comes to mind as you’ll soon find out.

As far as other competitors are concerned, this is what the 2015 Citroën Grand C4 Picasso will go up against:

• 2015 Peugeot 5008 – RM 155,582
• 2015 Volkswagen Cross Touran – RM170,608

Performance:

As we’ve mentioned, the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso is now fitted with a 1.6-litre e-THP in-line four cylinder petrol engine that produces 163hp at 6,000 rpm and 240Nm of 1,400 rpm.

Although the petrol Citroën Grand C4 Picasso gains 13hp, it does produce 130Nm of torque less than the diesel but this isn’t a cause for concern either because it is capable of accelerating faster than the diesel with a century sprint time of 8.7 seconds compared to 10.2 seconds.

As for fuel consumption, the claimed figure on the combined cycle is 5.8 litres/100km, a little more than the diesel’s 4.6 litres/100km.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: 1.6-litre e-THP in-line four-cylinder with direct fuel injection
• Transmission: Six-speed torque converter automatic
• Power: 163hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 240Nm @ 1,400 rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 17.3 km/litre (combined)

Exterior Styling:

The unique funky styling is still here with the slim headlights at the front and minimal air inlets around the front bumper as well. At the rear, the cool rear 3D taillights are still there as are the 18-inch ‘Python’ alloy wheels.

Viewed from the top, the large panoramic sunroof with retractable blinds can be found and at the front, the fog lights

To accompany the Technospace styling, four body colour options are available: Blue Teles, Noir Onyx, Rouge Babylone, and Bance Banquise.

Interior:

Inside, the Technospace MPV is capable of seating seven and the seats themselves can be folded into different configurations that allow for additional storage space. Cuir Nappa bi-tone leather upholstery is abundant on the seats, dashboard, and various other pieces of trim.

Features that come as standard include automatic air-conditioning with third row air vents, a seven-inch Touch Drive driver interface unit, and 12-inch screen that displays infotainment and navigation systems. The driver’s seat comes with an electric massage function with adjustable lumbar support while the front passenger can also enjoy the seat massage function as well as an electric foot rest.

Luggage space remains unchanged as well with 793 litres VDA maximum when the third row is folded and the second row slid back. Access to the boot is through an electric tailgate.

Safety Features:

Safety-wise, the full package is provided as the Citroën Grand C4 Picasso comes with six airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control, four-wheel disc brakes that features anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Parents will still have access to three ISOFIX mounting points.

Additional safety systems include Hill Start Assist, Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning System and of course, the 360 Vision System surround view that gives a top-down view of the car.

Other Information:

For those who would want to get up close and personal with the new petrol-powered 2015 Citroën Grand C4 Picasso, a roadshow is currently being held at MidValley Megamall from April 16 to 19 while test-drives can be done at Citroën showrooms nationwide on April 18 and 19. A five-year or unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard with each purchase.