Citroen, via Naza Euro Motors, has taken the limelight by becoming the first manufacturer to launch the first car in Malaysia for 2016 with the launch of the C4 Picasso.
This is not the seven-seater MPV like the Grand C4 Picasso, instead this is a more compact version with just five seats, designed for a smaller/younger family.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Citroen C4 Picasso THP163 |
| Engine | 1,598cc; direct injection, turbocharged |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Max Power | 163 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 240 Nm from 1,400 rpm |
| 0 – 100km/h; Top Speed | 9.3 seconds; 210 km/h |
| Price (OTR with insurance) | RM148,888.00 (with GST) |
EXTERIOR
To begin with, the C4 Picasso is based on the French carmaker’s new EMP2 modular platform and has a smaller footprint than the Grand Picasso. This five-seater has a wheelbase of 2,785mm, an overall length of 4,428mm, is 1,826 mm wide and 1,625mm tall.
It retains most of the aesthetics from its bigger brother as well, with minimalist LED lights donning the front and back. Lower down, it rides on a set of 17-inch “Anaconda” rims.
INTERIOR
Stepping into the cabin and, suffice to say, there’s a sense of deja vu with the Grand Picasso, sans the third row seats. The C4 Picasso has a humongous panoramic roof just like its bigger sibling. Storage is aplenty thanks to its space-saving asymmetric dashboard, in which a 7-inch Touch Drive Interface is housed. The touchscreen will provide the occupants with all their infotainment needs and other driver assistive features such as park assist, reverse camera and so on.
Despite the shorter dimensions and lack of third row seats, boot space is decent at 537 litres, with a cavernous 1,851-litre space that can be gained when the rear passenger seats are moved forwards. Speaking of seats, the slate grey leather with “Ondulice” cloth is offered here as standard.
PERFORMANCE
Just like most of PSA models in Malaysia, we get the tried and tested 1.6-litre turbocharged Prince engine, producing 163 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm. It’s mated to an Aisin-made six-speed automatic gearbox, and can hit from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. This is before topping out at a top speed of 210 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.6 litres per 100 km on the European combined cycle. 
SAFETY
Just like any continental cars in Malaysia, safety kit is decent in the C4 Picasso. It receives six airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system, child Isofix mounts, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera view and Electronic Stability Programme.
WHAT ELSE
Available in five colours (Blanc Banquise, Blue Kyanos, Rouge Rubi, Gris Aluminium and Noir Onyx), the C4 Picasso is all yours for RM148,888 OTR inclusive of GST. It’s about RM31,000 cheaper than the petrol powered Grand Picasso (RM41,000 less compared to the diesel powered model).Every purchase of the C4 Picasso comes packaged with a 5-year with unlimited mileage warranty programme, including the distributor’s 24-hour roadside assistance.
IMAGE GALLERY
