Citroen C4 Picasso, 2014

 

 

 Citroen C4 Picasso, 2014

The new Citroen C4 Picasso is first and foremost a car of astonishing design. It takes advantage of the possibilities offered by the EMP2 platform to explore new forms of stylistic expression: reduced overhang (-70 mm at the front), a lower engine block and floor (between -40 mm and -50 mm for the engine, and -20 mm for the floor), and wider tracks (+82 mm at the front and +31 mm at the rear). The dynamic effect created is both forceful and intense.

The first action of designer Fréderic Soubirou was to create the side signature, a C shape in chrome that gives the side view of the new Citroen C4 Picasso its personality, while underlining the space available to passengers at front and rear. The side view with its sculpted panels conveys an impression of smooth power.

The front end marks a renewal in Citroen styling, with a more assertive engine compartment and a new look for the chevrons, reaching out to touch the spectacular high-tech lights. Slim LED daytime-running lights extend the line of the radiator grille, sitting just on top of the slender headlamps. Fog lamps add the finishing touch to this original light signature.

The rear LED lights, inspired by the Tubik, Survolt and Revolte concept cars, feature a profound, futuristic 3D effect. A new enveloping tailgate suggesting roominess and strength adds a dynamic touch to the rear view. When opened, the tailgate provides easy and generous boot access.

A loft-style interior
The new Citroen C4 Picasso features an uncluttered loft-style interior ambience. An impression reinforced by the panoramic windscreen, a standard feature, and the large glass roof that bathe the car in natural light. As in the previous-generation vehicle, the cabin features an exceptionally large glazed area (5.30 m2).

Travelling becomes a relaxing experience, with the exclusive Lounge Pack, comprising front massage seats, a "Relax" seat enabling the front passenger to stretch out his or her legs, and a Relax headrest on all seats for optimum neck support. The Citroen C4 Picasso applies business-class travel standards for all the passengers!

The loft-style design of the new Citroen C4 Picasso is also visible in the quality of the materials and the attention to detail. This vehicle is on a par with the best for perceived quality.

The dashboard, of asymmetric design, combines several colours and materials. The driver's side is primarily black, a colour with high-tech connotations, echoing the paler shade on the passenger side (Ardoise or Champagne depending on the colours selected) with a sparkle-effect finish. Satin-finish chrome and glossy black inserts enhance the overall effect. At the same time, particular attention was given to the door panels: the crossbar features an original pattern obtained by laser engraving. Sophistication and careful thought clearly went into every detail.

The seat design features a graphic effect that gives the two front seats the appearance of a one-piece bench. The new Citroen C4 Picasso is available with light-coloured Nappa leather inspired by the world of interior design, with the emphasis on elegance and comfort.

A full digital, full touch driving interface
The new Citroen C4 Picasso ships with a full digital driving interface that is both intuitive and attractive. The uncluttered dashboard is structured around two screens located in the central section: a 7" touchpad and a 12" panoramic HD screen.

The standard 7" touchpad, with its seven touch-sensitive buttons, controls all the in-car functions: dual-zone air conditioning, navigation, audio, telephone, driving aids, connected services, etc. All within a finger's reach!

The spectacular 12" panoramic HD screen displays essential driving information and can be configured by the driver at any time to show data for either the navigation system or driving aids. Drivers can even display a personal photo as a screen backdrop using an USB key. The car becomes a real home from home.

And to stay connected at all times, the new Citroen C4 Picasso provides access to Citroen Multicity Connect, a portal of connected applications, controlled from the 7" touchpad. Specially tailored for automotive use, the portal comprises a wide range of applications to make life easier for both the driver and passengers: the nearest service station, a hotel or restaurant, a weather update or information on high-risk traffic areas.

Easy, relaxed driving
Looking beyond useful everyday functions such as hands-free access and start-up, a motorised tailgate and reversing camera, the new Citroen C4 Picasso ships with a range of innovations for easy, relaxed driving, such as:

•     360 Vision, an exclusive feature on this segment. Using the four cameras placed around the car, the driver can select a bird's eye view, a rear view alone, or a panoramic front view, useful for getting out of a garage! This system provides a complete view of the car's immediate environment, an extended field of vision that makes for easier manoeuvres.
•     Park Assis: this function helps drivers looking for a parking space. It provides automatic assistance when manoeuvring into a space, whether parking in reverse or at an angle. All the driver has to do is to manage acceleration and braking. A valuable aid in the urban jungle!

Technologies serving safety
The new Citroen C4 Picasso is packed with technologies to anticipate events and to provide assistance as part of a safe and relaxed driving experience:

•     An active cruise control function: a radar sensor in the front bumper maintains a constant distance with the vehicle in front by detecting any slowdown in speed and warning the driver. The system acts on the accelerator and engine brake to reduce or increase speed within a limit of 25 kph. When the road is clear, the car automatically returns to the set speed.
•     The active driver and passenger front seatbelts are equipped with motors that pull the belt tight automatically in the event of danger for maximum protection. At the same time, in relation with the video LDWS, the belt vibrates to warn the driver if the car crosses a line.
•     An image processing function for the miniature camera built into the interior door mirror, to manage automatic high beam operation, i.e. automatically activating and deactivating high beam lights depending on lighting and traffic conditions. This function is also used by the new-generation more predictive lane departure warning system (video LDWS).
•     The ultrasonic blind spot monitoring system: an orange light in the angle of the door mirror warns drivers if a vehicle is present in their blind spot. Relying on four sensors in the front and rear bumpers, this system is active between 12 and 140 kph. It controls the area up to the exterior door mirror at the front, extending to around 5m behind the rear bumper and 3.5m on either side.
•     Citroen eTouch, a service comprising, among other functions, a localised emergency call and assistance system (depending on the country), two free 24/7 services relying on a built-in SIM card, which ensure that the vehicle can be located promptly and assistance sent out in the event of an incident or accident.