Citroën’s C4 Picasso recently achieved the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test and the can claim that its arty people-mover is the safest Compact MPV on the market – at least for now.Double Chevron can claim that its arty people-mover is the safest Compact MPV on the market – at least for now.content here
Citroën’s C4 Picasso recently achieved the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test and the can claim that its arty people-mover is the safest Compact MPV on the market – at least for now.
The new Picasso, which is under consideration for the South African market, also notched up a respectable three-star rating for child safety and two-star pedestrian safety rating in addition to the impressive 35 points out of 37 scored for occupant safety. The French manufacturer has increased its number of maximum NCAP scoring models to five (C4 incl. Picasso, C5, C6, C8).
CARtoday.com recently reported that Citroën was looking to move the Picasso upmarket in its latest incarnation, with the interior sporting such features as four zone air conditioning, rear air suspension, a chilled glovebox and the striking panoramic windscreen that sweeps over the front passengers heads. A parking measurement sensor and boot light that transforms into a hand held torch are also present, as is an extra row of easily-accessible floor-folding seats. By virtue of its seven-seat capacity, the Picasso keeps pace with rivals such as Opel’s Zafira and its Gallic counterpart, the Renault Scénic.
On the safety front the Picasso exhibits greater impact survivability thanks to a system of honeycombed polyimide composite body inserts designed to dissipate the energy of frontal impacts. Safety gadgetry consists of Citroën’s new Lane Departure Warning System, tyre pressure warning module and a plethora of acronymed aids such as ABS, EBD, EBA and ESP with traction control lending to the Picasso’s class-leading safety standards.
Powerplants mated with Citroën’s new electric six-speed gearbox are two turbodiesels that produce 82 kW and 102 kW respectively and a 2,0-litre petrol unit that generates 106 kW.
The decision to bring the Picasso to South Africa will only be considered after the unveiling of the car at the Paris Motor Show, according to Citroën SA. If the decision is made to import the Picasso, its seven seat configuration will probably see it being marketed alongside the current 5 seater model.